Common Sense Media Review
By Ashley Moulton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Uplifting docuseries hits all the high notes; mild language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Choir
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
CHOIR is a documentary series that follows the Detroit Youth Choir during a performance-filled season. The singing group is riding high off of a recent appearance on the America's Got Talent TV show. This year, they've been invited to perform at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City. For director Mr. White, the focus is not on the high-profile performances. Instead, he's driven by the chance to improve the lives of the young people in his choir. All the kids and teens in the choir are Black, and many come from Detroit's underserved neighborhoods. He demands a lot from his singers, and in return he supports them through life's ups and downs. The kids come for the singing but stay for the community the choir provides.
Is It Any Good?
Choir isn't exactly breaking new ground in terms of subject matter or format, but it's a joyful watch nonetheless. The kids featured in the series are delightful and talented; it's impossible not to root for them in their singing and life pursuits. Mr. White is a commanding presence and a great example of the positive impact teachers and coaches can have on kids. It's fun to watch kids in the Detroit Youth Choir excel at performing, countering typical inner-city Detroit narratives while they do it. Choir is a great watch for the whole family, even if no one in your house can carry a tune.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the teamwork that it takes for the kids in the Detroit Youth Choir to succeed. How do they have to work together to achieve their goals?
How do the kids have to use self-control to be in the choir? How do they learn to manage their time and make hard choices so they can succeed in the choir?
Do you think you would like to be involved with something like the Detroit Youth Choir? Why, or why not?
The choir director talks about how some people don't expect much of the kids in the choir, and think that they won't be successful in life. Why do you think that is?
TV Details
- Premiere date: January 31, 2024
- Cast: Anthony White
- Network: Disney+
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: Arts and Dance , Great Boy Role Models , Great Girl Role Models , High School , Middle School , Music and Sing-Along
- Character Strengths: Self-control , Teamwork
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: March 3, 2024
Did we miss something on diversity?
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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