Tools for this page
Print

Trading Spouses

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Where to watch: Fox, CMT)
  • 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 10, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 12.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Cringingly funny reality show for tweens and up.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 12–14

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    While the end message is that families can learn from those who live their lives differently, many judgments are passed along the way, some of which may not be easily filtered by kids.
  • Violence:

    No gunfights or outright brawls, but plenty of yelling and slammed doors.
  • Sex:

    Nothing explicit, but participants refer to it off-handedly.
  • Language:

    Runs the gamut from gentle to explosive, depending on how angry families become.
  • Consumerism:

    Depends on the families; the shopping-crazy ones reel off brand names, while others hardly pay attention to labels. And of course, the swap happens so families can get $50,000 in the end.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some family members drink or smoke.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Trading Spouses

Parents need to know that the show's laughs -- and there are plenty -- come at the expense of the moms who trade places, sometimes uncomfortably. A deeply religious woman seriously looks like she's gone nuts; a crunchy mom's job as a hypnotherapist is mined for humor. Though the participants may deserve the lobs thrown at them, the cringe factor often supersedes the entertainment value.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about first impressions and how they form when the participants meet for the first time. Are they often right? Or do they make it more difficult to get to know people? And what happens when the families realize that their "new mom" is much different from their real mom? Ultimately, what's the payoff -- aside from the money -- for the moms who agree to the swap and the families who let virtual strangers into their homes?

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Trading Spouses?
  •  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
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 1.0

    I have a serious family issue I'd like to share.

    I haven't done this before.. But if there is a website or a mailing address/email address I can tell my story.. please let me know.

  2. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Iowa
    I rate this title iffy for age 15 and give it 1.0

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in Colorado
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 3.0

    It's aggravating, but hilarious

    It's an excellent show, but get I often get annoyed with the families. It's good for a few laughs and makes you appreciate your parents, kids, whatever. They bleep out the swearing and blur the mouths so it's not a huge issue.

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Tennessee
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 3.0

    a good tv show

    a good tv show that every kid should get the prvilige of watchin

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Fame (2009)

    Fame (2009)

    Teen musical remake has edgy content for a PG movie.

  • 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

    Glee

    Glee

    Edgy-but-quirky comedy's music, message will win teens over.

  • Pick of the Week

    Spook-tacular Books

    Spook-tacular Books

    Fun Halloween picture books for young kids.

  • Game of the Week

    NHL 10

    NHL 10

    Excellent, authentic pro hockey sim includes brawls.

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
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

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