Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Racy, alcohol-soaked reality show glorifies heavy partying.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
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 :
- Last updated : November 11, 2020
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