 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The X Factor
- Fox
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
Simon Cowell's reality show looks, feels like Idol.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this talent competition is Simon Cowell's follow-up to American Idol, and the sharp-tongued judge/talent scout brings his trademark dramatic flair to this new project. Viewers who are well versed in the Idol process will find many similarities between the two shows, including the rampant advertising (Sony and Pepsi are this series' big investors), tense exchanges between judges and temperamental contestants, and infighting among the panelists themselves. The strongest of the language ("f--k" and "s--t") is bleeped but unmistakable, and Cowell's ego takes center stage on many occasions. Some contestants use the opportunity to show off their over-the-top personalities (often punctuated by cross-dressing, sexiness, and suggestive dance moves) more than their actual talent. On the up side, the show is less exclusive than Idol is, welcoming singers as young as 12 and applying no upper age limit, and allowing vocal groups as well as soloists. Once the contestant pool is whittled down to the real competitors, it's a treat to take in the genuine talent and cheer on a favorite singer or two.
What's the story?
Created by American Idol alum and talent scout Simon Cowell, THE X FACTOR is an open-audition singing competition that offers its winner a $5 million recording contract and a commercial deal with Pepsi. Thousands of hopefuls try out in select cities around the country, hoping to wow not only Cowell and his fellow panelists -- L.A. Reid, Nicole Scherzinger, and Paula Abdul -- but also the live audience members who are in attendance from the very first audition. Hosted by Steve Jones, this American version of the original British show (also Cowell's brainchild) welcomes both solo vocalists and musical groups and is open to competitors as young as 12.
Is it any good?
Let's face it: The fact that this series looks and feels so much like the granddaddy of all talent competition reality shows proves that although Cowell left Idol in the dust, he saw no need to fix what wasn't broken. The process works, even if it does play on the sensational by devoting time to its colorful (if not exactly talented) competitors, and it's laden with blatant advertising from big-name sponsors Sony and Pepsi. Of course, reality TV would be nothing without a little controversy, and, contestants aside, there's plenty of that right there at the judges' table, since Cowell and Reid square off in a showdown of egos from the get-go.
The bottom line is that The X Factor is designed solely for entertainment, and its combination of inspiring, surprising, and just plain bizarre performances will keep viewers coming back for more. Astute parents can conjure some meaningful themes like perseverance, self-confidence, and not judging a book by its cover to discuss at the show's end, but this isn't a series that's totally age appropriate for the entire family. Younger kids won't understand the verbal berating that goes on between the judges and the contestants, and the process sends the wrong message about competition, so it's best to reserve this one for time with your tweens and teens.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about this competition style. Do you think shows like this succeed in finding otherwise hidden talent? Does the elimination process seem fair? Do the judges play favorites? Do you think contestants' appearance ever affects the judges' response? Is this fair?
How does this series compare to American Idol? Do you think it's designed to compete with Idol or to complement it? Have the changes Cowell has made in creating The X Factor (fewer age restrictions, an additional judge) improved the show? What do you think are his motivations in launching this series?
Tweens: How much of a role does advertising play in this show? Does it interfere with your enjoyment of the show? Does it affect your impression of the sponsoring companies? Is advertising a necessary evil? Does it ever serve a positive purpose?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
it was fine until
well thank god we watched as a family last night when because not only was there some great talent which i wouldent have cared if my kids saw alone that or not but they also would have saw a man who can not sing worth a lick and proceds to unfasen yes unfasen his pants and pull his underwear down for all to see so this i guess is going to be more for older kids cause me and my kids loved it just took us by ssuprise and is not so mutch for the younger crowd so parents please use cauation when viewing with your younger children but if you want a better choice wait for the voice or americas got talent to return agin
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AGE
AWESOME!!!!!!!!
This is a great show, it's more interesting than American Idol BUT I wish the judges would critizize more b/c that was really what made American Idol a good show. The only things that are sexual are the song lyrics and the background dancers. I was upset to see InTENsity leave!
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AGE
Completely Scripted and a Waste of Time
This, quite frankly, is a very poor imitation of American Idol. People seem to liken this show to American Idol, but in reality, this is a completely scripted show with poor judging and a formulaic format. Every bit of this show is rehearsed...the script is completely written and I'm almost inclined to believe that the contestant is in on the script. If you're expecting a show like American Idol, don't bother viewing this.
As for the actual appropriateness, this show is not any worse than any other competitive show (mild language with censoring, some sexually provocative clothing choices and dances)
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Kid, 11 years old
November 12, 2011
AGE
BEST SHOW EVER!!!!!!!!!!
This the best TV show ever now that Piers Morgan quit Americas Got Talent. It's only flaws are that there are cuss words but most are bleeped except for h-ll, blo-dy, and crap, but I still am a loyal viewer. Oh and by the way I am team SIMON!!!!!
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AGE
crap
ok so im obsessed with The Voice but I give every other singing show a chance and some i actually like. Xfactor is not one of them. It is boring, slow-moving, talentless and the host is mean (to such an extent that it makes me mad to watch it). so yeah. go watch The Voice instead, don't waste your time on Xfactor.
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Kid, 12 years old
November 15, 2011
AGE
Better than American Idol!
This show is amazing! It is better than American Idol! During auditions you would have to be careful when younger kids watch it. But otherwise its great for younger kids!
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AGE
Awesome Show, But A Lot Like American Idol
This show is very good, but really similar to American Idol. Even though it's rated TV-14, I see no need for it to be. On one episode one guy pulled down his pants (and underwear) for the whole song pretty much, but it was blocked out by a giant red/black X Factor logo. Of course some of the contestants sware when they don't make it, but most words are bleeped and mouths are covered with the The X Factor logo. Most of the contestants (mostly the ones who make it) are good role models. One of them has been living in his car, but never gave up his dream for singing. For another one, this is her last hope-she has kids and no money. I also think that the show is a good message to follow your dreams.
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AGE
Overall Good
Way better than American Idol where they say everyone is wonderful. Nicole goes on my nerves a bit. Overall good show.
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Kid, 12 years old
March 21, 2012
AGE
Like American Idol
good show like Idol
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| TV rating: | TV-14 |
| Network: | Fox |
| Cast: | Nicole Scherzinger, Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
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