My Big Redneck Wedding

Review

Common Sense Media says

Knot-tying reality show reinforces stereotypes.
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 although this reality series about couples who plan eccentric country weddings is meant to be in good fun, some of the behavior plays into existing negative stereotypes about Southern living, and some of the featured folks come off as crass and uneducated. There's also drinking, smoking, gun use (mostly for hunting and target practice), and some strong language ("bitchy, "ass").

  • Positive messages0
    The couples clearly love each other and have fun at their weddings, but the series plays into existing stereotypes about Southern culture, and the people featured on the show often come across as uneducated and crass.
  • Violence3
    Rifles are used for hunting, target practice and shotgun salutes. One episode shows a chicken being butchered.
  • Sex3
    Some sexual innuendo, including references to bondage. One groom-to-be shops for "scanty panties" for his bride. One man is shown mooning the camera, and a bride-to-be takes nude pics for her groom (no nudity is actually shown).
  • Language3
    Audible language includes "damn," "ass," and "bitchy" stronger words -- like "f--k" and "s--t" -- are bleeped.
  • Consumerism3
    Visible product labels include Coors Light, Bud Light, Jack Daniels, Wrangler, Lays Potato Chips, John Deere, and Frederick's of Hollywood.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking3
    Visible smoking includes cigarettes, cigars, and tobacco pipes. Plenty of beer and whisky consumption, too.
CloseExpand to see more details

What's the story?

Hosted by Tom Arnold, reality series MY BIG REDNECK WEDDING profiles couples who embrace their country roots and plan over-the-top, country-western style weddings. The couples and their families proudly celebrate their love -- and heritage -- by getting hitched on horseback, exchanging vows with the help of ordained ex-cons, or hosting mud-wrestling competitions during the reception. There's no crystal on the tables or champagne on the menu, but baked beans, roast squirrel, and chicken dumplings make for finger-licking wedding-day meals. Family members and guests contribute by buying unique lingerie for the bride or organizing shotgun salutes.

Is it any good?

 

The series attempts to diffuse existing stereotypes about people from the South by using the term "redneck" to connote pride in one's Southern heritage. But the weddings here are presented as bizarre and eccentric and sometimes feature behavior that comes off as uneducated and crass. Instead of celebrating the fun, meaningful side of country-style weddings, the show actually perpetuates negative stereotypes about the South.

This, combined with extensive alcohol consumption and some salty language, makes it rough viewing for younger viewers, although it might appeal to teens and adults who enjoy this kind of guilty pleasure.

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 difference between dispelling stereotypes and perpetuating them. Can stereotypes ever be used to empower people? How? Can you think of any examples? Families can also talk about what defines "country living." Does wearing a cowboy hat or riding a horse automatically make someone "a little bit country"? What other assumptions do we tend to make about people based on what they wear or do? Does the media reinforce those assumptions? If so, how?

This review was written by Melissa Camacho
Adult
April 11, 2009
AGE
17
 
weird
weird
Was this review useful?
Helped me decide (6) | Had useful details (5) | Read my mind (4)
Flag as inappropriate 
See all user reviews
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
TV rating:TV-14
Network:CMT
Cast:Tom Arnold
Genre:Reality TV
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 

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

For kids who love
Browse more TV
 

vote now

Will you see My Big Redneck Wedding?

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