Parents' Guide to

Sorority Girls

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Young women critique others in cross-cultural experience.

TV TLC Reality TV 2011
Sorority Girls 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?

SORORITY GIRLS is a reality show featuring five American women seeking to launch Britain's first-ever fully initiated sorority. Sigma Gamma sisters Amelia, Arianna, Devan, Dominique, and Hannah travel from various American universities to Northern England to find young women at the University of Leeds who have the potential to join Sigma Gamma. Fourteen girls are chosen after participating in interviews and other activities to become pledges and move into the Sigma Gamma House. Once there, they must prove that they have the class, style, and leadership required in order to be fully initiated. Each week the pledges are put to the test, and those who fail to impress are eliminated. In the end, only five young women will become full-fledged sorority sisters, and be responsible for its continued success in the United Kingdom.

Is It Any Good?

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

The reality series offers a glance into the pledging and initiation process of American sororities. Outside of this, however, it's not clear what it is this show is trying to accomplish. While some of the values the Sigma Gamma sisters impose on the pledges are universal (like dressing appropriately or behaving respectfully), many of them seem to be focused on very American norms of behavior, and exclude some of the aspects of British culture that could make this exchange interesting.

The American Sigma Gammas are pretty dull, thanks to appearing overly rehearsed and stereotypically superficial. As a result, the show falls pretty flat. Those who appreciate the Greek system may still find the show fun or nostalgic enough to watch, but viewers who are unfamiliar or critical of it will probably take issue with the values being presented here. Some may also find the presentation of British women eagerly willing to embrace this very American university tradition in their own country a little problematic, too.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about fraternities and sororities. What are some of the stereotypes surrounding women in a sorority? Do you think this shows like this one challenge or reinforce these stereotypes?

  • What are some of the show's messages about different cultures? About female roles in society? About image and "appropriateness"?

TV Details

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