Coming Out Colton
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Coming Out Colton
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Coming Out Colton is an unscripted TV series that follows former NFL player and The Bachelor cast member Colton Underwood as he negotiates life as an openly gay man. It includes scenes of him coming out to friends and family, as well as conversations about the challenges and joys of living life openly as part of the LGBTQ+ community. It also addresses some of the difficulties associated with trying to hide one's sexuality, including engaging in violent, antisocial behavior, and attempting suicide. There's also some cursing, drinking, and brief conversations about abusing prescription drugs. Sexual innuendo is also present. All this being said, the overall series is positive and empowering.
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What's the Story?
COMING OUT COLTON is a reality series that follows former NFL player Colton Underwood living his life as an open member of the LGBTQ+ community. Underwood, who is also known as a cast member in The Bachelor franchise, shares what his life is like now that he is living his truth. Cameras follow as he comes out to his family, friends, and to the general public, and works at knowing and accepting himself. He also addresses some of the more controversial issues in his life, including his well-publicized, and very disturbing, behavior toward former girlfriend andThe Bachelor 2019 winner Cassie Randolph. Throughout it all, the joys of living life on his own terms, and the challenges and fears associated with being gay (especially in the athletic community) are discussed.
Is It Any Good?
The voyeuristic but earnest series features Colton Underwood negotiating his life after coming out as gay after years of suppressing who he is in the heteronormative worlds of sports and Hollywood. Underwood openly talks about how the expectations placed on him as an athlete and as a Catholic made it harder for him to come to terms with who he is, and the pain that this has caused him. Noting his ignorance about many cultural aspects of the LGBTQ+ community, he also seeks guidance and validation from LGBTQ+ athletes and community leaders, including Olympic skier Gus Kenworthy and former NFL players like Michael Sam and Esera Tuaolo.
Coming Out Colton features lots of positive and empowering moments, along with awkward and uncomfortable scenes. While many viewers will find the conversations both helpful and inspiring, some may take issue with Underwood's decision to use an unscripted TV format as the vehicle to document his journey. Granted, this isn't wholly unexpected, given his Bachelor experience, but watching him come out to his closest family members on camera adds a spectacle-like quality to the experience. Nonetheless, the overall series addresses some very important and deeply personal issues, while underscoring how it's important and courageous to be who you are.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the challenges associated with being a member of the LGBTQ+ community and participating in sports. What are the stereotypes and stigmas associated with sexuality and athletics? Will this every change?
Why did Colton Underwood choose to come out to his family on camera? Was this done to make Coming Out Colton more entertaining? How could these empowering moments be highlighted while not featuring them on camera?
TV Details
- Premiere date: December 3, 2021
- Cast: Colton Underwood, Donna Underwood, Scott Underwood
- Network: Netflix
- Genre: Reality TV
- Character Strengths: Communication, Compassion
- TV rating: TV-MA
- Last updated: February 28, 2022
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