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Trading Spouses (CMT, Fox)

common sense media says

Cringingly funny reality show for tweens and up.

parents & educators say
See all 4 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the show's laughs -- and there are plenty -- come at the expense of the moms who trade places, sometimes uncomfortably. A deeply religious woman seriously looks like she's gone nuts; a crunchy mom's job as a hypnotherapist is mined for humor. Though the participants may deserve the lobs thrown at them, the cringe factor often supersedes the entertainment value.

Positive messages: While the end message is that families can learn from those who live their lives differently, many judgments are passed along the way, some of which may not be easily filtered by kids.
Violence: No gunfights or outright brawls, but plenty of yelling and slammed doors.
Sex: Nothing explicit, but participants refer to it off-handedly.
Language: Runs the gamut from gentle to explosive, depending on how angry families become.
Consumerism: Depends on the families; the shopping-crazy ones reel off brand names, while others hardly pay attention to labels. And of course, the swap happens so families can get $50,000 in the end.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Some family members drink or smoke.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Trading Spouses

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about first impressions and how they form when the participants meet for the first time. Are they often right? Or do they make it more difficult to get to know people? And what happens when the families realize that their "new mom" is much different from their real mom? Ultimately, what's the payoff -- aside from the money -- for the moms who agree to the swap and the families who let virtual strangers into their homes?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In each episode of TRADING SPOUSES, two women from opposite walks of life are plucked from their daily routines and transplanted into each other's homes, where they must find a way to adjust, get along, and get to know their "new" relatives. In the end, they get $50,000 for their families. At the end of their stay, both moms sit down and write letters to each other outlining how they think the $50,000 should be spent. Then they bid their temporary clans adieu, meet up for what's often an awkward, but heartfelt, encounter, and finally get to return to their families, which have sometimes been made better by the presence of a stranger.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Watching the women open their eyes, sometimes in horror, sometimes with joy, at the lives they must lead for the week is an irresistible sociological stunt. But enjoying the series' premise sometimes feels like rubber-necking at the site of an accident, since several of these women find themselves in serious emotional meltdowns. It's guilty pleasure that's heavy on the guilt, and that's not always so fun.

But the homecomings are what make watching the show worth it, with the kids overjoyed to see their moms back in the fold and the husbands relieved. Perhaps it's true: There's no place like home.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: CMT
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: CMT
This review was written by S. Jhoanna Robledo
 
 

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What parents & educators say

9

Most useful reviews by all members

trnapart
adult
2
 
I have a serious family issue I'd like to share.
I haven't done this before.. But if there is a website or a mailing address/email address I can tell my story.. please let me know.
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)
JamesRobertson
parent of and 7 , 11 , 14 , 17 year old
15
 
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helped me decide (1) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (1)
book_lover411
teen, 15 years old
 
a good tv show
a good tv show that every kid should get the prvilige of watchin
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helped me decide (1) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (1)
DarudeLover
adult
 
It's aggravating, but hilarious
It's an excellent show, but get I often get annoyed with the families. It's good for a few laughs and makes you appreciate your parents, kids, whatever. They bleep out the swearing and blur the mouths so it's not a huge issue.
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helped me decide (1) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (1)

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