True Life

True Life (1998-2017)

EndedDocumentary show

Since its first episode in 1998, True Life has provided a window into the struggles, hopes, and dreams of young people. Narrated solely by its characters, each episode documents the unusual--and often remarkable--circumstances of real individuals, whether it's about soldiers returning from Iraq, deaf teenagers, or people living with autism. We've given all of them--and hundreds of others--the opportunity to tell their own stories directly to their peers in this powerful, Emmy award winning series that uniquely reflects the experiences and cultures of this generation.

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Scheduleevery Wednesday at 22:00 (60 min)

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S22E37I'm Gambling for My FutureJuni 21, 2017
S22E36I'm Saving My HoodJuni 21, 2017
S22E35I'm Breaking Beauty NormsJuni 14, 2017
S22E34I'm Dying for the ApplauseJuni 14, 2017
S22E33I Didn't Know I'm a DadJuni 7, 2017
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Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did 'True Life' premiere?

'True Life' premiered on March 31, 1998.

What was the premise of the first episode of 'True Life'?

The first episode of 'True Life' followed three young people: a struggling comedian, a political activist, and a reality TV junkie, as they pursued their dreams and passions.

Did 'True Life' always focus on the theme of pursuing one's dreams?

No, 'True Life' covered a wide range of topics, from addiction to relationships to mental health.

How did 'True Life' differ from other reality shows of its time?

'True Life' was different from other reality shows of its time in that it focused on real people and real issues, rather than manufactured drama.

Was 'True Life' a popular show in its early years?

Yes, 'True Life' gained a cult following in its early years and continued to have a dedicated fan base throughout its run.

Did 'True Life' ever win any awards?

Yes, 'True Life' won a GLAAD Media Award in 2008 for an episode that explored the lives of transgender individuals.

Was 'True Life' criticized for anything during its run?

Yes, 'True Life' was criticized for sensationalizing certain issues and for sometimes not giving enough context or substance in its episodes.

How long were the episodes of 'True Life'?

The episodes of 'True Life' varied in length, but most were around 30 minutes long.

Did 'True Life' ever feature celebrities or public figures?

Yes, 'True Life' featured several episodes that followed the lives of celebrities, including rapper Ludacris and wrestler Maven Huffman.

Did 'True Life' ever have a reunion special or series finale?

No, 'True Life' did not have a reunion special or series finale, as it was an ongoing documentary series.

What was the most controversial episode of 'True Life'?

It's difficult to say which episode was the most controversial, as opinions vary, but episodes about drug use and sex work were often controversial.

Cast

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Characters

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