My Strange Addiction

Parents say
Based on 3 reviews
Kids say
Based on 10 reviews
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 this series features people struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorders. The frequent scenes showing them engage in this behavior, or the wounds that occur as a result, may be disturbing to young and/or sensitive viewers. Limited information is offered about the cause and/or cure of these behaviors.
Community Reviews
Funny sometimes but also sad might give kids nightmares
Report this review
Self Harm I
Report this review
What's the Story?
MY STRANGE ADDICTION tells the stories of people who are struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorders. Cameras follow as they engage in addictive behavior like eating toilet paper, sleeping with their blow dryers, and extreme exercising. First-time meetings with psychological experts are also featured.
Is It Any Good?
The series takes a superficial look at some people's disturbing and dangerous obsessions that have the potential to mutilate their bodies and/or potentially kill them. It also features conversations with concerned friends and family members who mean well, but are unable to offer the support needed to curb their behavior.
Brief interviews and meetings with therapists reveal the importance of dealing with compulsive behaviors, but the series doesn't offer a lot of detail about the actual compulsions or what leads to them. As a result, the images of people engaging in these behaviors seem more voyeuristic than educational.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about obsessive-compulsive disorder. What do you know about these kinds of addictive behaviors? If you or someone you know seems to engage in these kind of behaviors, where can you go to get help?
When do images intended to shed light on a person's symptoms or behavior become too much? What is the difference between being informative and being voyeuristic?
TV Details
- Premiere date: December 29, 2010
- Network: TLC
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: July 2, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love reality TV
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