My Antonio

Review

Common Sense Media says

Italian heartthrob looks for love in iffy reality show.
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.

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

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Parents say

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this reality series -- in which 13 women try to win the heart of actor/model Antonio Sabato Jr. -- includes lots of catty behavior, sometimes instigated by Sabato Jr.'s own mother. There’s also plenty of drinking (cocktails, wine, champagne) and strong sexual innuendo, as well as flirty talk and discussions about failed relationships. Words like “hell” are audible, while curses like “s--t” and “f--k” are bleeped.

  • Positive messages0
    The series perpetuates sexist stereotypes about women and what they'll do to "get" a man. It also reflects a negative stereotype about meddlesome mothers.
  • Positive role models0
    Sabato Jr.’s mother schemes with some of the participants to eliminate other women from the competition. The women themselves aren't exactly stellar role models, as they're prone to fighting and other iffy behavior.
  • Violence0
    Some catty arguing among participants.
  • Sex3
    Some strong sexual innuendo, including references to “getting laid.” The women sport lots of low necklines and revealing bikinis. Sabato Jr. and other men often appear shirtless.
  • Language3
    Words like “hell” are audible, while curse words like “f--k” and “s--t” are bleeped.
  • Consumerism0
    The series is a promotional vehicle for Sabato Jr.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking3
    Participants frequently drink wine, cocktails, and champagne.
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What's the story?

In MY ANTONIO, Calvin Klein model/actor Antonio Sabato Jr. attempts to find love among 13 women chosen to live in a house in Hawaii and compete for his affections. The women face off in a series of challenges demonstrating their commitment to him; meanwhile, his mother, Yvonne Kabouchy, offers her frank opinions about which woman her son should be dating -- and who he should ask to leave. Adding to the drama is the appearance of Sabato Jr.’s ex-wife, Alicia Tully Jensen, who's convinced that they should try to rekindle their relationship.

Is it any good?

 

While the contestants on My Antonio aren’t as over-the-top as those on other similarly themed reality shows, there's still lots of strong sexual innuendo, drinking, and catty arguments. The latter is aggravated by Kabouchy, who seems to think nothing of manipulating her son’ dating choices.

Sabato Jr. is a polite and charming host, but that's not enough to disguise the fact that the series does little more than perpetuate sexist stereotypes about women and their supposed need for a man’s affection. Tully Jensen's appearance only reinforces this characterization. Bottom line? Like many others, this show’s approach to reality romance is less about love and more about creating drama.

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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about whether it's really possible to find true love on a reality show. If not, why do you think people choose to participate in this kind of program?

  • How does the show portray women? Is that typical of similar reality shows? Are the contestants on any of these series intended to be role models?

This review was written by Melissa Camacho
Teen, 14 years old
August 5, 2010
AGE
10
 
love love love love it!
LOVE IT! go brooke!
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This review was written by Melissa Camacho
TV rating:TV-14
Network:VH1
Cast:Alicia Tully Jensen, Antonio Sabato Jr, Yvonne Kabouchy
Genre:Reality TV
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 

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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.
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