Must Love Kids

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
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.
Suggest an Update
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 although this dating show is a lot tamer than The Bachelor and its ilk, since it does deal with relationships, there's always the potential for issues related to sex and sexual activity to come up. The featured women and their dates drink socially, but not to excess. Since the featured women are all single parents, there's some content related to the challenges they face.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
Dating when you have young children is a tricky proposition -- so it's no wonder the three single moms in MUST LOVE KIDS are up for letting reality TV lend a helping hand. The show follows the three featured moms as they each meet seven men. Over the course of the series, they get to know the guys and start dating them, generally in low-key situations like mixers and dinners. All, of course, while continuing to balance the demands of being a single parent.
Is It Any Good?
While the show doesn't have the crass competitive edge of more over-the-top dating series like The Bachelor, Must Love Kids' charm is largely blown by its sheer monotony. The women are nice enough, and the men seem mostly the same, but hour-long episodes feel dragged out. The show would work much better in a half-hour format.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the dating world works in real life. Is this show more realistic than other TV dating shows? Why or why not? What role does the women's single-parent status play in the show? How does that affect the way they evaluate their suitors?
TV Details
- Premiere date: July 15, 2008
- Network: TLC
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: February 24, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate