Yes, they are rich, but that doesn't mean that they aren't good people.
The Real Housewives of Orange County
(Rated TV-14, Reality TV, Where to watch: Bravo, Online)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Part trash, part social study. Iffy for teens.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 14–18
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of The Real Housewives of Orange County was written by Sierra Filucci
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.
Families Can Talk About
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- 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?
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More on The Real Housewives of Orange County
What’s the Story?
Capitalizing on the nation's fascination with reality shows and California decadence -- as portrayed on The O.C. and Desperate Housewives -- Bravo has created THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ORANGE COUNTY, a captivating reality series about the lives of five women who live with their families in an exclusive gated community in Southern California. The five women aren't all housewives in the strictest sense of the word (some work outside the home), but they do rule their homes and manage the lives of their children, all while surrounded by stratospheric wealth. Cameras follow the women and their family members throughout most of their daily life, with occasional one-on-one interviews interspersed with the day-to-day action.
Is It Any Good?
The Real Housewives of Orange County is a mix of voyeuristic trash and compelling sociological study. Watching these women live lifestyles that many would envy, viewers see both the superficiality of their experience and their shared humanity. Watching the show could be a sobering experience for teens who think that money really could buy happiness.
Kim is the proto-typical soccer mom with an executive husband who works for a Fortune 200 company. She shuttles her two kids to their various activities while wearing designer clothes that show off her hard-earned slender figure and her generous bust (thanks, breast implants!). Jeana is a successful real estate agent with three children. She's married to a former major league baseball player, and her two sons are expected to follow in their father's footsteps. Jo is the youngest of the group at 24. She's engaged to a wealthy executive who tries to control her youthful proclivities and corral her into playing stepmom to his children. The other two women, Vicki and Lauri, are equally compelling and repulsive.
Our Members Say
See all 10 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Good for most ages
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I rate this title off for age 14 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- 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!!
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I rate this title on for age 17 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- 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!!
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I rate this title pause for age 11 and give it
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!!!! :)
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I rate this title pause for age 14 and give it
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.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents don't feel there are good role models |
| 100% | of parents don't think the messages are positive |
| 100% | of parents say there's too much drinking, drugs, or smoking |
| 50% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
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