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The Apprentice

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Starring Donald Trump, Kelly Perdew, Jennifer Massey, Where to watch: NBC, DVD, Online)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 14.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Survivor for the business class.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 14 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Sends the message that it's necessary to be both competitive and cooperative to get ahead. Also teaches that money is everything. Trump can be very harsh with the contestants.
  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

    Some challenges involve slightly risque behavior (like posing in bed for a print ad).
  • Language:

    Occasional use of the word "bitch."
  • Consumerism:

    A near-constant stream of product placement.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Apprentice

Parents need to know that this show includes many product endorsements. Female contestants sometimes use "sex appeal" to boost sales or to get attention. Though there are no explicit references to sex, this show can sometimes reinforce negative stereotypes of females in the workplace. At least one season of the series revolves around "celebrity" contestants like Stephen Baldwin and Gene Simmons -- who presumably participate to promote themselves and their projects, as well as to compete.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the show's promotion of corporate capitalism. While that topic is too big for any one show to address fully, this series is a useful starting point. Does it offer an accurate portrayal of corporate culture? Are participants with higher educations and more financial stability given an unfair advantage? Do the products featured on the show make you want to buy them? Families can also discuss how "real" reality TV is. Is it fair to assume that the contestants' actions are an accurate portrayal of who they really are? How do you think editing plays a role in telling their story?

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Our Members Say

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See all 12 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it 2.0

    An Addition...

    Since THE APPRENTICE is a running TV show, I feel I must add to an original review when something else has come up I hadn't mentioned before. In the recent seasons of the show, called The "Celebrity" Apprentice, all of the contestants use filthy language and behavior. All "f"s are bleeped out, but all else in included (for example: Dennis Rodman calling a girl he's just met a "b**ch".) In one episode, the contestants make an online video for laundry detergent, and one team's video is centered on a risque joke about a couple's discreet sex. In the episode it is apparent, though bleeped out, that the people are using the word "f*ck" in its sexually-derived origin (ex: "The husband comes into the bedroom and is all f**ked up")

  2. I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 3.0

    Not TV-14 Material, but pretty close...

    THE APPRENTICE is a hit TV show. Everybody loves it. But is it warranted? I'll get right to the point. The show is somewhat amusing and entertaining, but it uses language. More than the occasional B***h that CommonSense warns about. "S", "A", and "D" are used frequently as well. The message is horrible. Money is everything, being competitive is everything, you can only get ahead by putting others down, and material objects always make your day. If you're looking for a better drama series, check out The West Wing. If you're looking for something completely different, watch Hairspray. Awesome movie.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Nebraska
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Business Show Hit uses Language and has Horrible Message.

    The Apprentice is fun. The scenes in the boardroom with Donald Trump are enticing and it's amusing to watch all of the contestants fight for their jobs. But language is heavy, more than the occasional 'bitch' that CommomSense warned about. They use the s***, a**, and d**n. The message is also horrible, teaching that money is everything, you need to compete for everything, and that backstabbing and being unkind get you ahead. Fun for adults and teens. Not for kids.

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Nebraska
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

    Donald Trump Rocks!

    I love The Apprentice! This TV Show rocks!

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Georgia
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    wonderful! could watch it all day.

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