Parents' Guide to

World of Jenks

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Docu offers thoughtful insight into the world of others.

TV MTV Reality TV 2010
World of Jenks Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

  • World of Jenks TV Show: Scene #1
  • World of Jenks TV Show: Scene #2
  • World of Jenks TV Show: Scene #3
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Community Reviews

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age 12+

Based on 2 parent reviews

LayneE
LayneE Adult
October 7, 2010
age 14+

Interesting "reality" show. It's actually...real!

Andrew hosts a good show. It's nice to see a different point of view. While some of the episodes have drinking and cussing (Maino mainly), Andrew discusses these wisely. Kids shouldn't watch this alone. There may be some things you'd need to discuss after, but every episode has shown a different view most of us could never imagine without the show. Also, it doesn't hurt that Andrew is pretty darn cute.

This title has:

Too much swearing
Great messages
Great role models
Plague
Plague Parent
September 17, 2010
age 10+

World of Jenks

This is a fun show to watch, and family-friendly as well.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

WORLD OF JENKS follows award-winning young filmmaker Andrew Jenks as he moves in with total strangers to learn the untold stories of their lives. In each episode, Jenks spends a week living, traveling, and interacting with a person he's never met before -- like a New York City rapper, an incarcerated juvenile, or a young homeless woman in San Francisco. He also talks to each subject's friends and family. And at the end of each week, he describes some of the insight that he's gained from the overall experience.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (1 ):

The show has a lot to offer, but the half-hour episodes don't allow enough time to fully appreciate what Jenks learns from each experience. And viewers don't really get enough time to familiarize themselves with the people Jenks shadows either. But overall, the series is an interesting -- and insightful -- look at the lives of people throughout America.

World of Jenks follows the in the storytelling footsteps of Jenks' critically acclaimed film Andrew Jenks, Room 335, which documented his time living in a senior assisted living facility at the age of 19. Like the film, the show offers viewers a unique chance to gain a better, more perceptive understanding of people's lives -- without relying on preconceived notions and/or stereotypes.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about documentaries. How is a "documentary series" different than a "reality show"? Is one inherently more trustworthy or truthful? Why? In which category would you put World of Jenks?

  • Do you think Jenks' way of learning about people's lives is effective? What are some of the challenges associated with his strategy? Is there someone you'd like to move in with to learn more about?

  • How does World of Jenks promote compassion and empathy? Why are those important character strengths?

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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