The Only Way Is Essex
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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 Only Way Is Essex is a sexy British reality series with lots of references to having sex, plus scenes with women and men partially dressed (but no nudity). Expect some strong language ("f--k"), and lots of drinking, too. Characters seem mostly concerned with dating and relationships, beyond all else.
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What's the Story?
THE ONLY WAY IS ESSEX is a British reality series about a group of adults living it up in the county of Essex. Among the folks the show follows is club promoter Mark Wright, his sister Jessica, Nick Norcross, the son a local nightclub owner, aspiring model Amy Childs, and boutique shop owner Lauren Goodger. Joining them is DJ and model Lauren Pope, and bar workers Michael Woods and Candy Jacobs. From parties and outings to relationship drama, these folks show the world why Essex is the place to be.
Is It Any Good?
The soap opera-ish series, which is characterized as a a "structured" reality series due to its preplanning of events for entertainment purposes, offers a voyeuristic look into the lives of 20- and 30-year-olds in the Southeastern British county. But most of the show's focus is on the casts' romantic relationships, which range from finding someone to date to complicated love triangles. It's also hard to follow some of the shorelines, thanks to the show's large cast.
It's not as wild as the American reality shows like Jersey Shore, and many of the conversations about Essex and the people who live there will be lost on those who are not familiar with the community or culture. Some reality fans might find the endless parade of fake eyelashes, fake tans, and fake boobs entertaining, but ultimately, there's not a lot going on here.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the difference between TV shows in the United States and those produced in the United Kingdom. What kinds of things are permissible to show in Great Britain that aren't acceptable here? Are there things that can be shown on US television that can't be shown there?
What is the difference between an unscripted show and a reality series? How can a reality show be considered "reality" when events are preplanned?
TV Details
- Premiere date: January 25, 2014
- Cast: Kirk Norcross, Lauren Goodger, Mark Wright
- Network: Hulu
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-MA
- Last updated: March 31, 2022
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