The Bachelor - TV-PG
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: ABC, VH1 Cast: Chris Harrison
Genre: Reality TV
Available on: 
DVD
Common Sense Note
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 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?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Common Sense Media
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, but ... six of one, half-dozen of another.)
The competitors all live together under one roof while they're vying for the catch of the day, gossiping about and backstabbing each other. Almost every scene includes a bikini and a cocktail, and the rejected women (those who don't get a coveted flower in each episode's overly dramatic Rose Ceremony) tend to sob uncontrollably as they're escorted out, particularly as the dates get more intense and elaborate and they feel that they're really "making a connection" with the guy.
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.
Better reality fare for teens includes 30 Days and True Life.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentLots of skimpy outfits and bathing suits; many close-up shots of passionate kissing. In some episodes, the bachelor goes on overnight dates with individual women. Frank sex talk. |
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Violence |
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LanguageSome bleeped words, name calling. Words like "bitch" and "sucks" are common. |
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Social BehaviorMany of the young women are portrayed as catty, desperate, and insecure; most seem to have no goals other than to snag a husband. Few contestants of color, and all are very slim and attractive. |
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CommercialismLots (typical for reality TV competitions) -- the camera zooms in on sponsors' products frequently, and there are always mentions of specific hotel chains, such as the W. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoDrinks on dates; the women drink at the house. |
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