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Surviving the In-Laws
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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 Surviving the In-Laws sometimes seems like a reality show, but it's actually a semi-scripted series based on true stories. Some of the humor seems to reinforce stereotypes about in-laws. It features lots of catty exchanges and arguments (some leading to threats of violence), a few iffy words ("damn"), and some drinking. Small children are sometimes shown acting out or behaving inappropriately (like stealing and pretending to smoke cigarettes).
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What's the story?
SURVIVING THE IN LAWS is a loosely scripted series that tells the stories of adult couples coping with their in-laws. It features creative dramatizations of humorously hair-raising interactions with meddlesome, eccentric, and/or just plain difficult parents based on compiled interviews and anecdotes. From a couple trying to plan a wedding amidst the strife between the groom's mother and his stepmom, to finding a way to get in-laws to leave their home after overstaying their welcome by a few weeks, the details of each uncomfortable event is shared with the help of one-on-one interviews and videotaped footage.
Is it any good?
Thanks to the comedic performances of the couples, Surviving the In-Laws offers some laugh-out-loud moments as adult children attempt to talk, negotiate, bribe, and even fire their meddlesome and/or difficult in-laws in order to get them out of their hair. Meanwhile, the interactions between the cast members feel so genuine that you may find yourself wondering if this is a reality show rather than a semi-scripted series.
The show sometimes feels like it relies on some of the negative stereotypes about in-laws to get some laughs. But the fact that the events featured here are based on true stories gives it some substance. Some folks might be able to relate to what they see here, while others will simply find it funny.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about the way that in-laws are featured in the media. Why are in-laws and stepparents often portrayed as being difficult, eccentric, or even evil? Where do these characterizations come from? Do these media representations create and/or reinforce existing stereotypes about them?
What exactly is a semi-scripted series? What makes this different from a reality show?
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