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Decision House

(Rated TV-14, Reality TV, Starring Lynn Toler, Where to watch: MyNetworkTV)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 15.
  • Is it any good?

    1.0
  • Common Sense says

    Marital problems as entertainment? No, thanks.

updated 07.04.08

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The series focuses on people working on a wide range of problematic personal and marital issues, some of which are disturbing. The therapeutic exercises are packaged primarily to be entertaining for viewers.
  • Violence:

    Frequent yelling and arguing between spouses. Some of the therapeutic exercises encourage heated/strong exchanges to encourage communication. Some spouses have a history of domestic violence. Images of abused spouses are shown.
  • Sex:

    Regular discussion of issues like infidelity and intimacy problems.
  • Language:

    Words like "crap" and "hell" are audible; stronger language is bleeped out.
  • Consumerism:

    Some of the show's facilitators are featured on other TV shows, including Lynn Toler (Divorce Court) and psychologist Tara Fields (Intervention). Guest visitors include Dr. Phil.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Includes discussion of how drug and alcohol use has negatively impacted specific marriages.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Decision House

Parents need to know that each episode of this voyeuristic reality series -- which revolves around couples on the brink of divorce -- includes scenes of the feuding couples yelling and arguing with each other and, at times, with the counselors who are trying to help them. The show goes on to air the couples' dirty laundry, which often includes disturbing problems like infidelity, drug use, and domestic violence (images of abused spouses are shown).

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about whether reality TV can go too far. Are there lines that shouldn't be crossed? Who determines where those lines fall? What is the appeal of a reality show like this one? Families can also discuss the difficulties associated with marriage and divorce. Why are some couples able to work out their problems while others end up divorced? How can couples who get divorced best handle the situation for their families?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Maryland
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 4.0

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Anonymous
    Lives in North Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 5.0

    SOOO TRUE

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Anonymous
    Lives in Indiana
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 5.0

    I'm walking in Kiki's shoes

    I tuned in half way through the show, and OMG!, I heard another woman saying the exact words to her man, that I've been saying to mine for years. Her husband appeared to be as detached and clueless as he could be, the same as mine. Unfortunately, my spouse wouldn't watch.

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