Tools for this page
Print

The Real Housewives of Orange County

(Rated TV-14, Reality TV, Where to watch: Bravo, Online)
  • 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 14, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 14.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Part trash, part social study. Iffy for teens.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Wealth, physical beauty, prestige, power, and ego are of primary importance to the people on the show -- materialism and emphasis on looking perfect run rampant (including implants, Botox shots, etc.). But families and hard work are also themes (even though they often get lost in the shuffle). The cast and peripheral characters are almost exclusively white.
  • Violence:

    Rabbit hunting with guns, but no blood.
  • Sex:

    Provocative clothing, women in underwear and tiny bathing suits, sexy dancing, talk of "getting some."
  • Language:

    Some minor cursing, like "hell" and "damn." Stronger language is rare and bleeped.
  • Consumerism:

    Luxury brands are everywhere -- Mercedes, BMW, Louis Vuitton, etc.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Lots of drinking. Jo is clearly alcohol dependent. On a Mexican vacation, parents do shots with their teens. One child discusses his use of drugs in a remorseful way -- he eventually goes to juvenile hall.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Real Housewives of Orange County

Parents need to know that this reality series follows the lives of insanely rich people who place immense value on physical beauty and material possessions. While the show focuses on a group of adult women who have breast implants, get Botox shots, and pose for Playboy, we also see teens who spend thousands of dollars on school shopping, get new luxury vehicles at the drop of a hat, and shoot rabbits for fun. But beneath the superficial lives are real people who struggle with childrearing, self-esteem, and finding purpose.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about a variety of different issues. What's appealing about the lifestyles portrayed in the series? What's missing from these people's lives? What kinds of experiences and challenges do the rich share with the rest of us? What would be the hardest part about living like these people? The easiest? If you could pick one thing in their lives to have in your own, what would it be? Sometimes cast members discuss their lives before they came to Orange County -- what do their stories reveal about them and how their newfound culture has changed them?

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about The Real Housewives of Orange County?
  •  I think this show is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 10 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    Good for most ages

    Yes, they are rich, but that doesn't mean that they aren't good people.

  2. I rate this title off for age 14 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    Ur kids are what they watch

    If you want your kids to act like theyre 13 for the rest of their lives and think that being "super rich, and fake" is the greatest thing in the world, this is the show to watch!! Because we dont have enough plastic surgery freaks, or narcissistic bimbos walking aroung. So please let your kids watch and maybe someday (cross your fingers) they'll turn out just like them! yayyy!!

  3. I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    TV teaches your ki

    If you want your kids to act like theyre 13 for the rest of their lives and think that being "super rich, and fake" is the greatest thing in the world, this is the show to watch!! Because we dont have enough plastic surgery freaks, or narcissistic bimbos walking aroung. So please let your kids watch and maybe someday (cross your fingers) they'll turn out just like them! yayyy!!

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 4.0

    I love this show

    the show is really good. It makes me want to be succesful and make money. Though I do not agree with the way they drown there kids with money other than theat i love this show!!!! :)

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it 3.0

    A Hot OC Mess!

    I am embarrassed that I got hooked on this season. It is like a plastic surgery filled train wreck that I can't stop watching. My 16 year old niece loves it, but recognizes and discusses how shallow the lives are of these women.

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • New in Theaters

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Offbeat family adventure may charm adults more than kids.

  • Advice for Parents

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Discussion pointers for parents of "twilighters."

  • Must See TV

    Glee

    Glee

    Edgy-but-quirky comedy's music, message will win teens over.

  • Member Buzz

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Is it easier for parents to communicate with their kids via text?

  • Game of the Week

    LEGO Rock Band

    LEGO Rock Band

    Simplified, no-fail Rock Band with a whimsical story.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name