Television Review: Jon & Kate Plus 8
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that because the 2009 season of this
reality show brings infidelity and divorce front and center, we
increased our recommended age. The accusations and their
consequences have spawned a media frenzy, with each parent
looking terrible. Otherwise, the show remains focused on how
the parents (especially mom Kate) often respond to
chaos-imposed stress by bickering and picking at each other.
While adult viewers will probably empathize with their tense
emotions, young kids may not understand the context of the
heated comments and could be upset by them -- especially since
infidelity is a subject that kids under 12 won't be able to
grasp, and divorce is one that is likely to upset them. Even
then, this show is best reserved for older viewers.
Families can talk about how the media portrays families. Is
there a "standard" family type in today's TV shows? We also
recommend that parents who do let their kids see this show talk
about the issues is raises and inject their wisdom and
experience into the scenes the show portrays.
Jon and Kate Gosselin and their boisterous brood -- twins Cara and Mady and sextuplets Hannah, Alexis, Leah, Collin, Joel, and Aaden -- have spawned a mini-industry of "multiples" reality shows. The early episodes proved that when it comes to managing a hectic family life, where there's a will, there's always a way. But the 2009 season polarizes the parents' relationship with accusations of infidelity and a fall-out that includes filing for divorce. While the bulk of what you'll see will still revolve around birthday parties and seasonal outings, the series does somewhat exploit the daily ups and downs of life with two energetic sets of multiples. Expect to see plenty of footage of the physical and emotional challenges of balancing the children's individual needs with the struggle for harmony at home.
We can't imagine why kids would want to see this show. But we can see how parents might get some enjoyment out of it, since they can relate to many of the issues Jon and Kate face (if on a slightly smaller scale). But some parents may be turned off by the frequently snide comments that Kate makes about Jon, both in his presence and out of it. ("He takes longer to get ready than I do, and that's really irritating," or "Can you please help me instead of playing with toys?") Her seeming negativity, while understandable in her situation, often becomes the focal point of the show, and young viewers won't fully understand the stresses that lead the adults to talk to and about each other the way they do.
Little People, Big WorldRaising Sextuplets
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
Member Comments On...
Television Review: Jon & Kate Plus 8
0 |
The show was nice and informative in a way that many couples get new strategies and simple ways to raise their kids, big or small family. However, if you are watching Kate & Kate plus 8, and then want to see people that are even more disgusting then check out the Hoarders TV show. The Hoarders TV show, or Hoarders, as it's called, is a new series on A&E, is all about people who hoard stuff - sometimes called packrats. The subjects on the show stockpile a large amount of stuff, most of it useless, and refuse to get rid of it - cluttering their house to no end, and making everyday life difficult. People like the subjects of the Hoarders TV show will even borrow money to add to their burdensome collections.
10 |
I have a totally different oppinion!! My family and I have watched Jon and Kate for awhile but it seems that her "expected" quips and attitudes only get worse over the seasons. I thought that she was progressively behaving more spoiled, but I think she is just finally getting used to the cameras and acting more like herself. Even the personalities of the older twins reflect that of the "Mom and Dad". Jon busts his fanny to help and be a good Dad and NOTHING is EVER good enough! It is not simply nerves or stress and anyone who has watched over the years can see it. I worry what affect her behavior will have on Jon and the children when they are older....
7 |
I love this show and cant believe how organized they are. I dont agree that Kate's remarks are "snide" and I dont think she seems "negative" AT ALL!!! Jon is a crack up, Kate is great at running the show and they make a perfect couple!!
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