| 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 game show is aimed squarely at adult women -- but that doesn't mean that parents can't watch with their teens. It might even ignite some revealing conversations about the concept of popularity and what types of qualities make women "likable." Conversatons occasionally touch on cheeky topics like sex tapes or random hook-ups, but for the most part, women answer less-scintillating questions about religion/spirituality, community service, and self-esteem. Language, alcohol, and drugs are essentially non-issues.
In MOST POPULAR, seven women put themselves on stage to be judged by an audience of 100 other women, who vote to axe their least-favorite contestants after increasingly revealing rounds of questioning. British television personality Graham Norton stands in as host and helps audience members make their next round of cuts by putting contestants through a series of question-and-answer challenges. The last woman standing has the chance to win up to $10,000.
While the show's concept is certainly provocative, Most Popular loses something in the mix. Perhaps it's the set and the lighting, which conjure the feel of a downmarket talk show (think Maury or Jerry Springer, minus the hand-to-hand combat). Or perhaps it's the contestants themselves, some of whom seem like they could easily hold their own on one of the previously mentioned talk shows if this gig doesn't work out.
Whatever the reason, Most Popular is the kind of show that's reasonably entertaining if there's nothing else on. And it does imparts an important take-away message: Don't judge a book by its cover. Still, for most, it will never be appointment television.
Families can talk about how stereotypes play into the popularity game. Have you ever made a snap judgement about someone based on the way they were dressed, the color of their skin, or whether they had a tattoo?
Why do you think some people are more popular than others? Do wealth, beauty, intelligence, or humor matter when it comes to making friends? What traits do you think are the most important? Is there a set "formula" that can guarantee you'll be liked?
Does the concept of popularity change as you pass from middle school into high school and then on to college and adulthood? Are tweens and teens more concerned with popularity than their parents?
| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | WE |
| Cast: | Graham Norton |
| Genre: | Game Shows |