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Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this series features families living according to others' rules. It can be mildly upsetting to watch when parents are forced to go against some of their dearly held beliefs (albeit only for a week). Arguing is common between "spouses" and sometimes with children. Otherwise, this series is very family friendly and can be enjoyed by adults, teens, and kids old enough to be interested in the concepts it tackles.
Families can talk about what it would be like to switch households. What changes do you think someone else would want you to make? What would be the most difficult thing to change about your family? What things do you wish would change? What's the best thing about your family that you would want to introduce to others?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Sierra Filucci
The provocatively named WIFE SWAP is actually a fairly tame reality drama in which families switch wives for two weeks. During the first week, the wives live according to their new family's rules, and during the second, they introduce changes. The two families are chosen for their stark contrasts, and tension and arguments often occur when the wives' style clashes with that of their new family.
In one episode, for example, a workaholic mother whose husband takes care of the house and whose kids complain about her constant cell phone use switches households with a stay-at-home mother who home-schools, won't let her teens date, and sleeps in the same room with her husband and all seven of their kids.
When the wives first arrive at their new home, they have a chance to inspect the house before they meet the family members. During this tour they make comments about the home and the furnishings and speculate about the people who live there. After they meet their new family, they have many more chances to comment on them during interview segments.
With such extremes coming together, the part of each episode in which the wives change the house rules is always difficult. But it's fascinating to watch as the families are forced to try on new behavior. Much of it chafes, and there's plenty of minor rebellion, but ultimately the wives and their families learn that their lives aren't as perfect as they may think and that a little change can't hurt.
For example, the workaholic mom learns to find pleasure in the company of children and decides to turn off her cell phone in the evenings so she can be more present for her kids. And the overprotective mother allows her teen daughters to date under very controlled circumstances, which does wonders for their attitudes.
Overall, the show is rather simplistic and predictable, but it can still be enjoyable to watch families grow and learn from each other. Many of the familiar reality-show elements come into play -- the producers clearly accentuate the conflicts through editing choices, and the ending is always optimistic, but it's less gimmicky and confrontational than its competition, Trading Spouses, which is refreshing.
Those who enjoy Wife Swap might also enjoy Supernanny and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentDiscussion of dating practices. |
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ViolenceSome minor physical violence between or by kids -- kicking, slapping. |
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LanguageNothing major -- "stupid," "I hate you," etc. |
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Social BehaviorA variety of lifestyles appear; some families are more conservative, and others much less so. Kids' behavior may seem out of line to some -- burping loudly, teasing, etc. Not much racial or other diversity, though one episode features a lesbian couple. |
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CommercialismBrands are generally blurred out. No other obvious commercialism. |
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