I wasn't surprised to see Dr. Phil's name in the biographies of the people running Marriage Boot Camp. This is nothing more than a watered down EST or Landmark Forum for troubled married couples. Non-professionals (therefore no accountability nor skill) are exploiting these vulnerable people. I would like to see TLC, one of my favorite channels, drop this from their listings.
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Marriage Camp
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 15. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Voyeuristic show means well but isn't for kids.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 15–18
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Marriage Camp
Parents need to know that this reality series -- which follows couples in crisis as they attend a nontraditional marriage-counseling boot camp -- focuses on healing and problem solving and isn't intended to be exploitative. But watching the couples as they discuss (and argue over) everything from infidelity and domestic violence to porn addiction and substance abuse definitely has some voyeuristic qualities.
Read our full review by Melissa Camacho
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about televised therapy. Do televised interventions and counseling sessions really help people? Do these kinds of things ever cross the line and become more about being entertaining than helpful? If so, who determines where those lines fall? What's the appeal of a reality show like this one? Families can also discuss the challenges of long-term relationships. Why is communication such an important part of any relationship? Do the show's exercises help people communicate? How? What are the benefits of seeking nontraditional medical/theraputic help? The risks?
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
Non-Professionals exploit vulnerable people
- I rate this title on for age 17 and give it
Marriage Camp has my heart
I love the non-traditional approach to counseling in this show. I worry that the directors are not qualified, but it appears that the couples find the solutions they want. I found myself wrapped up in their issues and more involved than a normal reality show. I'm not sure it would be good for kids to watch.
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
Shady people taking advantage of vulnerable people
Reading the biographies of the program facilitators, it was not surprising to see Dr. Phil's name come up - and Thelma Box's. What disturbs me is the self-disclosure of painful experiences on the part of boot camp participants. This is straight out of the old EST and Landmark Education large group awareness training programs. Dr. Phil copied his own program after these back in the 80s. Forced emotional breakdowns do not mean there will be a transformation. Much of the "emotion" felt during these public self-disclosures have little to do with healing and a lot to do with manipulation. I'm disappointed that TLC fell for this.
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
Of Course I Loved It
As one of the director's of the Marriage Boot Camp, I can say that the content of the Marriage Camp is not for children. Emmett Beam conducts a related program called, Teen Boot Camp, and he deletes the games and drill related to life and death decisions. Children are not ready for this and should not be exposed to some of the circumstances.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
Finally Real Reality
Finally a reality show that follows real people going through a real situation. The show is the Boot Camp and not a made for TV series. I found myself tearing up and laughing during the show. But I also learned some cool things to apply towards my marriage.
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