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Date My Ex: Jo and Slade (Bravo)

common sense media says

Real Housewife stars in dysfunctional dating show.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this reality dating show -- which follows former The Real Housewives of Orange County cast member Jo De La Rosa as she tries to find romance after breaking up with ex-fiancé Slade Smiley -- includes some sexist comments and other iffy language ("crap," "douche bag"). There's also lots of sexual innuendo (including seeing Jo in her scanty underwear) and alcohol consumption. And Slade exhibits some jealous and often controlling behavior as potential dates compete for Jo's affection.

Positive messages: While this is a dating show, it definitely plays up the dysfunctional relationship between Jo and Slade. Jo lets Slade have some control over her love life; Slade exhibits some very jealous behavior that leads to sabotage. Some contestants make sexist remarks about Jo "being auctioned" and previously "belonging" to Slade; many of them seem to look at her as an object. The contestants are from various racial/ethnic backgrounds, Slade is Caucasian, and Jo is Latina.
Violence: Some arguments between contestants. Slade threatens contestants to make sure they treat Jo well. He occasionally loses his temper and storms out of rooms.
Sex: Some strong sexual innuendo, including mild references to male genitalia (like "sausage fests"). Lots of talk about being and feeling sexy. Some kissing/making out. Jo is sometimes shown in her underwear and getting dressed.
Language: Audible language includes words like "crap," "hell," and "douche bag." Stronger words are bleeped out.
Consumerism: Jo receives gifts from designer stores like Louis Vuitton. The series is a promotional series for Jo, who has released her first single.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Drinking (wine, champagne, cocktails) is frequently visible.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Date My Ex: Jo and Slade

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how the media portrays dating and relationships. Do you think dating shows create unrealistic expectations of how people are supposed to look, act, and feel to find someone special? Families can also discuss why people risk potential public rejection (or even humiliation) to appear on dating shows. Do you think participants really believe that they can find true love? Or do they have other motives?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Reality series DATE MY EX: JO AND SLADE follows Real Housewives of Orange County cast member Jo De La Rosa as -- after relocating to Los Angeles and embarking on a music career -- she begins her search to share her new life with someone special. Each week, four hopeful men get a chance to take her out on a date in hopes of being selected to move on to the next round. After dating dozens of guys, Jo will have a chance to choose one special prospect from the group of finalists. The twist? All of the potential suitors must move in with Jo's jealous, rather possessive ex-fiancé, Slade Smiley, to convince him that they can make her happy, too.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
While the show does focus on actual dating competition, its real "draw" is the continued dysfunctional relationship between the former Real Housewives lovers. Although Slade (who's also Jo's business partner) claims to have Jo's best interests at heart, he demonstrates some jealous behavior, going as far as attempting to sabotage potential love connections. Meanwhile, Jo appears to be incapable of breaking completely away from him and spends a lot of time worrying about his ability to cope with her renewed interest in dating.

Not surprisingly, the series contains some problematic -- and sexist -- messages. While Jo says that she enjoys her new, more independent existence, these claims are offset by her willingness to allow her ex-boyfriend to exercise some control over her romantic life. It also prompts some contestants to objectify Jo as s possession that has already "belonged" to Slade (one contestant says that Slade has "peed on the tree and marked his turf," while another claims that Slade is "auctioning her off"). All of this may make for voyeuristically entertaining television for mature audiences, but it's definitely not for kids.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: NR
Network: Bravo
Cast: Jo De La Rosa, Myia Ingoldsby, Slade Smiley
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: Bravo
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

mascher
adult
 
An Intriguing Dreadful Mess
I would love to say that I hate this show. There is really nothing about it I can recommend. Okay, as an admirer of excellent dental hygiene Jo is worth watching. I don't think that this show is real. It's called a reality show but it's as staged as anything else on television. For some odd reason I will continue to watch this show. Even the reruns. Why? Hmm. I ask good questions.
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kennycat
adult
 
I lost 6 brain cells watching this
I didnt like jo on the orange county I think this will be worse.You can still tell the guy slade likes her it makes me sick anything to make money.I promise you this show will flop and do a triple flop at that.Who came up with this idea lame.I would rather watch 2 fish in a fish bowl.
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