12 Dates of Christmas
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12 Dates of Christmas
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that 12 Dates of Christmas is a reality dating show suited for mature audiences. The narrator jokes often about sex and drinking, and contestants are drinking in almost every scene. Men are often shown with their shirts off, and women wear thong swimsuits. Sex and contestants' physical attritubtes are referred to often and there is a lot of physical affection including hand holding, kissing, and making out. There are a few instances of contestants kissing another contestant without gaining consent. Thruples are referenced. In the first season, contestants are shown lying next to each other talking or sleeping in bed, but there is no allusion to sex. In subsequent seasons, sexual activity is alluded to under the covers and behind closed doors. Contestants lie, argue, curse and cry. Words like "bitch", "s--t", and "f--ck" occur often.
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What's the Story?
12 DATES OF CHRISTMAS, narrated by Natasha Rothwell (White Lotus, Insecure), is billed as a real-life holiday rom-com in which three people, two straight and one gay, are brought to a luxurious alpine setting and given "12 dates" to find true love. Unlike other dating shows, the potential love interests are introduced at surprising times throughout the course of the show, instead of all together on the first day. The three contestants go on wintery dates with the contenders and have to continually evaluate who should stay and who should go. There are a series of ceremonies in which contenders may be sent home or receive a one-on-one date. The ultimate goal is for each of the three contestants to find one special person to bring home for Christmas.
Is It Any Good?
Though it tweaks the dating show formula, this series delivers exactly what you'd expect: manufactured relationships, manipulation, insincere conflict, and plenty of drinking and sexual content. The cast of 12 Dates of Christmas is large and diverse, and the opportunity for a variety of people to connect is a refreshing change from The Bachelor franchise model, in which dozens of contenders compete for the favor of one coveted person. The setting, nothing short of a winter wonderland, is a feast for the eyes and things are kept fresh by the lingering threat/promise of a new person to date showing up. What makes the series stand out most is the wry narration from Natasha Rothwell. By being in on the joke with her, the viewer isn't asked to fully buy-in to the silly premise that love can be found via a competition. Despite that delightful element, however, the show still can't stop itself from leaning into unconvincing drama around whether the couples will stay together long-term. Fans of shows like 90 Day Fiance and Love Is Blind will find plenty to enjoy here, but non-reality TV lovers won't be swayed.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about consent. Is there clear consent by both parties during the contestants' interactions? How can you tell?
How realistic is the premise that the couples have to chose to be together forever or to break up at the end of the 12 dates? Why can't they just keep dating?
How real is reality TV? Do you think the contestants are being coached on what to say and how to act?
TV Details
- Premiere date: November 26, 2020
- Cast: Natasha Rothwell
- Network: HBO Max
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-MA
- Last updated: February 28, 2022
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