The Little Couple (TLC)

common sense media says

Extraordinary newlyweds have good messages for families.


parents & educators say
  • 67% say there are positive role models
  • 33% say there are positive messages

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this Little People, Big World spin-off raises awareness about people with differences by immersing viewers in everyday life of a newlywed couple with dwarfism. Although Bill and Jen sometimes discuss how hurtful some people's reactions to them can be, the show focuses more on their very typical relationship issues (he criticizes her driving, she thinks he's a control freak) than on how their unique circumstances set them apart. Ultimately it celebrates the human spirit and celebraes the things we all have in common.

Educational value: The show isn't positioned as an educational series, but viewers will learn lessons about acceptance and diversity.
Positive messages: The show raises awareness about people with obvious differences without being preachy.
Positive role models: Bill and Jen are open and honest about the challenges that their
stature poses, but neither ever wallows in negativity about their
circumstances. They're both successful professionals, and their struggles and
joys in the early stages of their marriage will resonate with most
couples.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Sexy stuff: Bill and Jen often kiss in front of the camera, and there's some rare insinuation of sexual activity. In one scene, for example, they glance knowingly at each other and say they're going to bed -- and in the next scene there's giggling in the background as someone hangs a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the hotel door.
Language: Infrequent instances of "f--k" and "s--t" are bleeped.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: The couple -- and other adults in social settings -- often drink wine or other alcoholic beverages with dinner.

More on The Little Couple

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about looking past outward appearances. How would you react if you encountered someone who looked very different from you at the store or at school? Would it be hard for you to look past those differences?
  • Why is it important to get to know a person before you judge him or her? What does “prejudice” mean? Have you ever found yourself being prejudiced? How can you change that behavior?
  • Are Bill and Jen good role models?

What's the story?

What's the story?
THE LITTLE COUPLE follows newlyweds Bill Klein and Jen Arnold as they start their married life. Five months after saying "I do," Bill and Jen -- both of whom stand under four feet tall -- are finally moving in together when he leaves New York to be with her in Houston. As any couple can attest, marriage has its challenges, and this extraordinary couple isn't immune to any of them as they share their thoughts on life -- and each other.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

It's impossible not to be intrigued by this obviously unique couple, but what's most striking about Bill and Jen is their ability to turn the focus away from what makes them different and direct it at what they have in common with everyone else. Most of the issues that arise are standard newlywed fare (his tendency to be overprotective, her expensive tastes in clothes, etc.), which allows viewers to relate to them on a personal level. Both have a natural ease with the camera and an unassuming way of handling sensitive topics like people's hurtful stares or comments, leaving viewers inspired by their warmth and a little more aware of how to handle similar situations.

This series is full of great messages for adults and kids alike. Bill and Jen have a loving, mutually respectful relationship, and none of the show's content seems forced for the camera's sake. Both are successful professionals (he's a businessman, she's a doctor), they dream about building a home and starting a family, and they're obviously comfortable with who they are. Bottom line? The Little Couple is a big reminder that despite our outward differences, underneath it all we're pretty much the same.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-G
Network: TLC
Cast: Bill Klein, Jen Arnold
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: TLC

This review was written by Emily Ashby
 
 

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What parents & educators say

13
Based on 3 parent & educator reviews:
  • 67% say there are positive role models
  • 33% say there are positive messages
  • 33% say language is an issue
  • 33% say it's educational

Most useful reviews by all members

Katherine ...
kid, 13 years old
 
It is good BUT....................
I think it is ok...and is for ages and 11 and up...there is some concerns that I have of my own about this show and im concerned about the fowl languge...besides that...this is a very good reality TV show.

Ms.Fashionista517
teen, 13 years old
 
its good but not great
the couple is cute! I love the wifes laugh is cute. but it gets boring after awhile................

nelizah
adult
 
Best Reality Show On TV.
This is the best reality show on TV today. Lots of positive messages, happy moments galore, humour and overall a feel good all over experience. I enjoy watching the episodes over and over. Just a lot of fun.

steemer
adult
 
Love the show, but clean up the language.
I love it. Jen really makes the show. She's pretty and intelligent. A very sweet person. I would watch it more, but I'm afraid my kids will hear Bill's bad language.

fumar
parent
 
great
i love , jan and bill , wish i could meet . such a wonderfull couple . i donot see there size , thear r just to happy couple in love and i canot what for them to have a famley , whot great perents thay well be .

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