 | 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. |
Jon & Kate Plus 8
- TLC
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
Twins and sextuplets keep real-life parents hopping.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that because the 2009 season of this reality show brings infidelity and divorce front and center, we increased our recommended age. The accusations and their consequences have spawned a media frenzy, with each parent looking terrible. Otherwise, the show remains focused on how the parents (especially mom Kate) often respond to chaos-imposed stress by bickering and picking at each other. While adult viewers will probably empathize with their tense emotions, young kids may not understand the context of the heated comments and could be upset by them -- especially since infidelity is a subject that kids under 12 won't be able to grasp, and divorce is one that is likely to upset them. Even then, this show is best reserved for older viewers.
What's the story?
Jon and Kate Gosselin and their boisterous brood -- twins Cara and Mady and sextuplets Hannah, Alexis, Leah, Collin, Joel, and Aaden -- have spawned a mini-industry of "multiples" reality shows. The early episodes proved that when it comes to managing a hectic family life, where there's a will, there's always a way. But the 2009 season polarizes the parents' relationship with accusations of infidelity and a fall-out that includes filing for divorce. While the bulk of what you'll see will still revolve around birthday parties and seasonal outings, the series does somewhat exploit the daily ups and downs of life with two energetic sets of multiples. Expect to see plenty of footage of the physical and emotional challenges of balancing the children's individual needs with the struggle for harmony at home.
Is it any good?
We can't imagine why kids would want to see this show. But we can see how parents might get some enjoyment out of it, since they can relate to many of the issues Jon and Kate face (if on a slightly smaller scale). But some parents may be turned off by the frequently snide comments that Kate makes about Jon, both in his presence and out of it. ("He takes longer to get ready than I do, and that's really irritating," or "Can you please help me instead of playing with toys?") Her seeming negativity, while understandable in her situation, often becomes the focal point of the show, and young viewers won't fully understand the stresses that lead the adults to talk to and about each other the way they do.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how the media portrays families. Is there a "standard" family type in today's TV shows?
We recommend that parents who do let their kids see this show talk
about the issues is raises and inject their wisdom and experience into
the scenes the show portrays.
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Good -> Bad
Honestly, three years ago, I loved this show. It was my reality show that I watched every Monday, and the episodes were epsecially good around the time where each kid got their "special day" out with Jon or Kate. It was even kind of funny to watch Kate pick on Jon and the kids mildly, and to be thankful my parents aren't like that . . And then . . . It got worse. Way worse. The parents were picking on each other and the kids, and then divorce and cheating came into the picture . . . Honestly, I would watch it again for an episode if it ever came on again just to see what's happened to it, but no more then that. It just kind of stinks now.
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AGE
That's SugarCoated Child Abuse
Jon is an idiot, Kate is a little fame wanting, and the kids are victoms. Like others said, this isnt right for the kids, the parents pretty much chose their lives for them, to be famous, always to be famous. I dont want to give this show credit, I'm sorry, but I care more about the kids than me being intertaned. Fame breaks up families and ends up making the parents think they're above it all. People incourage the bad behavior too. What kind of life is being horded by camera crews? The kids are going to go crazy, the mom's already there. Even if I gave birth to 8 kids and survived, I wouldnt put it on TV. No matter how much it pays, money isnt worth throwing away the kids happiness. Attention loving snobs...
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AGE
Poor kids
This whole cheating thing is not fair to the kids. I mean, they started out like a good, devoted family. Now it seems like neither parent wants responsibility of the kids, it's almost like "Oh, he/she cheated. I want a refund." That sounds weird but that's how I think of it.
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AGE
poor show
i loved the show when it was about the kids but it slowly got wose
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AGE
So sick of this show..
I'm sick of it. everytime this is on I'll change my channel right away. I don't know why TLC is keeping this program.. So sick of it..Please take it off..
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AGE
Jon and Kate plus 8
If they were in it for kids, they would get help.
See Dr Phil. I think money and fame has gotten to Kate.
The kids will be the ones who suffer. I'll be surpised if the show has another season. After last nights preview, I think alot of people will be turned off.
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | TLC |
| Cast: | Jon Gosselin, Kate Gosselin |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
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