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Legally Blonde the Musical: The Search for Elle Woods (MTV)

common sense media says

Kid-friendly, but main aim may be selling tickets.

parents & educators say
  • 67% say sexual content is an issue
  • 33% say there are positive role models
See all 6 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that, after they see this upbeat, girl-centric reality series, young fans will probably want to make a pilgrimage to Broadway to see Legally Blonde on stage. Because contestants are auditioning with songs, dances, and dialogue from the musical, the show essentially functions as one long commercial for it. Still, even though the material leans heavily on girlish stereotypes, it ultimately offers young women a strong female role model who reminds us that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover -- especially if it's pink. Expect a few bleeped swear words and a bit of cattiness, but overall, this is tame for reality TV -- and, not incidentally, tamer than the movie the musical is based on, which is appropriate for teens and up.

Positive messages: If you're looking for racial diversity ... keep looking. But on the plus side, the series emphasizes the hard work and determination necessary to make it in show business. A few contestants are unnecessarily catty, and some get very emotional/upset during the course of the competition, but in general, there are plenty of positive role models to choose from. Some body image issues arise among the contestants.
Violence: Some verbal sparring/tense moments between contestants.
Sex: One girl is actually criticized for looking "too sexy" when she performs.
Language: "Bitch" is audible; stronger words like "f--k" are rare, and they're bleeped when they occur.
Consumerism: This is essentially a commercial for Legally Blonde: The Musical, making you wonder whether producers conceived the series as a way to boost ticket sales.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Legally Blonde the Musical: The Search for Elle Woods

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about whether watching the contestants go through the audition process changes the way they perceive Broadway stars in general. Were you surprised by the long rehearsals and grueling hours? Did some of the competitors handle the stress better than others? Do you think you'd have what it takes to make it in show business? Families can also discuss whether watching a TV show about Legally Blonde the musical makes them want to see it live. Do you think that's what the show's producers had in mind when they created it?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL: THE SEARCH FOR ELLE WOODS, 15 talented young women in their teens and 20s compete for the chance to sing, dance, and act the part of perky blonde sorority girl-turned-Harvard law student Elle Woods, a role originated by Reese Witherspoon in the 2001 film. But only one lucky contestant will win bragging rights to replace Tony Award nominee Laura Bell Bundy as the next Elle on Broadway (talk about the chance of a lifetime). Judges include the show's director, Jerry Mitchell; casting director Bernie Telsey; writer Heather Hach; and actor Paul Canaan. Shepherding the girls through the audition process is singer-actress Haylie Duff, who earned her Broadway chops in 2006 playing Amber Von Tussle in Hairspray.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
In terms of entertainment value, this show is sure to appeal to fans of Legally Blonde the musical, fans of musicals in general, and fans of the Legally Blonde movies -- in that order. But if you don't meet those criteria, you probably won't find it that interesting. You'll like it even less if you don't like the musical version, since most episodes consist of the contestants singing the same Legally Blonde song, dancing the same Legally Blonde, dance or acting out the same Legally Blonde scene over and over.

Unlike other talent-driven reality shows of its ilk, Legally Blonde the Musical: The Search for Elle Woods doesn't waste any time airing footage of the untalented hopefuls who didn't make the cut during open auditions. Instead, it cuts right to the chase, narrowing 50 semi-finalists down to a pool of 10 finalists in minutes. In a way, it's a process that's as ruthless and unemotional as a real-life Broadway casting, making this one of the most realistic reality shows on the air. And for that, it probably deserves a standing ovation.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: MTV
Cast: Haylie Duff
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: MTV
This review was written by Kari Croop
 
 

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What parents & educators say

12
Based on 3 parent & educator reviews:
  • 67% say sexual content is an issue
  • 33% say there are positive role models
  • 33% say there are positive messages
  • 33% say language is an issue
Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

bham mom
parent
14
 
While the overall message of Elle finding herself and succeeding in life based on what she can do are good, this musical is hardly for kids under 14, maybe even older. Of course, that does depend on your point of view. I do think there are far too many sexual references, both inuendos and blatant ones. There is open portrayal of gays. Again, it depends on your point of view, but I don't think it's something I'd want my younger than high school child exposed to. I think parents just need to know what is in the musical. It is definitely more over the top than the movie. It happened on the other side of the stage and was hard to see, but I am pretty sure there was a gay kiss. There were lots of young audience members. I wonder if their parents would have wanted them to see that at that age.
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ElphabaThropp
kid, 13 years old
 
I love this!
I love Legally Blonde:The Musical and I was not happy about Laura Bell BUndy leaving, but this show is great! I love watching the other girls perform some of my favorite songs!
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crazyinlove13
teen, 15 years old
 
OMG!!!!! OMG!!!!! OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have been in love with Elle Woods ever since I saw Legally Blonde... I think the girls on this show are amazing because of how much they want to be the next Elle Woods... As long as they all stick their mind to it the competition will be very hard... They sing, and dance, and act and they are for sure lots of peoples role models including mine...
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MomToAll101
parent
10
 
Give the kids a chance here, no bubble wrap necessary!
To be honest half the things in this would fly over kids heads, all they want to be is entertained. Since this is fun and quirky I would say it's very entertaining. With sexual content at a height I think as long as you explain to your child not to repeat things and they actually show interest in the programme and show maturity then it should be ok for over 10's.
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ollymay1395
teen, 15 years old
 
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moviecritic
adult
 
VERY ENTERTAINING!!
I love this show. It is so addicting. There is really nothing innapropriate about this show at all. Very rarely cursing occurs and when it does it's bleeped unless it's very mild. If your kids are interested in watching this show, LET THEM. It's great. Especially if you're a fan of the movie.
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helped me decide (8) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (5)

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