Total Request Live (TRL)

TV review by Jill Murphy, Common Sense Media
Total Request Live (TRL) Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 16+

The latest MTV generation screams its way through.

MTV Music Videos 1998
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Parents say

age 15+

Based on 3 reviews

Kids say

not rated for age

Based on 2 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 this is an hour-long live countdown of the 10 most popular music videos determined by phone calls and email votes from young fans. (Note: The countdown switched to online-only as of Nov. 2008.) Artists who have made it to the countdown can include those whom parents may consider controversial including 50 Cent, Britney Spears, Beyonce, Ludacris, and Eminem. Parents should watch out for images of sexuality, violence, and lyrics that may be inappropriate for their kids. Parents may want to watch the program with their kids on a few different occasions because the videos are always changing. This may help to better determine if the show is acceptable for their child to watch.

Community Reviews

Jackie C.
Jackie C. Adult
February 28, 2018
age 15+

Ridiculous

I recently went to a live taping of a revival of this show. I am 28 years old and I thought it would be interesting to see how TRL has changed. However I brought one of my friends with me and I can not believe the experience. Assuming I am correct in thinking that the main audience is 16-19 or younger, the audacity of the people who decide who gets to sit in the main audience is unreal. You walk inside and they blatently look each person up and down and decide if you are good enough to sit in the audience that will be on camera. Even if you were waiting in line first, if they did not like you're appearance to the back you went. Behind the cameras and out of site only used to make noise in the studio. They were looking for a specific appearance for the audience in front of the camera, skinny and extremely attractive according to them, every one else can go screw themselves. What a way to validate every jerk in high school that looks are everything regardless. This whole experience was extremely upsetting, how dare someone look a young girl or guy up and down and shun them to the back of the room when they were first in line! I hope this show tanks and soon
tommysportsgirl
tommysportsgirl Adult
April 9, 2008
not rated for age
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Fans vote for their favorite video by phone or Internet. The top 10 contenders are aired during TOTAL REQUEST LIVE, a one-hour live broadcast complete with a live audience of fans cheering for their favorite singers. A myriad of hosts present the videos. When videos premiere, the artist is likely to make an appearance, be interviewed briefly, and occasionally perform. Various celebrities also appear on the show in order to promote their movies or projects.

Is It Any Good?

The video combination of pop music with dancing and sometimes sexual images has become candy to tween and teen viewers of MTV. Videos have ventured into a much more explicit, sex-driven territory -- even with young female artists. Parents may feel some of the material both lyrically and visually is inappropriate for a young audience. TRL is a snapshot of the music that is available and that is influencing kids. Watch with your kids if they insist on tuning in -- you'll find plenty of opportunities to talk to them about issues like sexism, the glamorizing of violence, and why some artists feel the need to push the envelope.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about alternative types of music. Why do certain artists make the cut and other do not? Are some videos popular just because they are shocking or feature half-naked women? Does this list of ten songs accurately represent today's music? Which songs would your child vote for?

TV Details

  • Premiere date: September 14, 1998
  • Cast: Carson Daly
  • Network: MTV
  • Genre: Music Videos
  • TV rating: TV-PG
  • Last updated: February 28, 2022

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