The Girls Of Hedsor Hall

Watch The Girls Of Hedsor Hall

  • 2009
  • 1 Season
  • 5.4  (75)

The Girls Of Hedsor Hall is an American reality TV show that originally aired on MTV in early 2009. This show follows 12 young women from across America as they are introduced to the world of high society and etiquette at Hedsor Hall, a British finishing school for young ladies.

The show's premise revolves around the idea of taking a group of women who lack social graces and teaching them how to become proper, refined ladies. It's a classic fish-out-of-water story, with the young women facing challenges like curtsying, dining etiquette, and even horseback riding.

The Girls Of Hedsor Hall is hosted by former Miss USA Tara Conner, who herself faced controversy and public scrutiny during her reign as the Pageant's winner in 2006, following reports of substance abuse and wild behavior. Ms. Conner went on to receive treatment and continue rehabilitation, and became a strong advocate of drug and alcohol recovery. She was enlisted by MTV to serve as both a guide and a mentor to the young women on the show, having gone through similar trials and come out on the other side.

Over the course of the show's eight episodes, the participants learn a range of skills from formal gown fittings, to horseracing and makeovers, and apply them during their stay at Hedsor Hall, all while being monitored 24/7 under tight, demanding rules of decorum. Some of the girls are more motivated and diligent than others, and one of the emerging themes is the conflict and tension that arises within the group, particularly as they are pitted against one another in contests and tasks. There are confessional-style interviews with each girl, showcasing their inner thoughts and reactions to the various events and challenges that arise during their stay at the estate.

The architecture and stunning 100-acre estate of Hedsor Hall, located in the Buckinghamshire countryside, is a character unto itself, and is an incredibly valuable addition to the show. With its period architecture and imposing demeanor, Hedsor Hall is a world away from the girls' hometowns and everyday lives in America, and acts as both the setting for the show and as a key figure in the transformation of the young women.

The finale of the show involves a final ball, where the participants have an opportunity to put all their new skills into practice. Dancing skills are tested, and there are various challenges, surprises and shock eliminations leading up to the crowning of the winner of the show. The ending presents a major surprise and the Girls' reaction to this as well as their reactions in general to the experience at Hedsor makes for compelling viewing.

While some critics may say that The Girls Of Hedsor Hall is one of many reality shows that present a distorted portrayal of reality, with contrived competitions and artificially-created drama, it still manages to provide a compelling and fascinating glimpse into a world that most of us will never experience. The show provides a certain level of entertainment, but also showcases the efforts of the young women to overcome their own limitations and rise above any personal trials or prejudices.

In conclusion, The Girls Of Hedsor Hall is a reality TV show that showcases a group of young women who must learn how to fit into high society and become proper, refined ladies. The setting of Hedsor Hall and the involvement of a former beauty queen as host add to the allure and charm of the show. Although some may argue that this show is contrived and artificial, it still provides a glimpse into a world that many people will never get to experience, and teaches valuable life skills that the participants will carry with them as they go forward.

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Seasons
The Trust
8. The Trust
January 1, 2009
The girls learn that one of them will be going home that night after their final tests in etiquette, cooking, and flower arrangements.
Reflection
7. Reflection
January 1, 2009
The girls are made responsible for new students at Hedsor Hall that seem even worse than their own group.
Job Training
6. Job Training
March 21, 2009
The girls get a taste of the real world, London style, as they are introduced to their next challenge. They are challenged to work for 24 hours at the Palm Hotel in London, as cooks, housekeepers, and receptionists.
Country Weekend
5. Country Weekend
March 14, 2009
Now that the competition has dwindled to only half a dozen girls, the instructors need to make things even more challenging. They inform the girls that a group of eligible bachelors will be visiting for a country weekend. The girls are expected to be proper hostesses, and remain ladylike through the whole weekend, even while the boys spend the night at Hedsor Hall!
Anger Management
4. Anger Management
March 7, 2009
The sordid pasts of the women are on display and they must learn to control their emotions.
Expanding Horizons
3. Expanding Horizons
February 28, 2009
In order to expand their horizons, the ladies attend a pheasant hunt and prepare a complex meal.
Etiquette
2. Etiquette
March 2, 2009
The ladies abuse a wine-tasting lesson.
Assessment and Appearance
1. Assessment and Appearance
February 9, 2009
The twelve contestants arrive at Hedsor Hall and immediately realize this is not the lifestyle they bargained for.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    February 9, 2009
  • IMDB Rating
    5.4  (75)