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The Baby Borrowers (NBC)

common sense media says

TV experiment yields important lessons for teens.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this reality show offers important lessons for kids of all ages -- even though it's clearly targeting teens and their parents. Although the concept of having babies is inherently sexual, the content steers away from reproduction and focuses on the reality of what happens when a living, breathing baby (or toddler, or tween, etc.) comes into the picture. That said, the teen couples, none of whom are married, live together during filming, and some are shown sharing a bed (no sexual activity is shown). Some of the teens act out in ways that are nearly as immature as the kids they're caring for, but it all serves to drive home the show's messages about reality and responsibility. Expect some audible curse words (like "bitch" and "dumb-ass") and bleeped-out stronger language (like "f--k" and "s--t").

Positive messages: The teen "parents" are far from perfect -- some resort to swearing, crying, and temper tantrums out of frustration, while others indulge in generally bratty behavior -- but that serves to drive home the worthwhile overall message: that many teens who think they're ready for the pressures of adulthood and parenthood simply aren't. Viewers may well learn from their mistakes. The show has a diverse group of participants. The babies'/kids' real parents observe the action on closed-circuit television and can step in whenever they want to.
Violence: Some sharp verbal exchanges and slammed doors, but nothing physical.
Sex: Sexual references are rather clinical: Teens attend a seminar in which they're shown how a baby is born with the aid of a plastic model of a woman's pelvis, for example. Some cuddling and affectionate gestures between the couples, and some of the teens (none of whom are married) are shown sharing a bed -- but no sexual activity is shown.
Language: Frustrated teens spew words like "s--t" and "f--k" (both are bleeped) and "bitch" and "ass" (these are audible).
Consumerism: Teens are given a roomful of products for their babies. Visible logos include items from Graco and Buy Buy Baby.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on The Baby Borrowers

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about which of the teen couples they think could actually make it as parents and which couldn't hack it. Teens: Does watching this program change any of your assumptions about what it's like to be an adult? Which teen couple do you respect the most? The least? Parents: Does watching the teen parents in action remind you of your own experiences as first-time parents? Was there anything you wish you'd known before having kids that you had to learn after the fact?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In THE BABY BORROWERS, five teenage couples who think they're ready for adulthood -- and everything it entails -- are given the chance to prove themselves in an accelerated social experiment. They begin by moving into a home, receiving infants, and getting jobs; three days later, they're given toddlers. By the end of the series, they'll have cared for pre-teens, teens, and even elderly "parents" who need hands-on, in-home care. Every second of the experience is captured on camera and supervised by the borrowed children's actual parents, who can step in and instruct the struggling teens whenever they feel it's necessary.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
In a buzzing primetime market that's flooded with insipid reality fare, it's nice to find a show that actually delivers something different -- with a side order of surprisingly poignant messages. Because it's based on a British show by the same name, The Baby Borrowers isn't exactly an original concept. Even so, there's nothing else like it on American television, and it's refreshing to see reality TV used for eye-opening educational purposes rather than mindless entertainment.

Part of what makes this show a worthwhile pick for families is the fact that it involves several generations: babies, teens, senior citizens, and every age in between. But since the focus is on the experiences of the overwhelmed teens who are trying to cope with the pressures of parenthood -- and who often resort to profanity in times of distress -- it's not completely age-appropriate for tweens and younger kids. Teen viewers and their parents will get the most out of it.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: NBC
Cast: Benjamin Nichols, Chet Nichols, Marisol Nichols
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: NBC
This review was written by Kari Croop
 
 

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What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

Spongebob Fan
kid, 13 years old
7
 
Wonderful Show
I enjoyed it.
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H12pQueen
teen, 17 years old
 
BEST SHOW EVER!!!
I LOVE THIS SHOW!!!! It is awesome!!!! Totally appropriate....and teaches kids a lesson!
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funky400
teen, 14 years old
 
GREAT SHOW
It's an awesome! It great that they're trying to convince teens not to get pregnant at such a young age!
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vipergirl5
teen, 16 years old
 
amazing
this show will definitely educate teenagers who think they are ready to be parents that it is really very difficult and something that they are not yet up to. I think that by watching this, some teens will think twice about having children at such a young age and it may also cause less teenage pregnancies.
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Speedy
adult
 
What about the children?
While I did not watch this show, I did see the promotional ads for it and thought it would be interesting to watch with my 12 year old daughter. I am a public health nurse and have worked with teen and adult parents. Has anyone thought about the effect of being separated from their parents had upon the babies? Has anyone ever heard of "stranger anxiety" that infants show around the age of 9 months? How would one feel if they were separated from their familiar faces, surroundings, routines, etc and put in front of people they didn't know all in the name of "reality TV". Yes, dealing with a real child is totally different from say, a plastic doll or egg, to teach parenting to teens. But subjecting children to emotional upset, just for ratings is in my opinion, sickening.
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lovem247
teen, 18 years old
 
Great Concept :)
Although I have only seen one episode I wanted to rave about it. This show has a great concept. Its funny, teaches you about children and their behavior, and hopefully prevent teen pregnancies. Its worth your time. Its one of the best tv shows I've seen in awhile. WATCH IT :) it comes on every Wednesday on nbc at 9/8 central
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sballlvr
kid, 12 years old
 
I love it!
This show was fantastic! I had no clue what to expect, but knew it was controversial. I can't wait until next week. I hope it helps to educate teenagers.
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Laura V
adult
 
Discussion a Must
I only have seen the 1st episode. Looks like a good premise and more educational than most reality shows. I wasn't impressed with the size of the houses and amenities available to these kids. It doesn't focus enough, so far, on the struggles most real couples with families face. Maybe this will get better as the show continues. I would discuss this extensively with my kids after watching it together.
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A07solo
adult
 
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