Truth Be Told
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Truth Be Told
Truth Be Told is an American legal and crime drama series available on Apple TV+. The show centers on podcaster Poppy Parnell, who, after achieving national recognition for her reporting on a sensational murder, reopens the case years later to investigate whether she helped convict an innocent man. Each season delves into a new crime, uncovering layers of secrets and lies within affected families and the broader community. The series explores themes of justice, truth, media ethics, and the ripple effects of crime on individuals and their relationships. Given its mature subject matter, including graphic violence, strong language, sexual content, and drug use, the show is intended for adult audiences and older teenagers who can handle complex, intense narratives.
Things to Consider
Violence
The series contains frequent and graphic depictions of violence, including murders, physical assaults, and their bloody aftermath. Violence often serves as a central plot point, contributing to the show's crime drama genre.
Season 1 includes flashbacks to the murder of Chuck Buhrman, which are described as featuring 'blood and trauma and groans of the victim,' though the killer is often obscured. In a significant Season 1 plot point, Lanie kills her mother, Erin, using Fentanyl to stage a suicide, and it's also revealed that Josie killed her father, believing he was molesting Lanie.
Profanity
Profanity is frequently used throughout the series, including strong expletives. The language contributes to the gritty and realistic tone of the crime drama.
Substance Use
Substance use, including both illegal drugs and alcohol, is a prominent and often problematic element in the series. It is depicted in contexts of manipulation, addiction, and contributing to criminal acts.
Scary & Intense Content
The show is inherently intense, with a dark and suspenseful atmosphere driven by its crime drama narrative. It features disturbing imagery, psychological tension, and life-threatening situations.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
TV-MA. This recommendation is based on the series' consistent portrayal of graphic violence, including murders with visible blood and trauma; frequent use of strong, explicit language; depictions of implied sexual activity, suggestive situations, and discussions of sexual assault; and significant themes of illegal substance use, addiction, and manipulation. The show also explores mature psychological themes and intense, suspenseful scenarios.
Good to Know
The series consistently maintains a mature tone across all three seasons. While the central mystery changes each season, the presence of strong language, violence, sexual content, and drug use remains a constant factor for parental consideration. The show delves into complex ethical dilemmas and features morally ambiguous characters, which may require mature discernment from viewers.
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