Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
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based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dating show sets sail with flirting, kissing, drinking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Real Love Boat
What's the Story?
Inspired by the1970s classic scripted series The Love Boat (1976–1990), THE REAL LOVE BOAT is an unscripted dating series featuring folks looking for love on a cruise ship. Hosted by real-life married couple Rebecca Romjin and Jerry O'Connell, the show welcomes 12 singles who are looking for love aboard a Princess cruise ship for a Mediterranean voyage. As they go on dates and participate in challenges designed to test couples on how well suited they are for each other, they also get advice from the ship's captain, Paolo Arrigo, cruise director Matt Mitcham, and bartender Ezra Freeman. A few former Love Boat cast members also offer some insights. At each port of call, two singles are eliminated and two new singles join the fray. At the end of the trip, one lucky couple wins $50K and a luxury cruise.
Is It Any Good?
The campy dating series features lots of awkward scenes and romantic moments as singles get to know each other and make decisions about who they want to date. Despite lots of skin-revealing bathing suits, flirting, and a few cheesy one-liners, The Real Love Boat's main focus is about finding love rather than steamy sexual hookups. Meanwhile, catty behavior is kept to a minimum as contestants do their best to be polite and upbeat throughout the process. Folks who enjoy more provocative unscripted dating shows may find The Real Love Boat lacking, but those who prefer a milder voyeuristic coupling experience may find it worth checking out.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about using a classic romantic comedy series like The Love Boat as the premise for a contemporary dating reality show. Aside from the name and the cruise liner setting, do the two TV shows have anything in common?
Does the cast of The Real Love Boat really expect to find love? What else can be motivating them to participate on the series?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 5, 2022
- Cast : Jerry O'Connell , Rebecca Romijn
- Network : CBS
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 16, 2022
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