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The Apprentice UK

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Starring Margaret Mountford, Nick Hewer, Where to watch: BBC America, DVD)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Brit business competition slightly edgier than U.S. version.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–15

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Money and profits are presented as the markers of success and happiness. The contestants are extremely competitive. The contestants are referred to as “boys and girls”; both the host and the male competitors make subtle sexist references about the female contestants. Some contestants have extensive (and expensive) educations, while others are school drop-outs. Contestants are Caucasian and African-British.

  • Violence:

    The contestants are constantly engaging in catty arguments, especially in the boardroom. Some of these arguments become shouting matches.

  • Sex:

    Occasional references to using sex appeal to sell products.

  • Language:

    As is the case with many British shows, words and phrases like “wanker," “piss off," and “ass licker” and are prominently heard, while "f--k" is bleeped.

  • Consumerism:

    Sir Alan Sugar’s former company, Amstad, is prominently featured. Various British products, services, and markets are discussed.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    The contestants often strategize or relax over wine, beer, and mixed drinks.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Apprentice UK

Parents need to know that this British adaptation of The Apprentice sends the same message as the original: that money is everything. Although millionaire mentor Sir Alan Sugar is more polite in his approach than Donald Trump is, the series includes tension-filled arguments between contestants. The language is stronger than most mainstream U.S. TV programming ("ass licker," "piss off," and "wanker" are audible; "f--k" is bleeped), and there's frequent social drinking, some gender stereotyping, and prominent placement of British companies and products.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the success of The Apprentice in the United States and abroad. Why does this series resonate with viewers? Do you think people actually learn about business from watching it? Families can also discuss  how American shows are adapted for other countries. Do you think the different versions are based on a country or community’s specific culture, or are there other considerations? What U.S. TV shows are actually adaptations of shows that originally aired in other countries?
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