How to Get the Guy

TV review by Lucy Maher, Common Sense Media
How to Get the Guy Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 13+

Reality TV by way of a self-help book; teens OK.

ABC Reality TV 2006
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Parents say

not rated for age

Based on 1 review

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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 this dating reality show is all about helping four women find a mate. It explores relationship issues that, while not objectionable for teen audiences, might be a bit over their head.

Community Reviews

christinax
christinax Adult
April 9, 2008
not rated for age

I watched! I laughed! I was bored!

I was pretty excited for this show, as a single woman in San Francisco, I figured I'd get some tips and at least have some fun watching love hijinks. Instead I get the same recycled love advice. They could have portrayed the goings-on in a more exciting manner, but the show kind of drags, really. The scenarios aren't outlandish enough to be funny, but not realistic enough to apply to your own life.
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

In ABC's HOW TO GET THE GUY, relationship counselors teach four women the art of attracting and landing a mate. Bubbly Anne, \"the girl next door,\" has trouble letting guys know she's open to their advances, while Kris, \"the party girl,\" drinks too much and, as a result, sabotages her chances of making a good impression. Michelle, \"the career girl,\" is so certain about what kind of guy she wants that she's closed to unexpected possibilities, and Alyssa, \"the dreamer,\" only seems to date guys within her social circle. Guiding the foursome are Love Coaches JD and Teresa, who give a he said/she said perspective and literally create situations -- from parties loaded with single men to bookstore visits in which Anne must make eye contact with nearby male shoppers -- in which the women can implement the lessons they're learning.

Is It Any Good?

While the show's title might make viewers think they're in for a repeat of The Bachelor, How to Get the Guy is anything but. Audiences will empathize with the four women looking for love. They're dynamic, smart, and endearing, as are JD and Teresa, who have only the group's best interests in mind.

How to Get the Guy takes what's good about reality television and a smart documentary and mixes them to create a positive dating show. The only drawback (besides the fact that the women are buttonholed into character archetypes) is that the dating situations familiar to countless twenty and thirtysomethings might fly over the heads of younger viewers.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what it's like to date. What can teens expect when they start dating? How should you act on a date? Do teens think they'd turn to someone else (a Web site, a matchmaker, reality TV) to help them find a significant other? What do they think of people who do?

TV Details

Our Editors Recommend

  • Meet or Delete Poster Image

    Meet or Delete

    Dating game with a twist; OK for older teens.

    age 16+

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