One Week to Save Your Marriage
Parents say
Based on 5 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 -- which focuses on marital relationships on the brink of collapse -- is meant for adults, not children. Couples talk about their problems frankly, often with anger, name-calling, and tears. Problems include lack of intimacy and romance, which leads to discussions about sex. Couples who are parents are challenged on the behavior they're modeling for their kids. The show can be difficult and even sad to watch at times, especially for kids who are trying to figure out their own relationships or are dealing with a divorce. Mature teens may be able to learn something from the conflict-resolution processes, but chances are they'll be more interested in the melodrama.
Community Reviews
Report this review
Real people, real experiences.
Report this review
What's the Story?
Division of domestic chores, working too many hours at the office, financial pressures, lack of intimacy in the bedroom -- these are just some of the challenges discussed by the couples in ONE WEEK TO SAVE YOUR MARRIAGE, and it's up to renowned psychotherapist Dr. Robi Ludwig -- who has a bag of tricks, years of experience, and a mission -- to save these marriages on the brink of divorce. From a van parked outside, for seven days Ludwig watches each couple's interactions as they're filmed on video cameras stationed throughout their home. She sees and hears accusations, tears, and anger that are heart-wrenching to observe. Ludwig then challenges the couple with exercises and tasks to help them face their hidden resentments, develop healthy communication skills, and reignite the romance that is typically long-gone. Each episode concludes with a mock \"wedding\" in which Ludwig asks each couple if they want to save their marriage -- and, if so, gives them their rings back.
Is It Any Good?
One Week to Save Your Marriage is for adults only. It's about the pressures that adults face in marriage long after the honeymoon phase is over and covers topics that kids and teens haven't yet experienced on their own.
Many kid viewers may be familiar with divorce from their own experiences, but watching other people's name-calling, crying, shrieking arguments, and intimate discussions about lack of sex doesn't provide any useful lessons for kids and teens, no matter how their family is defined.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the challenges of all long-term relationships -- whether between spouses, roommates, or best friends. Why are clear communication and responsive listening so important in any relationship? How do the show's exercises help people communicate? Parents can also point out the different phases the couples on the show go through -- negotiation, compromise, and resolution.
TV Details
- Premiere date: August 7, 2006
- Cast: Dr. Robi Ludwig
- Network: TLC
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: March 1, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Shalom in the Home
Dr. Phil in a yarmulke meets Supernanny. Teens OK.
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