Parents' Guide to

Jersey Shore: Family Vacation

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Reunion vacation stirs up old drama, lots of drinks.

TV MTV Reality TV 2018
Jersey Shore: Family Vacation Poster Image

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

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What's the Story?

JERSEY SHORE: FAMILY VACATION, a late installment of the Jersey Shore series of shows, features seven of the original cast members vacationing together in Miami Beach. Former housemates Deena Nicole Cortese, Paul "Pauly D" Del Vecchio, Jenni "JWoww" Farley, Vinny Guadignino, Ronnie Ortiz-Magro, Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino, and Nicole (formerly known as "Snooki") Polizzi staying together in a posh house, where they hang out and drink, and then drink some more. While they enjoy their time together, sometimes old conflicts start to re-emerge, new issues come up, and wild behaviors abound.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (2 ):

This outlandish series features most of the original Jersey Shore cast behaving in the wild ways they were known for back in the day. From endless partying and occasional hookups with Miami locals, to crazy antics like carrying around a life-size doll representing missing cast member Sammi "Sweetheart" Giancola, the gang finds fun in being over-the-top. Adding to the drama are many drunken fights over events that occurred years ago.

Some cast members admit to leading more mature lives off-camera (Nicole and Jenni are moms, recently married Deena is grieving her father's death, and Mike is now sober and facing serious legal troubles), and view the experience as a chance to take a break from their day-to-day lives. But others don't appear to have grown up much over time. They may not be relevant to a new generation of MTV viewers, but Jersey Shore: Family Vacation will appeal to the franchise's loyal fans.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why the Jersey Shore franchise is so popular. What do the show's original fans like about it? Do you think new generations of MTV viewers find Jersey Shore: Family Vacation as appealing?

  • Why does the cast choose to behave the way they do on camera, especially when they live more mature and responsible lives at home? What messages are they sending when they drink and argue so much?

TV Details

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