Parents' Guide to

Bachelor Pad

By Kari Croop, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 17+

Dating show castoffs duke it out for love, money, and sex.

TV ABC Reality TV 2010
Bachelor Pad Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 18+

Based on 1 parent review

kate J.
kate J. Parent
May 2, 2017
age 18+

WOAH

That's dirty minded. I agree with both the kids, that just because you know about this stuff doesn't mean you should encourage it. Doesn't mean you should like it. And why did you put "Great messages," and "Great role models?" That can only mean one thing about your personality...
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

Some of the most popular romantic rejects from The Bachelor and The Bachelorette are playing for love -- and $250,000 -- while living it up in the BACHELOR PAD, a posh mansion that doubles as a co-ed dormitory. Each week, the individual challenge winner earns a rose for immunity, along with the chance to invite three contestants on an intimate "date" away from the mansion. At the end of the date, the winner then awards a rose to the person of his or her choice, who also receives immunity for the week. That leaves the rest of the participants up for elimination, with the men deciding which woman gets voted off and vice versa. Chris Harrison hosts with assistance from former Bachelor contestant Melissa Rycroft Strickland.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (3 ):

If watching The Bachelor or The Bachelorette is your idea of fun, then Bachelor Pad just might make your day. After all, the show rounds up some of the most loved -- and, apparently, hated -- participants in the reality dating contest's history and pours them into a professionally decorated fishbowl for your amusement.

But be forewarned: Knowing (and caring) that fan-favorite Tenley Molzhan almost won Jake Pavelka's heart on the 14th season of The Bachelor, only to have her own crushed when Jake decided that he really loved Vienna Girardi, is practically a prerequisite. And, for that matter, so is believing that it's possible to find true love on TV.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the relationship between dating and sex. How much emphasis does this show place on getting physical with someone you like? Do you think the presence of cameras influences the contestants' behavior?

  • How many contestants came for love? How many came for the money? Do you notice a difference between the male and female participants and how they approach the game?

  • Can you spot any positive role models among the participants? Is there anyone who avoids making iffy choices?

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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