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The Bachelorette (ABC)

common sense media says

Televised search for love has an iffy premise.

parents & educators say
See all 4 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

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.

Positive messages: Offers an unrealistic and misleading message that suggests that finding a husband on a reality show can produce a "fairy-tale ending."
Positive role models: The single men in the bachelorette's dating pool are relatively diverse in terms of what they do for a living and where they live, but reflect some sexist ideas about what it means to be attractive husband material.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: There are shirtless guys a-plenty and sexual tension to spare. Some on-camera kissing takes place -- with the implication of hot and heavy action behind the scenes -- as the series progresses. The men living in the mansion's guest house also have to shower in an outdoor "stall" with no walls ... but their private parts stay covered with the aid of a black censor bar.
Language: Pretty clean; "bastard" is audible, but terms like "a--hole" and worse are bleeped.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Most adult contestants drink alcohol socially, though one abstains for religious reasons.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on The Bachelorette

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

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?

What's the story?

What's the story?

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.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

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.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-14
Network: ABC
Cast: Chris Harrison
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: ABC
This review was written by Kari Croop
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Saffireruby
parent of 14 year old
13
 
Good Show
The people in it are overall pretty good. They did have one guy on it who was not interested in the girl. The girl is amazing she has the best intentions on finding a guy who is her fairy tail prince. The guys that she keeps on the show are very respectful toward her and have good manners with the one exception.
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Patty101
parent of 13 year old
11
 
AMAZING
I LOVE THIS SHOW AND SO DOES MY DAUGHTER! WE HAVE BEEN WATCHING IT FOREVER!
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omg18
teen, 15 years old
12
 
the show ok but its just plain boring
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Sosie98
teen, 14 years old
7
 
Really great show. The season with Ali was the best so far. Love it and I'd think anyone who knows that life doesn't go like it does on tv should be fine with it. So I'd say 7 and up.
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