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The Surreal Life

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

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    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?
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Our Members Say

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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

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