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The Bachelorette

(Rated TV-14, Reality TV, Starring Chris Harrison, Where to watch: ABC)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    2.0

  • Common Sense says

    Televised search for love has an iffy premise.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The show's premise -- that finding a husband on a reality show can produce a "fairy-tale ending" -- is both unrealistic and misleading. 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 in general, they're a stereotypically well-chiseled, attractive bunch. Apparently, average Joes need not apply.

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • 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 an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Most adult contestants drink alcohol socially, though one abstains for religious reasons.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Bachelorette

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.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • 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?
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