 | 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. |
The Singing Office
- TLC
- Genre: Game Shows
Common Sense Media says
Competition for folks who whistle while they work.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that most of this game show's "problem" areas are pretty mild -- for example, one of the audition tunes is "Like a Virgin," but none of the more explicit lyrics are used. Other songs reference drinking, and the participating companies (1-800-Dentist and JetBlue, for instance) are mentioned by name, which sort of falls into the "product placement" category. But overall this is a fun, family-friendly show that's fine for tweens and up.
What's the story?
Operating under the assumption that in every workplace there are at least a couple of folks who whistle their way through the day, each episode of THE SINGING OFFICE sends hosts Joey Fatone and Mel B. to two different companies, from national operations like 1-800-Dentist and JetBlue to local L.A. workplaces like Allen Edwards Salon and the L.A. Zoo. There each selects a team of five people who have to pull together a song and dance routine; the two teams then go head to head in a competition. Ultimately, the winning teams of each matchup will compete in an eight-way finale.
Is it any good?
With so many competition/game shows out there these days, comparisons are inevitable. Some viewers might feel like The Singing Office falls pretty low on the scale simply because the talent level is uneven at best. But the show actually seems more positive than some of its fellow talent-competition brethren, and it's oddly charming in its own way. It helps that the participants aren't in it for fame and fortune -- the grand prize is $50,000, shared among the five winning team members -- so it's more about having fun and letting loose.
The other thing that's really good about the show is the singers' very ordinariness. Some are definitely talented, but these folks aren't buffed-out beauties -- nor are all of them great singers. But none of that stops them from trying, and that's really the lesson in the whole exercise. Too often folks get intimidated because they don't sound or look like professionals, robbing themselves of the joy of singing and dancing for the sheer joy of it. Maybe shows like this can get ordinary folks out there singing on their own again.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about why companies would want their employees to participate in this show. Do you think they see it as a way to advertise/promote their business? Do you think they're right -- i.e., do you feel like hearing the companies' names multiple times per episode makes you remember them more? Or does it end up just being "background noise"? Also, would you want to participate in a contest like this? Why or why not? How do you think your family would do if it was families competing instead of companies?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
A New Spin On Reality TV=FUN
This is a really great, entertaining show. I have seen every episode so far and can not get enough. I don't think younger kids would be that interested though because since it is an hour show it does seem a little too long at times but other than that I love it. oh yeah, this show is totally clean.
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | TLC |
| Cast: | Joey Fatone, Mel B. |
| Genre: | Game Shows |
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