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How to Get the Guy (ABC)

common sense media says

Reality TV by way of a self-help book; teens OK.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this dating reality show is all about helping four women find a mate. It explores relationship issues that, while not objectionable for teen audiences, might be a bit over their head.

Positive messages: Potentially questionable message about women needing to land a man, but the insights the coaches offer are positive and can be useful in many situations, not just dating. Each woman fits a specific, somewhat stereotypical personality type.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Some kissing, since the women go on dates.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Social drinking. One character drinks heavily and is warned against it.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on How to Get the Guy

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about what it's like to date. What can teens expect when they start dating? How should you act on a date? Do teens think they'd turn to someone else (a Web site, a matchmaker, reality TV) to help them find a significant other? What do they think of people who do?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In ABC's HOW TO GET THE GUY, relationship counselors teach four women the art of attracting and landing a mate. Bubbly Anne, "the girl next door," has trouble letting guys know she's open to their advances, while Kris, "the party girl," drinks too much and, as a result, sabotages her chances of making a good impression. Michelle, "the career girl," is so certain about what kind of guy she wants that she's closed to unexpected possibilities, and Alyssa, "the dreamer," only seems to date guys within her social circle. Guiding the foursome are Love Coaches JD and Teresa, who give a he said/she said perspective and literally create situations -- from parties loaded with single men to bookstore visits in which Anne must make eye contact with nearby male shoppers -- in which the women can implement the lessons they're learning.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

While the show's title might make viewers think they're in for a repeat of The Bachelor, How to Get the Guy is anything but. Audiences will empathize with the four women looking for love. They're dynamic, smart, and endearing, as are JD and Teresa, who have only the group's best interests in mind.

How to Get the Guy takes what's good about reality television and a smart documentary and mixes them to create a positive dating show. The only drawback (besides the fact that the women are buttonholed into character archetypes) is that the dating situations familiar to countless twenty and thirtysomethings might fly over the heads of younger viewers.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: ABC
Cast: JD Roberto, Teresa Strasser
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: ABC
This review was written by Lucy Maher
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

christinax
adult
 
I watched! I laughed! I was bored!
I was pretty excited for this show, as a single woman in San Francisco, I figured I'd get some tips and at least have some fun watching love hijinks. Instead I get the same recycled love advice. They could have portrayed the goings-on in a more exciting manner, but the show kind of drags, really. The scenarios aren't outlandish enough to be funny, but not realistic enough to apply to your own life.
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