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One Big Happy Family (TLC)

common sense media says

Strong family works together to solve their weight problem.

parents & educators say
  • 88% say there are positive messages
  • 75% say there are positive role models
See all 10 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this reality series -- which follows a family with a serious weight problem (each person in the family weighs more than 300 pounds) -- sends positive messages about family relationships and trying to make a change for the better. While the members of the Coles family do tease each other, they also love each other very much. The teen kids sometimes act up, but they're ultimately respectful of their parents -- and every member of the family steps up to take responsibility for their collective weight problem.

Positive messages: While there's no question that the Coles family's eating habits have been a major problem for them, they're exceptionally healthy emotionally -- they're committed to supporting each other, they act lovingly toward each other, and the parents act like parents rather than friends toward their kids. And the fact that they're now trying to improve their physical health, too, sends a positive message.
Positive role models: Tameka and Norris are strong examples of parents who are simultaneously loving and firmly guiding. And although the family members all have health risks due to their weight problem, all of them take responsibility for his or her role in the situation.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on One Big Happy Family

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about the realities of reality TV. Do you think everything captured by the cameras actually happened that way naturally? Are the people we see on screen really that way when the cameras aren't on?
  • What lessons can be learned from this show? Can you apply the information the Coles family uses to your own life? Do you consider them good role models?
  • Why do you think the Coled family chose to participate in the series? Would you ever like to do something similar?

What's the story?

What's the story?
The Coles family is big -- not in number, but in size. Dad Norris, mom Tameka, and teens Amber and Shayne each weigh over 300 pounds. They don't have access to a personal trainer or nutritionist, but they do have each other -- and ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY documents their attempts to work together to change their eating habits and other unhealthy patterns that have contributed to their weight problem.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

There's only one reason why this show works -- the fact that the Coles really seem to care about each other. Norris and Tameka are good parents, even if they have let the weight thing get out of hand. Aside from that, they're caring, supportive, and firm with their kids -- and they're willing to accept their part of the responsibility for the whole family's weight issues.

No reallity show is ever perfectly real, but One Big Happy Family seems a lot more real than many others. That's because it's more of a documentary than a gimicky competition or game show -- and the people are doing their best to reverse a lifetime of bad habits rather than score a talent deal.  It's clearly going to be rocky, but if anyone has a chance, the Coles' do ... and you can't help cheering them on.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: TLC
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: TLC
This review was written by Anne Louise Bannon
 
 

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What parents & educators say

10
Based on 8 parent & educator reviews:
  • 88% say there are positive messages
  • 75% say there are positive role models
Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

TVJUNKIE
adult
17
 
I starting watching the show like OMG, these people are really heavy and unhealthy, but I got hooked on the positive engery and charisma that each family member has. I grew to love them, just the way they are. However, I want them to get to healthy weights ( not skinny, but healthy). I will continue to cheer them on. Great show!
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (10) | had useful details (9) | read my mind (7)
Iheartmy4
adult
7
 
Happy black families do exist!
I love the intact black married family. My favorite scene is in ep. 2, I think, where the brother holds his sisters hand when she is upset over the bad news from the doctor. Second favorite moment, When Norris re-proposes to his wife, Tameka. Not a dry eye on the screen or in my house!
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (8) | had useful details (7) | read my mind (9)
sweetpea74127
adult
8
 
Love, love, love, love it!!!!!!!!
I was overweight the majority of my childhood. Even though my parents were not overweight, I would have loved for them to workout and eat healthy with me during that period of my life. Tameka and Norris are very incouraging and nurturing parents. I love the fact that EVERYONE is involved in this life changing experience. As a family when something effects one person, it effects everyone in that family. There is strength in numbers and working on this challenge as a family will not only produce physical benefits, but it will also foster the importance of family, love, and support. I wish the Cole family all the best! May God bless them! :o)
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helped me decide (8) | had useful details (7) | read my mind (8)
String Bean
parent of 12 year old
17
 
I love this show the fact that they are over weight and didn't let that destroy their self esteem is wonderful, and yet they have enough love and common sense to except the fact that it's not good for thier health and they are willing to work together as a family to become healthier is wonderful. It's a beautiful change to see people on tv that are not promoting sex,and spending money to create a false facade, and making young people as well as adults think they can't be happy if they don't look a certain way, or if they are not wearing certain name brand clothing. Thank you TLC you really got it right on this one, as well as many other quality shows.
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helped me decide (9) | had useful details (8) | read my mind (6)
francine406
parent of 13 year old
12
 
Get Family Show
Love this show, the entire family is awesome so much love in that family. Norris and Tameka has done a wonderful job in raising two beautiful children.
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helped me decide (8) | had useful details (7) | read my mind (7)
missbrown
adult
2
 
Great for the whole family
I love this show, it is real life, everybody is not made to be a size 5, and this family is doing something about their weight so the show is not degrading to overweight people. I can't wait to see how much weight each family member lose by the end of the show.
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helped me decide (7) | had useful details (8) | read my mind (7)
dontazz2003
adult
4
 
e.g. perfect for the whole family
this is a great show, helps kids and family know they are not alone and how to lose the weight without going on the show worlds biggest loser when you can not do the stuff they do but watching this family has help my family. Please do not cancel it I went to watch it and it is gone what happen.????
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helped me decide (8) | had useful details (6) | read my mind (7)
mommacat
parent of 15 year old
10
 
i think that it is a really good idea to have a whole family that are big girls and boys. that lets us see that our whole familys gain weight and need support of world around us.
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (9) | read my mind (6)
FroggieKisses101
kid, 12 years old
9
 
It's Great And Convincing!
This is a great show for people who want to try to lose weight! These people may be obese but not for long! Because if people said "I'm fat" then they need to exercise then this is a convincing T.V show! I think it is appropriate for 9+ but younger children might want supervision but I love it!
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (8) | read my mind (6)
JesusFreak09
teen, 16 years old
10
 
OK, but might confuse younger children
It was okay. I only saw one episode in which the husband proposes to the wife. He said she was gonna leave him or something if they didn't get married. It confused my younger sibling as why they did that. I like that they are trying to lose weight. At one part in that episode the daughter falls and she actually broke the leg off the chair she was sitting in. i felt bad but i am glad they are trying.
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (5) | had useful details (6) | read my mind (8)

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