NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THIS SHOW. THIS SHOW IS A FAMILY TRADITION!!! GO ADAM!! YOU GOT A PROBLEM WITH THE SHOW WHY DON' YOU GO TELL THAT TO SIMON.
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American Idol
(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Starring Ryan Seacrest, Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi, Where to watch: Fox, DVD)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
The one that started it all; OK for tweens and up.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 10 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About American Idol
Parents need to know that this hugely popular reality competition show has spawned countless other similar series. The judges' rapport and comments are as big a part of the show as the singing. Their feedback, primarily Simon Cowell's, can be severe and hurtful ("you remind me of a wasp," "that was terrible," "that was the worst one yet"), but these comments have become the show's signature and are expected by competitors and anticipated by viewers. People of all backgrounds and body types try out for the show, if only to get a few minutes to meet the judges and/or get their 10 seconds of fame. Contestants have been mocked for cross-dressing, lack of talent, strange attire, dressing/acting sexy, and general physical appearance. The camera lingers on contestants who respond to the judges with joy or bleeped obscenities, hand gestures, and tears. Parents should also know that the show is a walking advertisement, with commercial products embedded throughout.
Read our full review by Pam Gelman
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the audition process. Are the contestants who clearly have no singing ability auditioning for real or for fame? How can critiques be helpful to those who take the competition seriously? What's the difference between constructive and destructive criticism? Other good topics of discussion include talent -- what is it, and what talents do your kids feel they have? Does this series inspire them? If so, in what way? What do kids think of the way the judges speak to the contestants? Also, how is the show making money by having consumer products obvious at every turn?
Our Members Say
See all 114 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 3 and give it
perfect for every age... 2 year olds will grow to like it.
- I rate this title on for age 7 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
- Negative role models
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Good outweights the bad....GREAT SHOW!!
This is a great show!!! my only concern is some of the language used in the auditions...although they beep most of the really bad stuff out. Also, some of the contestants aren't really the people you want to look up to. They get voted off in the beginning most of the time :) On the flip side,some of the contestants are great role models. They are humble and gracious people. Finally, the show has a great message. (anyone can become who they want to be if they work hard) I LOVE American Idol and i can't wait for the season to start!! :)
- I rate this title iffy for age 7 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
One of my favorite TV shows ever! Awesome!
Most inappropriate part for young kids are the auditions. Lots of people swear when they're angry, and it's very emotional. Other than that, one of the judges might swear once and a while and girls (even the judges) sometimes wear suggestive clothing.
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Excessive consumerism
Love It!
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Excessive consumerism
Love It!
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Ratings at a Glance
| 80% | of parents say they notice product placement |
| 60% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
| 60% | of parents say the sexual behavior isn't age appropriate |
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