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A Model Life with Petra Nemcova

(Rated TV-14, Reality TV, Starring Petra Nemcova, Where to watch: TLC)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    A kinder, gentler America's Next Top Model.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–16

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The show paints a fairly realistic picture of modeling, including both its faults and benefits. Due to Nemcova's interest in humanitarian work, there's an emphasis on charity and doing work that helps others. Issues related to weight and body image -- including frank critiques of body types and sizes -- come up. Obviously, there's a huge emphasis on looks, though Nemcova and others talk about the importance of inner beauty.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    Women sometimes appear in bras and underwear or very revealing clothing.

  • Language:

    Occasional cursing -- "bulls--t" and "damn." Stronger words, like "f--k," are bleeped.

  • Consumerism:

    Brands of show sponsors like Saab, HP, and the Grand Hyatt are prominently displayed.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some smoking in the background; potential for social drinking.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About A Model Life with Petra Nemcova

Parents need to know that this reality show focuses on young women who want to be fashion models. Though it's not a strict competition, the show illustrates the competitive nature of the modeling business, and the women sometimes seem unfriendly or critical of one another. Weight and body image issues are addressed in a realistic, if contradictory, way (no matter how many times they say inner beauty is what matters, it's obvious that looks count). Some of the models have chosen their work over attending high school or pursuing other creative or educational projects. There's some swearing, with the strongest words ("f--k") bleeped.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the emphasis on super-skinny models and the complete absence of fuller-figured women in this show and in the modeling industry in general. How different are the modeling industry's standards from those of the real world? Who decides how beauty is defined? Families can also discuss modeling as a career. Do parents and teens think modeling is a good career path? What are the pros and cons? Why does modeling seem so appealing when it's so competitive and cutting? And how do the modeling world's values trickle down to popular culture?
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  1. Adult Reviewer
    survivalofthefit ...
    Lives in Colorado
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 1.0

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