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America's Most Smartest Model (VH1)

common sense media says

Reality game show reinforces stereotypes.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that teens might pick up a few little-known facts from this reality-style game show (such as how to spell the word "bacchanalian"). But they'll be hard-pressed to find many truly positive role models. Because contestants are judged not only on how much they know, but also on how good they look, the show emphasizes superficial beauty and generally makes fun of its intellectually challenged subjects. Plus, when they're not walking the runway, the contestants drink, smoke, and swear (though the strongest language is bleeped out).

Positive messages: The message is mixed. While some models are revealed to be nothing more than vapid beauties, others shatter that stereotype with serious smarts. But because two of the most promising contestants are male, female viewers could be left feeling slighted.
Violence: Contestants are shown shouting at each other and sometimes screaming. But actual physical violence is rare.
Sex: Viewers will see women in skimpy bikinis and men without their shirts. Sexually charged comments fly freely (including words like "penis" and "boobs"), and one particularly chesty contestant whose resume includes working for Playboy is told she looks like a porn star.
Language: "Confessional"-style contestant interviews are peppered with bleeped-out profanity (mainly "f--k" and "s--t") and mild curse words like "damn," "hell," and "bitch."
Consumerism: At stake is a "V05 Extreme Style" prize package worth $100,000.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Contestants are sometimes shown smoking and drinking alcohol to excess. In one question-and-answer segment, a model was asked to list different types of drugs; her list included marijuana and cocaine.
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More on America's Most Smartest Model

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the pitfalls of stereotyping others, especially when it comes to brains and beauty. Why do people tend to assume that models are stupid? Are female models slapped with the label more often than male models? Why? Would you rather be intelligent or attractive? Why or why not? Families could also have fun brainstorming a list of people they know who are both intelligent and good-looking.

What's the story?

What's the story?
Hosted by Ben Stein (an actor, comedian, and former speech writer for President Richard Nixon) and Mary Alice Stephenson (an expert in the realm of celebrity fashion), AMERICA'S MOST SMARTEST MODEL tests the intelligence of 14 "himbos" and "bimbos" (seven men and seven women) who claim to be the perfect blend of beauty and brains. Challenges range from a old-fashioned spelling bee to a science fair supervised by Bill Nye (the Science Guy). There are also activities designed to test how well the contestants perform in actual modeling tasks -- like walking the runway and posing for photographs. The winner is declared "America's Most Smartest Model" and wins a prize package worth $100,000.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
If America's Next Top Model and Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? had a child, it would probably look a lot like this reality/game show hybrid that pits models against each other in an elimination-style battle of wits. It's got guilty-pleasure potential for channel-surfers ... but only if there's nothing better on.

America's Most Smartest Model has some problems, including a ho-hum contestant pool that contributes to the sense that the show was somewhat slapped together. But Stein's ever-changing roster of dismissal lines is a definite highlight. A prime example? "Like the leg bones of a cetacean mammal, you are now vestigial." That's one of the best parting comments since "You are the weakest link. Good-bye."

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-14
Network: VH1
Cast: Ben Stein, Mary Alice Stephenson
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: VH1
This review was written by Kari Croop
 
 

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What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

mzkat7
adult
 
I couldn't wait to watch this show
I love Andre!!!!!!!!! Him and the Aussie should have dated for sure.. they had such chemistry.. Andre should have won..
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anettie76
adult
 
I seriously felt better about myself...
I have to say that watching this show makes me feel a lot better about the type of person I am. These models had bad attitudes, no care for others, and conceited. I'm not much for superficial people. My kids did not watch it with me, but I wouldn't have let them anyway. However, it was humorous to listen so some of there answers. :)
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i_love_cory
teen, 15 years old
 
lol
These models are so dumb! LOL
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bluecherry
teen, 16 years old
 
Hilarious!
This show is so hilarious.
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jolise
adult
 
I Loved this show/totally addicted to it. can't get enough. funny!!!
Good entertainment. The title what a twist?#@ I completly looked forwarded to watching this and the repeats! Please have more shows!
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Crazy_Dude
teen, 17 years old
 
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