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The X Effect

(Rated TV-14, Reality TV, Where to watch: MTV, Online)
  • 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 15.
  • Is it any good?

    1.0
  • Common Sense says

    Tawdry car-wreck of a dating show isn't for kids.

Why We Rated This off for Ages 15 and Under

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The show's whole premise is to see whether exes will hook up with each other even though they're now in other relationships.
  • Violence:

    Verbal threats.
  • Sex:

    Lots of charged sexual scenarios, including suggestive dances, games, food sharing, kissing, and massaging. Some off-screen sex, and occasional blurred nudity.
  • Language:

    Frequent profanity. The worst is bleeped, but words like "bitch" and "ass" are uncensored.
  • Consumerism:

    Resort name is prominant (La Quinta).
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Champagne flows freely.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The X Effect

Parents need to know that this sexed-up dating show trivializes relationships, tempting former flames to hook up again even though they're now seeing other people. Reunited exes spend time together wearing skimpy bathing suits, playing suggestive games, giving each other sensual massages, kissing and groping, and sometimes having sex (off screen, of course). Men and women are both highly critical of their competition, sometimes making derogatory comments about their appearance, personality, or morals. Some confrontations occur, but though they're tense, they don't get violent. Expect strong emotions and plenty of cursing (although the worst is bleeped).

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about why and how shows like this get made. What's the appeal of watching two people potentially cheat on their significant others? Is it just meant to be a guilty pleasure? Is it responsible to turn the make-or-break points in other people's relationships into a TV show? Why do you think people choose to go on a show like this? Would you ever want to try out for any type of reality show? If so, which? How do you think shows like this get people to participate when they obviously don't know all the details when they're going into it?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 0.0

    Seriously....is there a point?

    I watched exactly 2 episodes of this mess, and that was enough for me ( I was really really bored at the time). Honestly, who would sign up for this?? Wouldn't you know you were being tested? This whole mess is as fake as the people in it.

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