 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Bachelor
- ABC, VH1
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
Reality "fairy tale" with questionable values.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this dating competition show features multiple women competing for the affections of a single man. They constantly make catty comments, backstab each other, wear revealing clothing and bathing suits, and sometimes drink too much. The Bachelor kisses many of them, and a few go on overnight "fantasy" dates with him. There is some frank sex talk and occasional profanity ("bitch,” “pissed," and stronger words are bleeped with mouths blurred).
What's the story?
Each installment of THE BACHELOR features 25 women competing to win the heart of a single man who will hopefully become her husband. Each season’s “prize”, which have included a winery heir, an actor's brother, a football player, and a real-life prince, spend time with the women going on outdoor adventures, helicopter rides, and of course, wining and dining, during individual and group dates. Each week the women who continue to impress him receive roses and are invited to continue living in a luxurious house, accompany him to exotic destinations, go on overnight fantasy dates, and even meet his parents. The woman lucky enough to be chosen at the end of the competition must then wait and see if she will become his soul mate.
Is it any good?
The reality dating competition relies on stretch limos, high-end hotels, and candle-lit dinners to create a romantic fantasy that is popular among teen viewers. But beneath the show’s shiny veneers are problematic messages about gender roles, dating, relationships, and marriage. These become even more problematic when previously featured bachelors return to try their hand at it again, despite the obvious failure of the process the first time.
The women on the show often connect their self-worth to their ability to “snag” the bachelor, and usually engage in insecure behavior in order to get his attention. Meanwhile, each bachelor, who is always polite and respectful, is more than willing to kiss and profess their affection for different women (sometimes during a single night). Teens may find it entertaining, but this kind of fantasy isn't without its problems.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the show’s messages, like the idea that a young woman is a failure if she's single and that marriage should be the ultimate goal. What do dating competition shows like this suggest about relationships? Marriage? Can you really find true love in six weeks?
Parents and teens may want to discuss the kind of messages the show’s exotic locales, steamy hot tub scenes, and overnight dates send about sex and sexual activity. How appropriate is some of the behavior being featured here?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Its just another reality show.
My mom is OBSESSED with this show. I don't know why. It's kind of stupid. It's for married women remembering their 20s. The people who run the show choose only women who are skinny and pretty. 97% of the girls are shallow, and for lack of a better word "b***hes." They only care about getting the first kiss with whoever the guy is and they hate each other. Barely any of the girls are real. They plastic and fake.
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April 9, 2008
AGE
Easy to get hooked
Can't wait for the next season
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AGE
Ok for ages 16 and up but HORRIBLE for ages 15 and below.
This is a complete set up for young kids to watch! Do not watch this show if you are younger than 16 years old!
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Kid, 12 years old
June 24, 2009
AGE
Racy, but it just depends.
I watch this show with my friends, but it can be a bit racy and can have bad language. After all, the show is about finding love.
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AGE
Definitely not for kids
Why would anyone let a child watch this? It's awful.
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AGE
it was great
the last espiode was very instering because i liked the way that travis played with monas' mind a bit at the last cermoney, and also the way that he kept sara guessing if she was the one for him or not. so yes i hope that there is another season of the batchelor.
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Kid, 10 years old
March 16, 2011
AGE
He's gotten married.
At first I was confused because in the final episode I was watching with my mom he said he had been looking for love for 36 YEARS which means he's had thirty-six seasons and has to be like 50. But he's found love now, and I'm happy for him.
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AGE
Mature Viewers Only... Too Much Sex
This show probably is one of the worst shows ever when it comes to values and what not. However it is so addicting! Once you watch the first episode you have to watch the rest, because you'll fall in love with the characters -- not to mention the drama. The last episode is the best, because you get to see two people in love (at the time) become engaged. Of course there is tons of kissing, drinking, and negative role models along the way however. And normally in the end after the show is said and done, the couple lasts for no more than about 1 month or so. But it's good while it lasts. :) Nothing too sexy is shown, just kissing. But there is upfront sex talk constantly. Not recommended for anyone under 14.
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AGE
Those who watch should get a life of thier own and pay attention to it, not this crappy show.
Sets up kids for communicative and relationship failures. It's degrading for both sexes and parents should model making good choices by NOT watching this show - even if the kids are in bed or not home - the conversation will inevitably come up and the kids will know their parents watch this horrible show and therefore by their own actions value it - sad.
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Networks: | ABC, VH1 |
| Cast: | Brad Womack, Chris Harrison |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
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