Sets up kids for communicative and relationship failures. It's degrading for both sexes and parents should model making good choices by NOT watching this show - even if the kids are in bed or not home - the conversation will inevitably come up and the kids will know their parents watch this horrible show and therefore by their own actions value it - sad.
The Bachelor
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Reality "fairy tale" with questionable values.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 14–18
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of The Bachelor was written by Beth Pratt
Parents need to know that although this is a "reality show," it's clearly not reality. Plus, the contestants make catty comments and backstab each other, wear revealing clothing and bathing suits, and sometimes drink too much. The Bachelor kisses several of them, and a few go on overnight "fantasy" dates with him. There is some frank sex talk and occasional profanity ("bitch").
Families Can Talk About
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- Families can talk about the show's unrealistic premise. Teens will understand that this isn't how the dating world really works (most people don't go on dates with five other competitors; spend long periods of time in hot tubs, fancy hotels, and limos; or get rejected in front of millions), but they may have questions about some of the show's messages, including the idea that a young woman is a failure if she's single and that marriage is the ultimate goal for a woman. Ask your kids about the show's artificial setting and how it affects the dating process. Can you really find true love in six weeks? What do kids think about marriage? Do they think the show accurately represents how young people feel about getting married and finding a partner? Would they ever consider competing in a show like this? Why or why not?
Have you seen it? Review It!
More on The Bachelor
What’s the Story?
The "prize" in each installment of THE BACHELOR may change from season to season -- there's been a winery heir, an actor's brother, a football player, and an honest-to-goodness prince, among others -- but the basic structure remains the same: Twenty-five marriage-minded women compete to "win" a husband. (A couple of installments have flipped the premise, having men compete to win a wife.)
Is It Any Good?
Although many parents find the show's premise cringe-worthy, The Bachelor remains especially popular with teens. After all, the fantasy of living in a huge mansion and going on expensive, romantic dates sure beats sweating over whether your crush is going to ask you to Homecoming. But just because the show is a fun escape from reality doesn't mean its messages about gender roles, dating, and marriage are equally innocuous.
While some of the women seem to be looking for a soul mate, many have less-compelling reasons for being on the show, ranging from "Many of my friends are engaged, and I'm starting to want that myself" to "I was born in Tennessee; Southern women get married early." You might want to have a chat with your teen about what marriage means to you.
Our Members Say
See all 7 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title off for age 15 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Excessive consumerism
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- Negative role models
Those who watch should get a life of thier own and pay attention to it, not this crappy show.
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I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Excessive consumerism
- Negative role models
Racy, but it just depends.
I watch this show with my friends, but it can be a bit racy and can have bad language. After all, the show is about finding love.
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I rate this title off for age 0 and give it
Not really a good show for anyone.
This show is just plain awful, for kids and for adults. It is called reality tv, but there is no reality involved. Only supermodel types are chosen and the bachelor has a scant few weeks of interaction to decide who to be with, so his decision is based basically on who is the most beautiful and who annoys him the least. The social message from this show is ridiculous. Waste of time.
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I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
Definitely not for kids
Why would anyone let a child watch this? It's awful.
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I rate this title off for age 0 and give it
Poor
This is pointless reality tv.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents don't think the messages are positive |
| 100% | of parents don't feel there are good role models |
| 100% | of parents say there's too much drinking, drugs, or smoking |
| 100% | of parents say they notice product placement |
| 100% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
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For Your Family
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