Parents' Guide to

True Life

By Kate Pavao, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Gritty -- but provoking -- reality show.

TV MTV Reality TV 1998
True Life Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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Community Reviews

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age 14+

Based on 6 parent reviews

Heather M.
Heather M. Parent
July 9, 2019
age 15+

This title has:

Great messages
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
Mike M.
Mike M. Adult
July 27, 2014
age 12+

Mature topics, real-life drama explored in excellent MTV staple.

Do not let the fact that True Life is an MTV program deter you from watching. This is a fantastically executed series which can be described as a cross between a documentary and a reality show. True Life is one of MTV's earlier shows, and a very successful one at that, spawning hundreds of episodes. Each episode takes a rather voyeuristic look into the lives of two to three individuals, usually in their teens or twenties, as cameras capture their odd habits, life-changing choices, and monumental moments. Many of the episodes focus on serious issues today's youth face and struggle with, such as body image, coming out, various addictions, disorders, and more. There are also light-hearted episodes such as "I'm a Comic Book Junkie" or "I'm Preparing For The End Of The World" where people's often obsessive and extreme interests, beliefs, and quirks are exposed. However, mature content and situations tend to dominate the series. Topics related to sex and sexuality (prostitution, masturbation, porn, virginity, stripping, homosexuality and bisexuality, contraception, threesomes...) are prominent, and of course are discussed openly, frankly, in detail, or at the very least referenced heavily throughout certain episodes. No visible nudity or on-screen sexual situations though. Marriage and relationships form the storyline of a number of episodes. Sensitive topics such as religion are central to some episodes as well. Smoking, drinking, and partying appear in a few of the episodes. Curse words are minor. Expect "stupid," "hell," "damn," and "bitch." Words like "sh*t" and variations of "f*ck" are bleeped. Parents can safely watch this show even with the younger teens to incite thoughtful discussion. I must admit, numerous episodes do contain disturbing content (ex: one about plastic surgery), but a lot of teenagers could enjoy this show, because there is a chance they could relate to it. True Life is filled with positive messages, including those of acceptance, forgiveness, education, importance of family and friends, etc.

This title has:

Great messages
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 6 parent reviews

What's the Story?

TRUE LIFE tackles issues such as young parents dealing with custody fights, students struggling with the prescription drug Adderall, and two men who do bizarre jobs for money. Some of the episodes are meatier than others, but they are all relatively engaging, and can even be thought-provoking.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (6):
Kids say (8):

This is still voyeurism: Viewers are watching people in often desperate situations, and may have an impulse to simply shake their heads as a pregnant teen pulls a drag on a cigarette, or a sideshow freak puts a snake up his nose. But when they get over the thrill of being judgmental, they will find plenty of material in True Life that may inspire discussion -- and even activism. The episode about "baby mamas" with custody issues is a good advertisement for safe sex and abstinence; the sideshow freak who bucks stereotypes with his desire to get married and buy a house may encourage a little more tolerance for the different.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about True Life's purpose. There is certainly a voyeuristic element as we watch people in often desperate situations -- but is there something to be learned from their stories, too? Do you care more about an issue -- such as teen pregnancy, drug addiction, tolerance -- after seeing real people struggling with it?

  • How do the people on True Life inspire compassion and empathy? Why are those important character strengths?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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