Parents' Guide to

Truth Be Told

By Kari Croop, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Dated couples comedy serves up racism, sexual subplots.

TV NBC Comedy 2015
Truth Be Told Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 18+

Based on 1 parent review

courtneyp1
courtneyp1 Adult
January 4, 2016
age 18+

Watch all the episodes first. This is not for kids.

I've watched all 10 episodes and even got others to watch it. The comedy is there...if you understand and can relate. There's always sexual innuendos in nearly EVERYthing on television. I heard a joke or two but, that was one episode I keep hearing repeated (news flash: married couples watch porn too). They talk about true friendship not defined by color, sharing religion but not shoving it down others throats, race (of course) and many hidden topics for those who are well aware of the world around them. Race needs to be a discussion and not with a face of disgust. Embrace the show and laugh a little...you've seen worse. They are young, fun and REALISTIC couples. A gay couple moved in across the street on an episode and the two neighbors embraced them like an old college pal. I think this is EXACTLY what the people need. They drink but not too much; no one is passing out drunk or with a glass of wine in every scene. Also, profanity was not an issue, maybe a few words but not noticeable. There were talks about sexual things through sexual innuendos but it wasn't the star of the show and if you think it is, you weren't paying attention and missed the message.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

Mitch (Mark Paul Gosselaar) and Russell (Tone Bell) are best friends who just happen to live right next door to each other, giving their wives Tracy (Vanessa Lachey) and Angie (Bresha Webb) plenty of time to bond. So what happens when this foursome gets together for dinner or a rare night out? TRUTH BE TOLD, anything goes.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

TRUTH BE TOLD isn't funny, but that's only a part of the problem. Its worst sin is that it's so desperately dated, thanks to stereotype-driven jokes about race that feel at least 20 years old. From wondering aloud whether an orthodox Jewish family's name is Goldstein or Goldman or Goldfein to assuming that the Asian employee at a Chinese restaurant is using a fake accent to add authenticity to the food, the show tries to make light of racism but only succeeds at heavy-handed comedy.

What's odd is that the show claims to be based on the real-life experiences of its creator DJ Nash, which implies it's at least loosely rooted in reality. But the things these characters say feel so fictional and far removed from the way we talk about race in 2015 that it's hard to believe there's much truth to it.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Truth Be Told handles the hot-button topic of racism. Are there "right" and "wrong" ways to make light of such a serious subject given today's rocky racial climate? Where's the line between funny and offensive, and who gets to decide?

  • What would Truth Be Told look like as a single-camera show that wasn't shot as a traditional sitcom (think Modern Family)? How does it compare to other comedies that regularly tackle the topic of race, such as Fresh Off the Boat and Blackish?

TV Details

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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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