 | 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. |
Kate Plus 8
- TLC
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
More Kate than kids in reality series spin-off.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that but for the obvious exception of Jon’s presence, there’s little to differentiate this series from what it was under its old moniker, Jon & Kate Plus 8. The focus remains on the often-stressful life of now-divorced mom Kate and her eight kids, and tensions frequently run high within the busy household. With Jon's absence, Kate gets more screentime, and it's tough to believe she doesn't enjoy it -- though without Jon, there's less bickering onscreen. Parents will certainly relate to Kate’s frustrations over temper tantrums and sibling rivalry, but the show holds no value to kids, who won’t understand the reasoning behind Kate’s biting sarcasm and pithy comments about Jon.
What's the story?
KATE PLUS 8 centers on newly single mom Kate Gosselin and her eight kids: twins Mady and Cara, and sextuplets Hannah, Leah, Alexis, Joel, Collin, and Aaden. Fresh from her divorce from Jon, Kate is faced with the daunting tasks of keeping her household running, managing her worldwide notoriety, and being a working mom (she’s a published author and recently competed on Dancing With the Stars). While the bulk of the show’s content centers on birthday parties, family outings, and the kids’ milestones, the fallout from the divorce does come up during Kate’s confessionals on camera.
Is it any good?
Whether you love or hate Kate’s polarizing personality, it’s impossible to dismiss her position as a symbol of modern motherhood. She faces the same types of stresses that other moms do, but on a much larger scale because of her family dynamic. Now that she’s divorced, of course, there’s a whole new set of issues to resolve, but an unexpected plus is that Jon’s absence makes for far less bickering. On the downside, Jon's absence also means more camera time for Kate, and she clearly soaks up the extra attention.
There’s really no reason for kids to tune in to this show, since they won’t get anything positive out of watching the Gosselin tots take elaborate trips or zip around in their flashy riding toys. Kate makes harsh comments about Jon during her camera confessionals (she holds her tongue around the kids), and she's sarcastic to the kids themselves . Then there's the issue of her inviting media attention through the show while crying foul on the paparazzi's interest in her family. If you can tolerate Kate’s strong personality, though, the show does feature the occasional heartfelt moment between her and the kids.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how the media portrays family relationships. Do you think this series gives an honest account of life in the Gosselin household? How does their family compare to yours? Do you think reality series like this one are realistic? Why or why not?
How has the definition of “family” changed over the past few decades? How do you define the word? Does the media lead the change or change to reflect it? What shows do you know of that portray different kinds of American families?
What do you think of Kate’s parenting style? Is it too harsh? Is it fair to judge her having never been in her shoes? Do you think this show exploits the kids for monetary gain? Why or why not? What is the point to someone airing her dirty laundry on TV? Can anything good come of it?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
She is just looking for fame and money. If you look at her in the beginning of the series, then now, you can see a difference.
She is self absorbed, and doesn't care about the kids. The poor children are going to have psychological damage when they are older!
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Kid, 11 years old
June 7, 2011
AGE
Fun and Cool!
I luv dis show its awesome and its cool and fun and cool and fun and cool and fun!
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AGE
Unfortunately, Kate Gosselin continues to continue to express the opposite of what she w0uld desire - "role model mother". Her actions towards the kids, the obvious lies regarding her behind the scenes support - both sponsored products and staff, and total lack of nurturing spirit and kindness with the kids and others. Want evidence? Watch pictures of Jon picking up the kids, then Kate. What a nightmare for those children. I do not want my daughter of 15 years to watch to minimize the risk of her finding Kate to be a role model of any kind..
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AGE
Kate pretends to be this supermom, but really she just needs to stop thinking about herself and be a real mom who actually cares about the kids.
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AGE
pretty good
the kids are absolutley adorable, and not every mother is perfect. kate gets a lot of trouble for things like grabbing her childs arm, which im sure a lot of moms do when their kids are misbehaving
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Kid, 12 years old
July 10, 2010
AGE
Duh ................
OK, Kate Plus 8: 7+ and Jon and Kae plus 8: 11+. what's wrong with Jon and Kate really not for kids under 11? i say you can watch al jon and kate shows.
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Kid, 11 years old
October 2, 2010
AGE
Ummm......
Honestly i am not sure if i like it. I mean i feel really bad since she got divorced but after she should not have started the show again. It just reminds us of what happened! When Jon and Kate plus 8 was out, i loved it and even though she could get a little stressed out sometimes, thats one of the main reasons why she even has a tv show. After they got divorced i have a feeling she just went back on the show for publicity.
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Kid, 12 years old
August 16, 2011
AGE
Please, please, please!!! Just don't watch it!
Kate Gosselin. She is a brat, she thinks of herself so highly, she's a terrible mother, who treats her kids like cr@p, and she uses her negative feedback as a positive way to make her popular.
Her sextuplets are so sweet, and can have their bratty moments, like any 6 year old, but her two twins, please don't get me started. I am almost two years older than them, and they are the brattiest girls I have ever seen. They're whiny, terrible to their mother, and act like their the coolest thing since pumpkin pie.
This is a terrible show, only embracing the ickyness and cattiness that the world just doesn't need.
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | TLC |
| Cast: | Kate Gosselin |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
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