Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Designers dress positive role models for special occasions.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
In ON THE ROAD WITH AUSTIN AND SANTINO, Project Runway alumni Austin Scarlett and Santino Rice are on a cross-country mission to design special-occasion outfits for deserving women -- from a champion trick horse rider to a captain in the U.S. Army. Using local stores and resources in the woman's hometown, the designers collaborate on a look they both like -- but it's more important to them that the woman loves it.
Is It Any Good?
On the Road won't change the world. But it's still nice to see a makeover series that doesn't feed into a woman's insecurities by making her feel like she needs to overhaul everything -- hair, make-up, and wardrobe -- to look presentable. These women are fine the way they are; they'd just like to feel special on a special night.
It's also a solid pick for Runway fans who miss seeing Austin and Santino in action. They're arguably two of the series' most charismatic personalities, and they live up to those reputations here. But since their egos always come second to their subject's experience, they also reveal themselves to be relatable ... and refreshingly human.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about makeover shows' emphasis on outward appearances, focusing on whether they're helpful or hurtful. Can a woman look great in a simple outfit -- like a T-shirt and jeans -- without makeup and overdone hair?
How does this series compare to other makeover shows on TV? What does it do differently -- and does it work?
How do Austin and Santino deal with conflict when they don't agree on a design? Do you think they'd behave differently if they were competing against each another on a different kind of show?
TV Details
- Premiere date : July 29, 2010
- Cast : Austin Scarlett , Santino Rice
- Network : Lifetime Television
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 19, 2019
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