By Emily Ashby , based on child development research. How do we rate?
Stunning TV production has exceptional role model, themes.
Parents need to know that Hairspray Live! is a star-studded TV production of the popular Broadway show Hairspray. The story is set in early 1960s Baltimore, with racial segregation the law of the land until a valiant group of teens stands up against the status quo. As such, there is a fair amount of…
Some kissing and lots of innuendo in remarks such as, "You look like you co
"Damn" a few times, plus "hell" and "ass."
Products & PurchasesThis live TV production is inspired by a Broadway play and the previous movie. A
Violence & Scariness Not present Drinking, Drugs & Smoking Not presentProminent themes of inclusion and self-confidence. Tracy's weight is a frequ
Positive Role ModelsTracy Turnblad is jubilant, eager, and undaunted in her pursuit of her dreams. S
Some kissing and lots of innuendo in remarks such as, "You look like you could use a stiff one," "I won't go all the way but I'll go pretty far," and a woman's allusions to having slept her way to securing her daughter's screen success ("I did not ride that man to shoot the back of your head," she says). Mention of playing "tonsil hockey," some physical contact (a man grabs his wife's breasts, and teen boys hold their crotches while they dance), and the implication of one teen pregnancy. Girls get swoony over cute boys.
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide. Get started Close
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide. Get started Close
This live TV production is inspired by a Broadway play and the previous movie. Ads for Oreo, Reddi-wip, and Toyota are incorporated into the content in a unique way.
Prominent themes of inclusion and self-confidence. Tracy's weight is a frequent source of jokes by the story's meanies, but she's comfortable with herself and chooses not to be offended. The story is set in an era of racial segregation, evident by high school students separated by class assignments and, in one case, a barrier that keeps them separate at a dance. Stereotyping exists to set the scene for Tracy and her friends challenging the status quo and finding common ground. Other positive messages about asserting independence and having the courage to follow your own conscience rather than other people's lead.
Tracy Turnblad is jubilant, eager, and undaunted in her pursuit of her dreams. She's also driven by her own set of values, which contradict the status quo but eventually influence others for the better. Tracy finds inspiration in unlikely people, including her quirky parents and members of the African-American community, and together they inspire positive change. Other characters are judgmental and superficial for most of the story, but this just emphasizes Tracy's wonderful qualities.
Parents need to know that Hairspray Live! is a star-studded TV production of the popular Broadway show Hairspray. The story is set in early 1960s Baltimore, with racial segregation the law of the land until a valiant group of teens stands up against the status quo. As such, there is a fair amount of stereotyping for most of the story and a wonderful message of inclusion by the end. Plus-size Tracy Turnblad also is the subject of quips from judgmental teens and adults, but it plays to her favor because of her ability to turn a blind eye to such unwarranted criticism and only see the best in herself and in her friends on both sides of the color divide. Frequent sexual innuendo likely will go over young kids' heads, but tweens and definitely teens will pick up on allusions to concepts such as sleeping your way to success (a woman mentions screwing the judges to win a pageant, for instance), teen pregnancy, and going "all the way," as well as some physical contact among teens. Also expect some language ("damn," "ass," and "hell") and incorporated advertising for sponsors. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails.
