Common Sense Media Review
By Sierra Filucci
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Catty reality show burns brain cells to a crisp.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
Reality show SUNSET TAN revolves around the titular California-based tanning salon chain. Staffers' and clients' often-ridiculous, sometimes over-the-top dramas take center stage, drawing viewers into the personal and professional lives of these catty, flirty, and ambitious young people. From the bronzed businessmen bosses to the giggly blonde-girl duo of Molly and Holly (dubbed "The Ollies"), the cast clearly loves the spotlight. Episodes focus on who will get promotions, how many sales each employee makes, and interesting clients -- including Britney Spears and a corpse in need of a tan.
Is It Any Good?
Cameras zoom in on poolside streaking sessions and jiggling bosoms, and neither staffers nor clients seem to have any qualms about stripping down to nothing with the cameras rolling (key bits are blurred). With its unquestioned focus on physical looks, as well as displays of dysfunctional professional behavior, Sunset Tan is clearly intended to be a guilty pleasure for adults. But parents may well want older teens to steer clear, since the show is so caught up in sexism, consumerism, and unbridled greed.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the show's messages. What is it saying about body image and beauty? What standards of beauty does it adhere to? Who sets those standards? Do you think the show's producers are trying to objectively document what goes on behind the scenes of a tanning salon, or is it meant to be a guilty pleasure? Also, how can salespeople keep their integrity while trying to make a sale? Is there a line that can't be crossed when it comes to promoting or selling a product?
TV Details
- Premiere date : May 28, 2007
- Cast : Erin Tietsort , Janelle Perry , Nick D'Anna
- Network : E!
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 20, 2019
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