Common Sense Note
Parents should know that this is a dating show in which one contestant selects a date after rifling through three other contestants' personal effects. Teens get embarrassed, and contestants aren't always respectful. A spy kit is given to the contestants so that they can prod and examine the items in the room more thoroughly. Sometimes the things revealed are rather graphic, which makes this show a poor fit for younger viewers.
Families can talk about privacy and intimacy issues. How would it feel to let a stranger into your home to go through your things -- including underwear drawers and diaries? When you invite someone into your bedroom before you go on a date, why is that too close, too fast? What would you do if a potential date ridiculed your environment?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Joly Herman
ROOM RAIDERS is a dating show in which one contestant selects a date after rifling through three other contestants' personal effects. Here's how it works: The three contestants are kidnapped by the Room Raider crew and taken to a van, where they watch live video feed of a contestant of the opposite sex going through their rooms. Inevitably, very personal items are discovered and discussed as the three in the van watch in horror.
In the end, the three are allowed a moment of revenge when they raid the room of their courtier. Finally, the snooper eliminates two of the snoopees based on what he or she thought about their rooms, and the remaining pair goes on a date.
So many unsettling, subtle messages are present in this MTV reality show. For one thing, the show's very concept is a competitive take on the panty raid, which implies a certain suggestive quality. And whoever has the nicest stuff might win the date for that reason.
Furthermore, the contestants vary in age, which can make some of the discoveries and innuendoes seem age inappropriate. Many of the contestants live with their families, so the innocent dating ritual of saying "hello" to Mom and Dad gets upended as the potential date proceeds straight into the bedroom to look in and under the bed and in the drawers.
Plus, snoopers get a spy kit so that they can prod and examine the items in the room more thoroughly. Sometimes the things revealed are rather graphic, which makes this show a poor choice for younger viewers. Though some contestants are more open-minded and gallant, others can say hurtful or embarrassing things. It's hard not to wonder what mystery will exist between the final couple when the most personal place -- the bedroom -- has already been invaded. Whatever happened to getting to know someone?
If teens want a taste of someone else's life, try 30 Days or True Life instead.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentExtremely suggestive statements and images. Some contestants seem too young to be on the prowl. |
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LanguageVaries. Bleeped-out words and suggestive statements. |
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Social BehaviorMay encourage snooping. Plus, can love be found by rifling through someone's stuff? |
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CommercialismDoes a cool room filled with cool stuff mean a cool person? |
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