Paradise Hotel 2 - TV-14

Sleazy, sexed-up reality show is NOT for kids.

TV Rating: TV-14 Network: MyNetworkTV Cast: Amanda Byram, Mark Thompson Genre: Reality TV
Available on: Download

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this voyeuristic reality series has strong sexual content. Activities range from stripping clothes off while dancing suggestively to couples getting very close under blankets. Actual nudity is blurred, but contestants are often shown in skimpy underwear and bathing suits. There's also plenty of drinking (wine, beer, mixed drinks), some fights between contestants, and some strong language ("bitch," "ass," and the like, with stronger words bleeped). It's worth noting that an even racier version airs on the Fox Reality Channel and is available for download.

Families can talk about reality television. Why do you think people would want to have their normally private moments taped for TV viewing? Do you think this kind of voyeurism is genuinely entertaining? Families can also discuss how real "reality" shows really are. Are the people who appear on these shows really acting like themselves, or are they playing to the cameras? How can you tell?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Melissa Camacho

PARADISE HOTEL 2 is a voyeuristic reality show in which a group of 11 American singles try to hook up with each other in a private luxury resort hotel in hopes of winning a cash prize. As in the original 2003 series, each person must find a partner of the opposite sex to share a room with. Cameras then capture what happens as the couples plan strategies, flirt, and/or engage in sexual activity. At each pairing ceremony, whichever contestant is left without a roommate must check out of the hotel, while a new contestant joins the fray. Whoever remains in paradise at the end wins.

While this Big Brother-like series is ostensibly a contest for money, the show is really about using sex as a way to stay in the competition and finding out who has sex with whom. The show lacks any real dialogue, and while the contestants may be physically attractive, their narcissism hardly makes them likable -- especially when they're sharing their thoughts about how good looking they are. Their constant drinking, gossiping, and other self-indulgent activities aren't appealing either. In fact, some of their behavior is downright sleazy, especially when they use sex as a way to avoid elimination.

All of that said, it's not just the endless sexual exploits and alcohol consumption that makes this show a poor viewing choice for kids. It's really how these activities are being used to gain a competitive edge that makes it a reality train wreck. While the contestants' underhanded maneuverings and strategic sexual exploits may provide some adults with a bit of guilty entertainment, there's no good reason to expose kids to it.

For reality viewing choices with more positive messages, check out True Life and Kid Nation.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Sex and sexual activity are discussed both directly and metaphorically. Men are often seen without shirts and women in skimpy bikinis or underwear. Contestants are seen getting dressed/undressed. Bare breasts and genitals are blurred; parts of buttocks are often sticking out of contestants' shorts or bikini bottoms. Suggestive dancing and stripping is visible. Discussions about sexual activity are frequent. Kissing and making out is often visible; contestants are shown supposedly engaging in sexual activity under blankets. Some contestants are seen begging roommates for sex. One contestant discusses her virginity. Some contestants make homoerotic comments.
Violence Occasional fights between contestants result in pushing and shoving.
Language Audible language includes "bitch," "screwed," and "damn." Stronger words are bleeped out. Words like "ass" and "boobs" are used to describe parts of contestants' bodies.
Message
	Social Behavior The series sends negative messages about sex, relationship building, and competition. Contestants engage in narcissistic and hedonistic behavior. Some also participate in underhanded maneuvering to stay in the competition. The competitors are a multi-ethnic bunch.
	Commercialism
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Continual consumption of beer, wine, and mixed drinks. Contestants are sometimes shown drunk. Some male contestants want to "get alcohol into" some of the women to see if they'll loosen up or engage in sexual behavior.