 | 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. |
Quints by Surprise
- TLC
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
"Big family" reality show is more appealing than most.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that there's little here that isn't age-appropriate for even very young kids -- though it's likely to have more appeal for tweens and up. The quints are babies, so they do fall down and get hurt, and they cry a lot. And people do step in poopy diapers (and with five toddlers, there are plenty of diapers), and you'll see the occasional naked baby backside. But it's all taken in stride, and the show's overall messages about appreciating family and love are very positive.
What's the story?
QUINTS BY SURPRISE centers on the Jones family -- dad Ethan, mom Casey, and their kids. Ethan and Casey had fertility issues; they had one baby, a girl, by in vitro insemination. Once she got older, they decided to try it again ... and ended up with quintuplets. Then the recession hit. Now, Ethan and Casey are still married and loving each other, but things have been tough of late. As a contractor, Ethan has had a hard time getting enough jobs to get the bills paid, let alone keep five toddlers in diapers. Meanwhile, Casey stays at home to take care of the kids.
Is it any good?
Shows like Quints by Surprise are a dime a dozen these days. But something about the Jones' story is very appealing. They're worried about surviving. They had bought their oversized house thinking they could sell it relatively easily, only to be caught by surprise by the quints' birth. Now, they have to sell it because they can't afford it.
But while the Jonese may be down, they're definitely not out. Anyone would be worried in their situation, but they stay pretty optimistic and look for ways to make everything work. And the show's storytelling is fast paced enough -- and poignant enough -- that you're willing to watch them do it.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how real the show is. Do you think the family acts the same way when the cameras aren't there?
Do you think it's a good idea for the kids to be on TV like this? What do you think will happen to the kids as they get older?
What would you film for a TV show about your own family?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
What a concept . . . A reality show that's actually real!
Common Sense is right, you only have to look so far as the nearest reality channel to find some huge family moaning about their woes. But "Quints By Suprise" and "19 Kids and Counting" are definitely refreshing. Insted of parents portraied as being perfect, or parents moaning and complaining and showing they're not, these two shows find the perfect balance. It's definitely interesting to see a family going through real problems, but still loving each other and going though the hard times together. What a great story . . . I'd recommend it for tweens, teens, and adults, even though it's approprite for kids. Nothing to be worried about . . . Just a real show about a real family going through real times.
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AGE
I love this show! The family is very real and realatable and it's totally clean.
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Kid, 12 years old
September 5, 2010
AGE
One of the best shows for babysitters!!!!!!
I love this it helps me to watch and see what kids like. As a babysitter I need to know that stuff.
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AGE
I can relate to these guys . . . great show.
Love the show. This is the first family of "multiples" I can really relate to. They are very real. More than anything, though, the show is just better than others like it. It moves a little faster and my daughter and son have gotten to where they won't miss it. Great to finally have "real" role models on TV your kids enjoy.
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | TLC |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
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