Parents' Guide to

Neighbors with Benefits

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 17+

Swinging couples share their lives in mature reality show.

TV A&E Reality TV 2015
Neighbors with Benefits Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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What's the Story?

NEIGHBORS WITH BENEFITS is a reality series that showcases the swinger lifestyle in the outwardly quiet suburban neighborhood of Hamilton Township, Ohio. It stars self-proclaimed swinging ringleaders Tony and Diana McCollister, who are committed to hunting and recruiting attractive couples to become part of their community. Although some of the local couples are willing to experiment, Mark and Aimee, who practice faith-based monogamy, respectfully speak against it. Conflict arises as some couples curiously explore trading partners, while other, more seasoned "lifestylers" struggle with the rules their community is expected to follow. Regardless of their behavior, everyone's aware that their choices are considered by many to be very taboo.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Neighbors with Benefits offers viewers a glimpse of the swinger lifestyle, which encourages couples to partner intimately with members of other twosomes to enhance their own relationships. It highlights behaviors unique to the lifestyle, including the use of code words and other etiquette designed to keep lifestylers from blurring the lines between their swinging relationships and committing all-out infidelity.

There's lots of reality drama, but most of it is designed to highlight the hedonistic pleasure the lifestyle promises while pointing to the many physical and emotional risks its adherents take. Some of the moral arguments against this way of life also are addressed, embodied by Mark and Aimee. It's not a subject that will appeal to everyone, and it's definitely not for kids, but the show is an interesting glimpse into a particular way of life.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the reasons people choose to appear on reality shows. Why are these people choosing to go public with their private lives? What are the benefits of sharing your life openly?

  • Families can talk about strong relationships. How important are trust and commitment? What makes a relationship last over the years?

TV Details

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