Parents' Guide to

Swap TV

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

Teens' journeys in each other's shoes are fun for families.

TV Syndicated Educational 2003
Swap TV Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

See all
age 10+

Based on 1 parent review

Mel632
Mel632 Adult
February 4, 2012
age 10+

Swap TV good show

I like it because it gives kids a chance to see what it is like to do other things and learn a lot about stuff. I wonder if they will have episodes about bullying and particularly the kind of bullying called gangstalking.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

In SWAP TV, Canadian teens trade lives for a weekend to experience new places, meet new people, and try new hobbies. The participants live with each other's families and take part in their regular activities, and each must complete a challenge given to them by their swapping partner. From flying to cooking, farming to competitive sports, these teens will never look at life quite the same way after walking it in someone else's shoes.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

This series reminds viewers of the benefits of looking at the world from a different perspective, which is ripe with positive messages for kids. Often the participants show some apprehension about their ability to complete the tasks set out for them, but their willingness to try always translates into the satisfaction of success. Similarly, experiencing a different way of life gives them a greater sense of respect for the diversity around them.

Kids will like watching the teens try new things and might take an interest in some of the hobbies they see in the show, which gives families a good reason to get out and try new things, see new places, and meet new people together.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the teens' experiences on the show. What challenges did the participants face when they swapped lives? What do you think would be the biggest hurdle for you? What feelings do you experience when you're put in an unfamiliar situation? How do you cope?

  • Kids: What aspects of your life are your favorites? Which would you like to change if you had the chance? If you could spend a weekend in another place, where would it be? What do you think you might learn from the experience?

  • What messages does this show have for its audience? Do you think it's trying to teach you something? If so, what? Does it inspire you to try new things?

TV Details

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.

See all recommended tv lists

Related Topics

Want suggestions based on your streaming services? Get personalized recommendations

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