Masters of Reception

Review

Common Sense Media says

Wedding reality show reinforces "perfect day" ideal.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

Find out more

Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

Find out more

Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this reality show about a veteran wedding-planning business fosters the myth of the "dream wedding" as a major production -- focusing all of the attention on the big day rather than on the life-long relationship that comes afterward. And while the costs of such an event are never mentioned, they have to be astronomical. The brides (and to a lesser degree, the grooms) are catered to and pampered at every turn, which sometimes reinforces their tendencies to be demanding. That said, there are defintely some anti-Bridezillas in the mix, too.

  • Positive messages0
    While the show ostensibly focuses on love and beauty, there's some serious conspicuous consumption going on here, and the whole "bride as Queen for a Day" theme is very strong -- emphasizing the idea of the wedding over the concept of the marriage.
  • Positive role models0
    The role models are very mixed. Some of the brides get very demanding -- the fact that the planning staff gives them everything they ask for without letting them see how much trouble it causes them doesn't help -- while others are very easygoing and flexible.
  • Violence0
    Not applicable.
  • Sex1
    There's the occasional racy reference, but it's remarkably tame, all things considered.
  • Language1
    Words like "crappy" are audible, though used infrqeuently. Stronger swearing is muted.
  • Consumerism1
    While there aren't any mentions of specific brands or products, the show does "sell" the concept of the dream wedding.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking2
    Champagne, hard liquor, and other alcoholic beverages are served at weddings (usually in glasses, though sometimes in more creative ways like a fancy ice sculpture), though no one is seen over-indulging.
CloseExpand to see more details

What's the story?

The Frungillo Brothers wedding company has been in business for over 30 years and is still a family business. Each episode of MASTERS OF RECEPTION follows the company's staff in a basic "day in the life" way, showing how they go to extraordinary lengths to make sure each of their brides has exactly (and we mean exactly) what she wants for her dream wedding.

Is it any good?

 

As shows like this go, it's good without being exceptional. The weddings are fun, and you can't help get a little teary-eyed watching the couples recite their vows.

That said, the receptions are so over the top that it's hard not to marvel and yet wince at the same time. Bottom line? Wedding-TV junkies will probably enjoy it, but it might not send the best message to tweens and teens about the importance of a wedding vs. a marriage.

Sign Up Message
Sign up for our weekly newsletter
Each week we send a customized newsletter to our parent and teen subscribers. Parents can customize their settings to receive recommendations and parent tips based on their kids’ ages. Teens receive a version just for them with the latest reviews and top picks for movies, video games, apps, music, books, and more.
Please enter an email address.
Please check your email address for possible typos.
Sorry, you must be 13 or older to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
Sign me up!

What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about the messages the show sends about weddings. Why are weddings such a big deal in general? What
    role does the media play in making us think that the wedding is as
    important as the marriage?

  • How does the way the show is edited affect your perception of events? Do you think all of the things you see happening really happened that way? Why do producers take liberty with the facts?

This review was written by Anne Louise Bannon

There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title below.
This review was written by Anne Louise Bannon
TV rating:TV-PG
Network:TLC
Genre:Reality TV
This review was written by Anne Louise Bannon
 

Review It

Share your review with others

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
About our rating system
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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
Our child development rating guidelines

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

More wedding TV
For kids who love reality TV
Browse more TV
 

vote now

Will you see Masters of Reception?

Won't miss it
We'll try
Change it

Already seen it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 
More from Common Sense Media
Age-appropriate reviews
Top advice and articles

Been There? Tell us about it