Parents' Guide to

Separation Anxiety

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Fun relationship-themed quiz show has language, sexy talk.

TV TBS Game Shows 2016
Separation Anxiety 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?

SEPARATION ANXIETY is a game show featuring couples who must demonstrate how much they know each other for a major cash prize. Hosted by comedian Iliza Shlesinger, it puts couples to the test by having them answer questions about their relationship. The twist? Only one member of the duo knows that they are playing for $250,000. After being separated under false pretenses, the person who is aware of what is going on must pick the categories of questions to be answered and watch as their significant other attempts to answer them. The person answering the questions is unaware of how high the stakes really are. Throughout it all, bonus questions are thrown in for kicks, as are comedic gags, often played by co-host Adam Ray. The person answering the question determines their fate -- either by answering every single question correctly to win everything, giving a wrong answer and losing everything, or voluntarily ending the game to keep what they've already won.

Is It Any Good?

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

The entertaining relationship-based quiz show offers some humorous, nail-biting moments as couples play the lopsided game with only one of them stressing through it. Adding to the fray are the laughs generated by some quirky and sometimes silly moments created by Adam Ray, which are interspersed throughout the competition to provide some much-needed comic relief.

It's fun, but some of Shlesinger's banter feels a little ill-timed given the high levels of anxiety at least one of the players is experiencing. But these moments aren't distracting enough to take away from the overall experience. Even if you're not into game shows, you can't help but get caught up in this one.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about quiz shows. What makes them entertaining? Who comes up with the questions? How do contestants get chosen? Why do people want to be on the shows? What kinds of things (if any) can we learn from watching (or playing) these shows?

  • How are the relationships on this show portrayed? Do you think the questions asked are fair? Why, or why not?

TV Details

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