The Ex and the Why
By Melissa Camacho,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Getting back together is focus of MTV reality show.
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What's the Story?
THE EX AND THE WHY is a reality show featuring folks from across the United States who want a shot at getting their ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend back in a big way. Each episode features two young adults who regret breaking up with their former boyfriends/girlfriends, and want to pull out all the stops and meet them on camera to ask them to take them back. Their exes, who have been told that they are appearing on TV to receive an unexpected surprise, are sent to a location and blindfolded in anticipation of the big reveal. Once the blindfolds come off, the participants try to convince their exes to take them back. Some reveals lead to positive endings, while others leave broken hearts unmended.
Is It Any Good?
From apologizing for cheating to convincing an ex that they have matured enough to be worthy of being taken back, the young adults on this voyeuristic series are trying to convince their ex-partners that they are truly committed to rebuilding their relationships by making grand, on-camera gestures. But most of the show focuses on the big reveal, and the time spent talking about what makes a healthy relationship is pretty minimal.
The unpredictable and often awkward outcomes make the series entertaining, but one has to wonder if these folks are serious about rekindling these romances, or if they are more interested in appearing on a reality TV show. Nonetheless, teens who like this sort of thing will probably find it worth tuning in for.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about relationships. What makes a healthy relationship? When do you know that a relationship is no longer working? What kind of messages does the media perpetuate about love, romance, and relationships?
Why do you think the participants on this show agreed to approach their exes on a reality show? Is this decision really designed to convince their exes of their love, or are they doing it for other reasons?
TV Details
- Premiere date: April 21, 2014
- Network: MTV
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: February 26, 2022
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