8th & Ocean - TV-PG

MTV show is far from model behavior -- teens OK.

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Common Sense rates it
2
Seen the show?
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details
  • TV Rating: TV-PG
  • Network: MTV
  • Genre: Reality TV
  • >Available On: DVD

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this series brings the pages of glossy, superficial teen magazines to life. Teen models -- the oldest is 21 -- live together without parental supervision (males in one apartment, females in another). Living and working together creates conflict, which is highlighted by the show. Photo shoots can be skimpy on clothing and sexually infused. Typical teen issues like body image, competition, and low self-esteem are prevalent, but little depth is accorded to these topics unless they relate directly to drama among the roommates.

Families can talk about why teens are so interested in becoming models. What does it mean to be a model? Can you sympathize with any of the issues the models are facing? Are the conflicts between the sisters relatable? Is the lack of parental supervision realistic? What is a reality show like this communicating to younger teens and tweens?

Message

Social Behavior:

Catty models (including twin sisters) compete for modeling jobs; some teens struggle with accepting their beauty while others are ego-driven about their looks; the models all live together in Miami's South Beach with no adult supervision.

Consumerism:

The names of the modeling agency, magazines, and the products the models are hired for are all mentioned. Since the models are trying to make it in the business, the show serves as publicity for them. On MTV's Web site, models talk about their "style" and name specific products that they like.

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Smoking and drinking.

Violence

Sex

Kissing in the hot tub, sexually charged photo shoots.

Language

Four-letter words are bleeped.

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Jill Hipps

MTV's reality show 8TH & OCEAN follows a group of teens and young adults trying to make a name for themselves in the modeling world. Ten young men and women live together in Miami's South Beach (one apartment per gender) and work as clients of the Irene Marie Agency. Adrian, Briana, Brit, Sean, Talesha, Teddy, Tracie, Vinci, and twins Sabrina and Kelly make up the gorgeous, multi-cultural cast of the show, which was created by the producers of Laguna Beach. But unlike the stars of its predecessor, which filmed the day-to-day life of growing up in a wealthy California suburb, the cast of 8th & Ocean has a common career path: modeling. The series focuses on the basics of the models' work life and their interactions at home -- getting to work on time, being selected for a job, going dancing, or fighting with a sibling.

Is it any good?

2

Even with the show's extensive access to the behind-the-scenes world of modeling, the producers fail to delve into the industry's real struggles, or even the internal torment of being good enough. The show misses an opportunity to take an in-depth look at a skin-deep industry, choosing to skim the surface instead. In typical MTV fashion, the editing is quick, facial expressions are used to interpret plot lines, the cast is beautiful, and the sandy beach backdrop would make any teen want to take off for the big city and try their hand at becoming a star. What little drama the show has feels forced and fabricated.

Meanwhile, the network maintains the upper hand through its familiarity with its audience's guilty pleasures and weaknesses, essentially taking the glossy pages of teen magazines and turning them into a reality show. Parents might want to take a look at some of the magazines aimed at this demographic, including Teen People and Seventeen.

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Parents and kids say

All Reviews

There are 7 reviews.

5


Posted on 06/02/07 by stas Adult contributor
5

Posted on 08/18/06 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 15

its addicting to watch. no big problem at all
5

Posted on 04/05/06 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 13

I LOVED THIS SHOW!

I loved this SHOW! Ever since I have been starting to watch 8th & Ocean I have fallen in love with it! I know that there may be some parts that are too provactive for younger kids (Ages 7-11) but, it also can teach you a lesson. I learned that being skinny (anorexic) makes you look so ugly and it can hurt you but, I LOVE THIS SHOW!
3

Posted on 03/25/06 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 11

a sense of modeling

i watched this show because it was mentioned in modleing and i thought i could get some tips from it, in reality its probably on the more rebelious side and not something i will likely watch again because it does film scenes at parties and drinking and dancing models not the best stuff
5


Posted on 03/24/06 by jazbego Adult contributor

it was sexy

it is a good show yall need to watch it
5


Posted on 03/21/06 by whatsupha Kid contributor, age 15

I love this show!!!!

I like this show alot. I love the reality of the people's lives and it is super cool to watch.. It's my #1 show for now!!
1

Posted on 03/16/06 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Poor behavior...

this is hardly a good example for impressionable teens and tweens.

See all 7 reviews >

Adult Reviews

There are 3 reviews.

5


Posted on 06/02/07 by stas Adult contributor
5


Posted on 03/24/06 by jazbego Adult contributor

it was sexy

it is a good show yall need to watch it
1

Posted on 03/16/06 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Poor behavior...

this is hardly a good example for impressionable teens and tweens.

Kids Reviews

There are 4 reviews.

5

Posted on 08/18/06 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 15

its addicting to watch. no big problem at all
5

Posted on 04/05/06 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 13

I LOVED THIS SHOW!

I loved this SHOW! Ever since I have been starting to watch 8th & Ocean I have fallen in love with it! I know that there may be some parts that are too provactive for younger kids (Ages 7-11) but, it also can teach you a lesson. I learned that being skinny (anorexic) makes you look so ugly and it can hurt you but, I LOVE THIS SHOW!
3

Posted on 03/25/06 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 11

a sense of modeling

i watched this show because it was mentioned in modleing and i thought i could get some tips from it, in reality its probably on the more rebelious side and not something i will likely watch again because it does film scenes at parties and drinking and dancing models not the best stuff
5


Posted on 03/21/06 by whatsupha Kid contributor, age 15

I love this show!!!!

I like this show alot. I love the reality of the people's lives and it is super cool to watch.. It's my #1 show for now!!
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