Real Simple. Real Life.

Review

Common Sense Media says

Realistic makeovers help make life fun again.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

Find out more

Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

Find out more

Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this makeover show -- which deals with real issues that many moms face, such as being overwhelmed by childcare duties and their own high standards -- isn't very likely to interest kids. The focus is on mothers, although one dad concedes his part in his family's chaos. Social drinking is considered a normal part of proceedings, and there's some very occasional mildly salty language.

  • Positive messages3
    Overall, the show's message is positive. The featured folks get help dealing with real issues and difficulties. In one episode, for example, the subject is overwhelmed not so much because of things but because of her own perfectionism, which she's encouraged to ditch.
  • Violence & scariness0
    Not applicable.
  • Sexy stuff0
    References to breasts in terms of style/fashion.
  • Language0
    One of the subjects talks about how a situation "pisses" him off, but that's about it.
  • Consumerism3
    Aside from the show itself, which is based on the magazine Real Simple, there's an Office Depot in the back of one shot. Coming back from a trip to the store, the camera focuses on the Sears bags, and the company is mentioned. Nothing too blatant, though.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking3
    There's a fair amount of talk about and engaging in social drinking of wine and other alcoholic beverages.
CloseExpand to see more details

What's the story?

REAL SIMPLE. REAL LIFE. is almost more of a life makeover show than a standard fix-the-wardrobe or redo-a-room-in-the-house kind of thing. Each of the show's subjects -- almost all of whom are moms -- are overwhelmed by the chaos in their lives, whether it's financial, clutter, or just trying to be perfect. Enter host Kit Hoover, who helps them come up with simple strategies to deal with their problems.

Is it any good?

 

The tips offered in each episode are mostly useful -- and indeed simple. But, as happens so often, simple doesn't always mean easy. For example, the solution to one subject's issue with perfectionism is to stop thinking she has to be perfect -- a simple concept that's extremely difficult to enact.

Still, the show is more fun than not. And it's very positive and upbeat, placing an emphasis on the importance of moms taking care of themselves so that they'll be better able to take care of the people in their lives.

Sign Up Message
Sign up for our weekly newsletter
Each week we send a customized newsletter to our parent and teen subscribers. Parents can customize their settings to receive recommendations and parent tips based on their kids’ ages. Teens receive a version just for them with the latest reviews and top picks for movies, video games, apps, music, books, and more.
Please enter an email address.
Please check your email address for possible typos.
Sorry, you must be 13 or older to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
Sign me up!

What families can talk about

Families can talk about how shows like this do and don't reflect real problems in the world. Kids: Do you think the makeover subjects will maintain the changes in their lives? Can days with a makeover team really lead to lasting changes? Is it fair for shows to make that kind of change look easy? Also, what benefit do you think Real Simple magazine gets from the show?

This review was written by Anne Louise Bannon

There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title below.
This review was written by Anne Louise Bannon
TV rating:TV-G
Network:TLC
Cast:Kit Hoover
Genre:Reality TV
This review was written by Anne Louise Bannon
 

Review It

Share your review with others

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
Our child development rating guidelines

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

For kids who love
Browse more TV
 

vote now

Will you see Real Simple. Real Life.?

Won't miss it
We'll try
Change it

Already seen it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 
More from Common Sense Media
Age-appropriate reviews
Top advice and articles

Been There? Tell us about it