The More You Know (1989– ) User Reviews

Good ideas

[tabaddon · 2 April 2004]

While some of the messages ("smoking kills") have a certain "duh" factor, the obvious isn't always obvious to everyone in this society. Otherwise, we wouldn't have many of the stupid and tragic accidents that we do. Gentle reminders now and then not to share your prescriptions with your kids, not to leave toddlers alone poolside, to monitor your kids' Internet activity, or to simply pay attention to your kids will certainly not be lost on many. Good on NBC for producing these cheap, tiny shorts. They certainly don't hurt anyone or cost anything, and if they keep one person from leaving their kid in a hot car, then they've done their job. (We never hear the near-miss stories, do we?)

Very Informative Messages That Are Also Very Important

[davidwhite-14926 · 10/10 · 11 October 2020]

I love these short PSAs. It shows what kids should and shouldn't do!

Awful

[flamingonut-1 · 1/10 · 30 January 2022]

Just try to watch an NBC show ON DEMAND. You get bombarded with 4-10 pf these ANNOYING psa's EVERY commercial break. And if you're really lucky, you get one 2x in Spanish. Can't hit that mute button fast enough. It's a good there's only 1 or 2 shows that I watch on demand regularly. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'd rather watch regular commercials. But I'd probably mute them too...

Powerful Television Indeed

[jlthornb51 · 10/10 · 15 June 2015]

Important messages of profound depth delivered in a way that caught viewers attention and opened their minds in an essential way. This was television at its most vital, educating, enlightening, and broadening the understanding of the public. Valuable commercial time was actually sacrificed by the network in order to bring information to the attention of viewers and none of them could be casually dismissed. Unfortunately, the list of contributors is woefully incomplete in the IMDb listing. For instance, significant work was done by Kathryn Erbe of Law and Order: Criminal Intent and there is simply no mention of that among the lengthy cast. She added gravitas and depth to the message she delivered and to overlook her is beyond belief.

The more you know

[ruthron-36157 · 1/10 · 7 July 2021]

This series of skits is so annoying, especially since it involves things already known to most people, that I'd rather see commercials.

Need to be fired

[pjamok-692-397387 · 1/10 · 18 May 2014]

Whoever thought it was a good idea to put Kris Kardashian on this public service announcement should be unemployed. It is insane that anyone would think she is a viable choice to inform the public of any issue that can offer insight or enlightenment to the general public. These are supposed to be smart, accomplished people with something to teach the general public. I had to immediately click to another station as everyone started screaming when they saw it come on. And she sound like she's reading it because we're pretty sure she doesn't actually "know" the information.

I will never be able to take any of them serious again.

Obvious one-liners everyone should already know.

[deadcujo · 29 October 2003]

NBC's series of "The More You Know" commercials, while possibly informative to very few, simply state the obvious. Thank you for the attempt at educating us, NBC, but I already know not to give my children drugs and to tell them not to get into strangers' cars. These commercials have all been weak five-second presentations which will not have any effect on parents or children, nor will their continued use give the celebrities who appear in them any recognition as being helpful or insightful in respect to the content of the commercials. I've been seeing these presentations on NBC for over a decade now, and have yet to view one that has left any impact on how I view their subjects.

Excellent Use of Commercial Time

[THE_Tetsuo · 17 November 2004]

Whoever thinks that this is "socialist propaganda" must think that America stands for illegal drug use, intolerance, hate crimes and violence.

While most of the public service announcements were on pretty obvious issues, the ones about tolerance (is that really a "left-leaning" only message?) were very effective in getting the point across.

Given that some people actually look up to TV stars (the why of this is beyond me), it's a good idea for them to issue more positive messages.

The important thing here is that the stars used and the language employed in these TV spots were age-appropriate, meaning that Jennifer Aniston or Matthew Perry would give a public service announcement for the teenage/early 20-something crowd.

All in all, this can't be a bad thing for television. Have you even seen the other garbage put on it?

Obvious but helpful

[caramy · 13 January 2004]

I would hope that most people would either know the lessons taught in these segments or be teaching them to their children. Having said this, I think "The More You Know" has been a great way to reinforce to my kids the lessons I am constantly trying to teach them. My son has seen the lessons and is always pleased that his old mom thinks the same things as famous people. It's also been a great way to bring up the topic and a great reminder to my kids.

Now more than ever

[dmellor · 20 November 2004]

Given the recent success of mis- and dis-information, these PSA seem more relevant than ever. A review of the contributors will give the reader a good indication of the broad base of support this project enjoyed. NBC has been producing these short "commercials" since 1989. THE MORE YOU KNOW public service campaign has been a widely recognized for its excellence and has been awarded Emmy and Peabody awards. The espoused goal is to educate and raise awareness about important societal issues. The campaign has also provided valuable referral and resource information through on-air public service announcements, print materials, local community outreach efforts and programming. In a time when FOX news passes for accurate information and CNN reads Whitehouse press releases without critical examination, we NEED these messages.

Example of 90s Socialist Propaganda

[ScifiBrad · 26 August 2004]

"The More You Know" was a series of so-called public service commercials during the 90s featuring rosy propaganda that glossed over difficult social issues. Good-looking television actors were the centerpiece of the commercials, in which they gave their gleaming smiles, talked softly, and acted compassionate. The ads generally had a liberal or socialist leaning and suggested that the solution to all social problems was for everyone to just befriend each other. Also, phrases such as "Knowledge is Power" were promoted without consideration for real social and economic forces. However, this series is a good example of propaganda which today would make people cringe.