The Catalina
Racy, alcohol-soaked reality show glorifies heavy partying.
Kids say
Based on 1 review
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
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.
Suggest an Update
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 The Catalina is a risqué reality series that makes light of young adults behaving badly at a Miami party hotel. Guests and staff members engage in excessive drinking, casual sex (it's not shown, but there's plenty of talk about it and a lot of making out onscreen, between both opposite-sex and same-sex couples), offensive remarks (usually directed at women's body parts, although the ladies rarely mind the attention), and swearing ("f--k" is edited, but everything else flies). Staff members brag about using their sex appeal to entice sales and tips (and some are very open about their wide-ranging sexual appetites), and alcohol plays an essential role in partygoers' enjoyment of the goings-on. The show offers nothing in the way of positive behavioral models for teens.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
THE CATALINA is a reality series that follows the staff of Miami's South Beach hotspot, The Catalina Hotel. The show trails employees as they prep for special events, fill guests' unusual requests, and try to stay ahead of the competition in this popular vacation destination. Headed up by hotel owner Nathan and general manager Stephanie, staff members mix work and play in this notorious party venue.
Is It Any Good?
On a scale of unpalatable voyeuristic reality TV, The Catalina ranks about a hair's width above Jersey Shore, and that's only because the demeaning stereotypes aren't quite as pronounced among the Floridians as they are among Jersey's famed guidos. Plenty still exist, from flamboyantly gay Eyal to the hunky pool boys who troll for girls while they're on the clock, but the cast and their lifestyles are so ridiculous that it's hard to take anything about the content seriously.
Of course, seeing The Catalina from a teen's viewpoint gives it an entirely different and far more disturbing perspective. While a full-grown adult is likely able to look disparagingly on the behavior of these twentysomethings because of their age, teens could be looking up to them as role models, and none of the cast's sexy, intoxicated, irresponsible actions paint this partying lifestyle in a positive light.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stereotypes. Is it ever OK to laugh at stereotypes? Is the effect different when it's done in a comedy format rather than in reality?
Teens: Do you think reality shows like The Catalina ever tell the whole story behind the characters' actions? What purpose do they serve? Are they harmful? If so, to whom?
How does the media reflect society's changing tolerance of things like sexuality, drinking, and violence? Does the media always follow these changes, or does it play a role in influencing them?
TV Details
- Premiere date: May 29, 2012
- Cast: Malwina Morgan, Nancy Sayegh, Stephanie Andron
- Network: CW
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: February 25, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
30 Days
Opening minds, one month at a time. Teens and up.
-
True Life
Gritty -- but provoking -- reality show.
-
This American Life
Compelling true stories from all walks of life.
For kids who love reality shows
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