Tools for this page
Print

The Surreal Life

(Rated NR, Reality TV, Where to watch: VH1)

  • 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 16, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 16.

  • Is it any good?

    2.0

  • Common Sense says

    C-list celebs play house in mature reality show.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 16–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Cast members have an objective to work together and complete various projects, but producers focus on creating conflict.

  • Violence:

    Some verbal arguments and mild confrontations (one housemate threw a table umbrella at another, etc.).

  • Sex:

    Housemates have included a transgender male and a Playboy TV star (who stripped and jumped in the pool). Some suggestive behavior (whipped cream licked from boxers, etc.) and innuendo.

  • Language:

    Most four-letter words are bleeped out, but "crap," "damn," "hell," and "bitch" are frequent.

  • Consumerism:

    Cross-promotion for the resident musicians' latest projects; C-list celebs have a chance to be in the spotlight again and are quick to promote themselves.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Drinking, smoking. Some housemates are recovering addicts and openly discuss their struggles.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Surreal Life

Parents need to know that this reality series relies on stereotypes, alcohol, and emotional breakdowns for entertainment. C-list celebrities are put in a house to live together, where they rehash the emotional baggage from their past careers. Throughout the series, housemates' issues have included recovering from drug/alcohol addiction, dealing with gender identity, and coping with sexual assault (rape and molestation) at a young age. The entire cast has usually been deprived of the spotlight for some time and is desperate for public affection and attention.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the toll that celebrity status can take on a person. What do stars do when their time in the spotlight is over? Can you understand why they would agree to go on a show like this? What lessons do the housemates learn? Do viewers gain anything from watching personality clashes and emotional breakdowns on television?
Tools and tips that can help

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 Surreal Life?

  •  I think this show is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    tluap2
    Lives in Rhode Island
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Good Show

    Sex plays a big part in this installment with a transgendered house mate. Alot of arguing and fighting either makes the show better or worse to watch.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Age 6+
    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Age-apropriate 3-D food adventure doesn't fully satisfy.

  • Tech Tip

    How to help them think more ... and want less.Making the Sale

    How to help them think more ... and want less.

  • Must See TV

    Age 7+
    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Zany adventures are low on depth but high on imagination.

  • Member Buzz

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Sending Mom a TXT

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

  • Download This

    Age 3+
    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Acccchhhoooo!" A funny reminder to help kids fight the flu.

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
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
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

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
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
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
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
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.