Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sham dates send iffy messages about honesty, love.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Mystery Millionaire
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
MYSTERY MILLIONAIRE is a reality series featuring millionaires who temporarily give up their wealthy lifestyles in hopes of finding people who will love them for who they are and not for what they have. Each episode features a millionaire who moves into a modest home, gives up his expensive cars, and pretends to live an average lifestyle. After going on three blind dates without (hopefully) blowing his cover, he chooses the one person he thinks has real potential. After spending more time together, the truth is revealed. Follow-up segments also are offered, revealing what actually happens to the blooming relationship once the ruse is up and the cameras are off.
Is It Any Good?
Creating a false identity on a reality show isn't particularly new, but the fact that these millionaires are going out of their way to lie for purely selfish reasons makes them difficult to like. Although they aren't malicious in their intent, the fact that they justify lying to someone who doesn't have money to learn how to trust them sends troubling messages.
There are some eyebrow-raising moments, especially when these rich singles appear completely out of touch with how the average person lives. Some of these folks aren't very good at keeping their covers, either, which creates some odd tension. Overall, this series offers few positive messages about honesty, trust, or building positive relationships.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the kinds of things people do to find romance. Is lying to someone you'd like to be romantically involved with a good idea? Can any relationship be successful when people lie to each other, even if they believe they have good reasons to?
Why do you think these millionaires opted to appear on a reality show? Do you think what they're doing on this show is really to find love or to appear on TV?
TV Details
- Premiere date : May 30, 2014
- Network : WE
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 10, 2022
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