To Tell the Truth

TV review by Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media
To Tell the Truth Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 12+

Classic game show revival has laughs, sexual innuendo.

ABC Game Shows 2016
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Parents say

age 15+

Based on 3 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that To Tell the Truth is a quiz and variety show that features lots of silly sexual innuendo, as well as occasional dangerous stunts, suggestive dances, and other wild performances by contestants. Lying successfully is a major part of the game, but it's offered as lighthearted fun and not designed to be taken seriously. Words such as "ass" and "hell" are audible, but stronger language is bleeped (mouths covered). Occasional subtle references are made to drinking.

Community Reviews

Wildfire1215
Wildfire1215 Adult
September 13, 2019
age 17+

Not for young viewers

It really depends on what you allow. I would allow it for my kids, but as a babysitter I am not sure other parents would appreciate the sexual innuendos and language. Sherri Shepherd is very crass and appears on the show often.

This title has:

Too much sex
Too much swearing
Julianne C.
Julianne C. Adult
January 31, 2017
age 16+

Fun, has potential, but usual inappropriate comments

Fun, fast paced, like the host and his mother. Watched S2, E3. Disappointing though. There was a reference to "69", Nikki Glaser asked the question of a contestant "What Mila Kunis movie do you like to masturbate to?" She didnt say masturbate though, and it was bleeped, but we knew exactly what she said. The contestant actually responded by saying "My family is watching this show". Her response was "your family deserves to know". Nikki also made a comment about lamb skin and asked a contestant if it felt real. You said there was "sexual innuenndo". No, these are overt sexual comments. Does this seem appropriate for a 12 year old? Again, its not as if a 12 year old doesnt understand this, but when we are trying to relax and be entertained do we need to have these topics thrown at us, often surprising us, forcing a teachable moment in the middle of what is family time. Let me decide when I bring these topics up to my child.

This title has:

Too much sex
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

TO TELL THE TRUTH, a modern-day version of the 1950s game show, features contestants attempting to convince a panel of celebrities that they're a specific person. Hosted by Anthony Anderson, each round consists of three contestants claiming to be a certain person with a specific story or talent, despite the fact that two of them are actually imposters. The panel is questioned by four celebs, including Betty White, NeNe Leakes, Jale Rose, and a special guest star. After a round of questions, each celeb must vote on the person who is telling the truth about him or herself. Every wrong vote they cast translates into some cash for the panelists. If the panel fools all the celebs, they get a bigger cash prize. Keeping score is Anthony Anderson's mom. The celebrity who does the worst job must tweet a lie created by Anderson about him or herself and, as punishment, cannot deny it for 24 hours.

Is It Any Good?

This entertainingly upbeat quiz show revival mixes questions and humor to keep people wondering about who is the real person in each bunch. But the real fun comes from the celebs, who use the opportunity to capitalize on one-liners and innuendo-filled zingers during each Q&A.

Fans of classic TV games will probably like this newest version, which mostly sticks to the old format (and even an original guest, the still razor-sharp Betty White). Meanwhile, the variety show-style performances of the "real" contestants, who show off the talents they're known for, also add to each installment. It's not the most cerebral of shows, but it promises lots of laughs throughout.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about classic game shows. What made them popular when they originally aired? Could you air the same shows today and expect them to be equally as popular with viewers? What kinds of things have to be done to adapt a classic show for today's audiences?

  • Families can also talk about the place lying has on this show. When is it OK to tell a lie? Is being good at lying a positive skill?

TV Details

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