Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Docuseries turns polygamists into reality stars.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 12 parent reviews
Parents say that the show perpetuates unhealthy relationship dynamics, particularly highlighting the manipulative behavior of the male lead, which can negatively influence both adults and children. Many reviews express concern over the portrayal of polygamy as a flawed and abusive structure rather than a romanticized lifestyle, suggesting it undermines family values and presents a troubling image for impressionable viewers.
- manipulation issues
- negative influence
- unhealthy relationships
- moral concerns
- troubling portrayal
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 6 kid reviews
What's the Story?
SISTER WIVES follows the day-to-day life of an American polygamist family. Husband Kody Brown and his three wives -- Meri, Janelle, and Christine -- negotiate their relationships with each other, their 13 children, and, on occasion, with the mainstream world. Viewers also get to see how the courting and introduction of a fourth wife, Robyn, into the family circle impacts the wives, as well as the overall family dynamic.
Is It Any Good?
Sister Wives offers a fairly voyeuristic look at plural marriage from the point of view of people who have chosen to live according to a religious doctrine that promotes it. The series' intent is to show how complex this cohabitation lifestyle is and to counter some of the stereotypes about plural marriage that exist today. But while Brown and his family discuss some of the challenges that come with choosing their lifestyle, including the emotional and financial burdens it creates, overall the series paints a happy picture that sometimes seems a little too idyllic.
The family is very likable, and they seem to be a bit worldlier and open compared to other plural families (both real and fictional) depicted in the media. Despite all of this, some of the choices they make and other unspoken signs indicate that they're sometimes not as comfortable in the mainstream as they appear on camera. Nonetheless, the show ultimately offers viewers a unique chance to see real people openly share their experiences as part of a plural family.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the lifestyle presented in this show. Why/how do some families practice polygamy if it's illegal in the United States?
What are some of the stereotypes surrounding polygamists? Do you think this show contradicts some of these stereotypes?
Why do you think this family agreed to be in a TV show?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 26, 2010
- Cast : Christine Brown , Janelle Brown , Kody Brown , Meri Brown , Robyn Brown
- Network : TLC
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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