| 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. |
Parents need to know that this reality dating show has a troubling basic premise -- that it's both reasonable and feasible for a woman to hand-pick her future husband from a pool of 25 strangers. The producers are clearly pushing the idea of a "fairy-tale ending" for their fair bachelorette (the phrase is uttered four times in the season premiere alone). But as the series progresses, the emphasis quickly shifts to sexual chemistry, competition, and jealousy. The action is tame enough for older teens but too hot for tweens and younger -- not much besides kissing is shown, but plenty more is implied. Expect some salty language and drinking as well.
Building on the success of long-running reality dating show The Bachelor, this spin-off gives a jilted bachelorette who didn't get the proposal she was looking for on The Bachelor a second chance to find true love among her own pool of 25 single men. In an elimination-style series of one-on-one "dates" and group challenges, she gradually whittles her prospective suitors down to just one lucky guy, who's presumably the man she's going to marry.
Unless you're a sucker for overwrought romance, THE BACHELORETTE is downright difficult to watch. The dramatic drive-ups in a limousine, the emotional rose ceremonies, the dramatically lit mansion with the glowing fireplaces -- it's all a bit much for a thinking person. But one thing's for sure: This show succeeds in preying upon our subconscious desire for fairy-tale endings.
While the bachelorette herself seems to have true intentions, it's unlikely that kids will learn any meaningful lessons from her search -- except that they should never, ever, sign up to become a future Bachelorette contestant.
Families can talk about the success rates of reality shows that purport to help people find "true love." What are the disadvantages to meeting your future spouse on a nationally televised dating show? Are there any advantages you can think of? Do you think the bachelorette's prospective mates are really looking for romance -- or their 15 minutes of fame? What about the bachelorette herself? Do you think her motives for being on the show are 100% genuine?
| TV rating: | TV-14 |
| Network: | ABC |
| Cast: | Chris Harrison |
| Genre: | Reality TV |