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One Week to Save Your Marriage (TLC)

common sense media says

Watching a break up is hard to do, at any age.

parents & educators say
See all 5 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this series -- which focuses on marital relationships on the brink of collapse -- is meant for adults, not children. Couples talk about their problems frankly, often with anger, name-calling, and tears. Problems include lack of intimacy and romance, which leads to discussions about sex. Couples who are parents are challenged on the behavior they're modeling for their kids. The show can be difficult and even sad to watch at times, especially for kids who are trying to figure out their own relationships or are dealing with a divorce. Mature teens may be able to learn something from the conflict-resolution processes, but chances are they'll be more interested in the melodrama.

Positive messages: The show's goal is to bring couples back together, but viewers are exposed to lots of dysfunctional marital and family relationships.
Violence: Some issues with anger management, constant yelling, and name-calling.
Sex: Problems in the bedroom are common and are discussed and problem-solved.
Language: Name calling, including "stupid," "freak," "fatso," and "loser."
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on One Week to Save Your Marriage

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the challenges of all long-term relationships -- whether between spouses, roommates, or best friends. Why are clear communication and responsive listening so important in any relationship? How do the show's exercises help people communicate? Parents can also point out the different phases the couples on the show go through -- negotiation, compromise, and resolution.

What's the story?

What's the story?
Division of domestic chores, working too many hours at the office, financial pressures, lack of intimacy in the bedroom -- these are just some of the challenges discussed by the couples in ONE WEEK TO SAVE YOUR MARRIAGE, and it's up to renowned psychotherapist Dr. Robi Ludwig -- who has a bag of tricks, years of experience, and a mission -- to save these marriages on the brink of divorce. From a van parked outside, for seven days Ludwig watches each couple's interactions as they're filmed on video cameras stationed throughout their home. She sees and hears accusations, tears, and anger that are heart-wrenching to observe. Ludwig then challenges the couple with exercises and tasks to help them face their hidden resentments, develop healthy communication skills, and reignite the romance that is typically long-gone. Each episode concludes with a mock "wedding" in which Ludwig asks each couple if they want to save their marriage -- and, if so, gives them their rings back.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

One Week to Save Your Marriage is for adults only. It's about the pressures that adults face in marriage long after the honeymoon phase is over and covers topics that kids and teens haven't yet experienced on their own.

Many kid viewers may be familiar with divorce from their own experiences, but watching other people's name-calling, crying, shrieking arguments, and intimate discussions about lack of sex doesn't provide any useful lessons for kids and teens, no matter how their family is defined.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: TLC
Cast: Dr. Robi Ludwig
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: TLC
This review was written by Pam Gelman
 
 

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What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

Happy-day
adult
 
Utterly Uninspiring-Discovery and TLC can do far better than this!
I love shows that "lift people up." Frankly, This show does not do that. I watched a few episodes and did not find her negative sensational approach inspiring. In fact, I felt sick to my stomach and I did not even feel she acted professionally towards these couples. The concept of this show is great, sadly, heartfelt sincerity is lost on a counselor like Dr. Ludwig who's sole mission is to promote her new book. Robi Ludwig performance is so shallow she makes Paris look deep!
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helped me decide (7) | had useful details (6) | read my mind (6)
dalesr
adult
 
Garbage
Reality Tv has sunk to a new low . The host is horrible to listen to and seems just so into herself
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helped me decide (7) | had useful details (6) | read my mind (6)
zooma
adult
 
Turned on--totally!
Robbie is setting a new standard. I don't know what's up with the negative reviews but I think she's the best. She comes across as someone who truly knows what she's talking about. Her advice is spot on and she's really cute too. Yeah Baby!
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helped me decide (6) | had useful details (6) | read my mind (5)
earthquick
adult
 
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (4)
johnthego
adult
 
Real people, real experiences.
This show let me see that some of the issues in my marriage are common and fixable. Communication and action are important in making any relationship work. Will tune in next week for sure.
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (4)

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ON: Content is 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
Our child development rating guidelines