| 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. |
Parents need to know that this reality series -- in which men with a net worth of more than $1 million try to win/buy the affection of a reality "celebrity" -- sends the message that money and materialism can buy love (or at least attention) and that exploiting men for their money is OK. Expect lots of bleeped swearing ("s--t," "f--k"), sexual innuendo, and drinking. Contestants often argue and throw things, and some challenges require them to physically fight each other. High-end brands like Rolls Royce, Audi, and Tiffany’s are often discussed and/or shown. Note: This series was cancelled after one of the contestants became a murder suspect and fled the country.
MEGAN WANTS A MILLIONAIRE follows two-time reality show loser Megan Hauserman as she tries to find the man of her dreams among 17 millionaires. In each episode, the contestants attempt to charm
the former Rock of Love and I Love Money cast member with their charms, their ability to win silly challenges, and their
willingness to spend a lot of money on her. Those who impress her make it through
elimination, while each week’s loser gets his credit voided. Narrating the action is Megan’s trusted British butler/concierge Niles (played by actor Rob Locke).
While Megan makes some mild claims about looking for
love, it's clear that her interest in money is greater, and she comes across as a stereotypically greedy gold-digger looking to be maintained by a rich man.
(Ironically, the contestant group challenges preconceived stereotypes about
millionaires, as many of them have earned their money working hard at blue-collar
jobs.)
The series clearly sends the
problematic message that money can buy love .... or at least a woman's attention. It also features all of the elements that you'd expect from a reality show
like this -- including lots of swearing, arguing, sexual
innuendo, and drinking. Bottom line? This one isn't for kids.
Families can talk about
reality shows that focus on matchmaking. Do you think it's possible to find genuine love through a TV show? Why else might people want to participate in a series like this?
Is it really possible to buy someone's love? Is wanting to be with
someone because of their wealth ever a good thing?
Do shows like this undermine or reinforce stereotypes? How so?
| TV rating: | TV-14 |
| Network: | VH1 |
| Cast: | Megan Hauserman, Rob Locke |
| Genre: | Reality TV |