Parents' Guide to

America's Prom Queen

By Kari Croop, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Reality contest tame, but has some mixed messages.

TV Freeform Reality TV 2008
America's Prom Queen Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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What's the Story?

In AMERICA'S PROM QUEEN, 10 teen girls are chosen to compete in a six-week, elimination-style pageant to determine who will walk away with the show's title as well as the opportunity to become CosmoGIRL! magazine's official prom correspondent, among other prizes. The competitors are tested on their abilities to perform various prom-related tasks, such as standing out when it comes to personal style, dancing with a partner, and planning a blow-out event. A \"Prom Committee\" composed of celebrity judges narrows the field to a final \"Prom Court\" of contestants, but viewers at home ultimately choose who gets to wear the crown.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

The show is clearly targeting tween and teen girls and may, in fact, reel them in with its sparkly tiaras and pretty dresses. But parents might want to tune in to make sure their kids aren't absorbing any negative messages when it comes to girl power. More often than not, the challenges require superficial skills instead of actual smarts. And because this is a reality show, the contestants are crammed into a fully furnished mansion, where closeness sometimes leads to cattiness.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why the honor of being "prom queen" is something people value. When you think of what a prom queen looks like, what sort of girl do you imagine? Could you see yourself being named your school's prom queen? Why or why not? Which of the contestants do you admire the most and why? Which do you think is the prettiest? What do your answers to those two questions tell you about the true definition of beauty?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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