Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Televised search for love has an iffy premise.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Bachelorette
What's the Story?
Building on the success of long-running reality dating show The Bachelor, this spin-off gives a jilted bachelorette who didn't get the proposal she was looking for on The Bachelor a second chance to find true love among her own pool of 25 single men. In an elimination-style series of one-on-one "dates" and group challenges, she gradually whittles her prospective suitors down to just one lucky guy, who's presumably the man she's going to marry.
Is It Any Good?
Unless you're a sucker for overwrought romance, THE BACHELORETTE is downright difficult to watch. The dramatic drive-ups in a limousine, the emotional rose ceremonies, the dramatically lit mansion with the glowing fireplaces -- it's all a bit much for a thinking person. But one thing's for sure: This show succeeds in preying upon our subconscious desire for fairy-tale endings.
While the bachelorette herself seems to have true intentions, it's unlikely that kids will learn any meaningful lessons from her search -- except that they should never, ever, sign up to become a future Bachelorette contestant.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the success rates of reality shows that purport to help people find "true love." What are the disadvantages to meeting your future spouse on a nationally televised dating show? Are there any advantages you can think of? Do you think the bachelorette's prospective mates are really looking for romance -- or their 15 minutes of fame? What about the bachelorette herself? Do you think her motives for being on the show are 100% genuine?
TV Details
- Premiere date : May 19, 2008
- Cast : Chris Harrison
- Network : ABC
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 20, 2022
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