Parents' Guide to

The Sisterhood

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Nun-to-be reality show has occasional iffy language.

TV Lifetime Reality TV 2014
The Sisterhood Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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What's the Story?

THE SISTERHOOD is a reality series that follows a group of young women as they spend five weeks in a variety of convents to determine whether they want to become nuns. Stacey, Christie, Eseni, Francesca, and Claire participate in an accelerated discernment process, which is designed to allow people to explore what they believe is their call to serve God by visiting various orders before committing to a life of religious service. The women, who are from deeply religious families, live and pray with the sisters and participate in the specific ministry and service to which the order is dedicated. Throughout the experience, the women learn what it takes to serve, including letting go of dreams of being a wife, mother, and worker in various professions. They must also learn how to focus on their relationship with God without makeup, acrylic nails, and cell phones. Although some progress naturally into it, others find themselves questioning their ability and desire to take vows and be a bride of Christ.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

The voyeuristic series offers a limited, but interesting, look at what life is like for people who choose to enter a life of religious service. But, although some of the young women appear committed to the discernment process, others seem to treat it more like a boarding school and take issue with things such as wearing the required uniforms, adhering to the curfews, and other requirements.

No doubt that folks will question why the Catholic church would allow an accelerated discernment, let alone participate in a reality series. But the show's focus is on the way the women react to the experience rather than proselytizing. It also clearly underscores the fact that a life of religious service is not easy and that those who do so must be prepared for the difficult transition.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what it means to enter a life of religious order. What is a "calling"? Why are people willing to leave everything and everyone behind to enter a religious life of service? What are the benefits of this life?

  • Do you think this reality show offers an accurate portrayal of what the discernment process is like?

TV Details

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