Great show but is more marketing than substance. However, there's nothing overly offensive in it and is a great conversation starter with families and friends.
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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?
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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.
updated 01.06.09
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?
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Our Members Say
See all 95 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
Lives in New YorkI rate this title on for age 11 and give itMy concerns are:- Inappropriate language
- Excessive consumerism
Lives in FloridaI rate this title on for age 8 and give itLove it
Great Show.I like how simon acts
- Lives in IndianaI rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it
ADAM LAMBERT!
I love American Idol. I love Adam. I'll CRY when he is gone.(he won't go though!)There are alot of aewsome people on it though. It is awesome. enough said.
- I rate this title off for age 14 and give it
YOUR MIND WILL POP AFTER WATCHING THIS!!
that is all i have to say.
Lives in MassachusettsI rate this title on for age 8 and give itI like it a lot!
I like this show a lot. Season 9 is a good year because for the first time someone really grabbed me instead of being OK on my book. I really like Adam Lambert! I download most of his performances on Itunes! American Idol is a great marketing tool for Itunes. I do like how it has such a strong and positive messages. For all ages! I do have to say if I have to miss it because I am out I don't mind. But I also have to say as soon as Adam gets voted off (witch he wont because he is so good) I will stop watching it. So I do have do agree with some reviewers about how it gets tired-some! :]
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