 | 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. |
Tough Love
- VH1
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
Matchmaker boot camp mixes real advice and sexist messages.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this reality series -- in which a male matchmaker offers blunt advice to women desperate to be in a relationship -- sends sexist messages about both men and women and what they expect from each other when it comes to dating. It's also got all the other expected trappings of a reality show, including strong language (the worst is bleeped, but there's plenty that's not), catty arguing, drinking, and sexual innuendo. The series also serves as a promotional vehicle for the matchmaker and his services, and brands like Altell are prominently featured.
What's the story?
TOUGH LOVE ostensibly aims to help women break the "bad habits" that are keeping them from finding real love. Hosted by self-proclaimed master matchmaker Steve Ward and his veteran matchmaker mother, Joann, the series centers on eight lonely, needy women who've agreed to participate in an eight-week "boot camp" designed to prepare them for finding "Mr. Right." In addition to undergoing everything from makeovers to brutally honest feedback, the women must face their own insecurities about themselves and their (in)ability to find and maintain a meaningful relationship.
Is it any good?
The series, which is produced by Drew Barrymore, offers some interesting insight about women and relationships from a clear male perspective. And for those who are trying to jumpstart their dating life and/or find a relationship, the Wards' advice may be helpful. But the show combines decent advice with sexist messages about how women should conform in order to attract men. For example, while the participants are reminded to believe in themselves and about the importance of being comfortable in their own skin, they're also constantly reminded of what they must do to appeal to some of men's more superficial opinions about appearance and weight.
Ward himself comes across as extremely condescending, reminding them that if they follow his rules and believe in him, they'll ultimately find what they are looking for. As a result, there are times when the show also seems like one big ad for his services. And, of course, there's all of the typical behavior you'd expect to see in a reality show like this, including cat fights, strong sexual references, drinking, and lots of bleeped language. Adults may find some of the information dispensed here helpful, but it isn't really meant for -- or appropriate for -- kids.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how the media typically portrays dating and relationships. Do movies and TV shows create unrealistic and/or stereotypical representations of how people are supposed to look, feel, and act in order to meet someone special? Families can also discuss professional matchmaking. Did you know that some cultures still rely primarily on matchmakers to bring couples together?
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| TV rating: | TV-14 |
| Network: | VH1 |
| Cast: | Joann Ward, Steven Ward |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
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