Parental Control

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  • TV-14
  • 2009
  • 7 Seasons
  • 3.3  (828)

Parental Control was an American reality TV series that aired on MTV from 2005 to 2010. The show, which was created by executive producer Karen Frank, followed parents who were unhappy with their child's partner choice and offered them a chance to find a better match. The premise of each episode would feature parents who were unhappy with their offspring’s choice in a partner. They would then choose two candidates for their child to go on dates with, while they watched and critiqued their every move.

Hosted by Shawn Turner, Parental Control featured a unique approach to traditional dating shows, where parents were allowed to have an active voice in their children's lives. The show used this dynamic to build tension and drama, often pitting the chosen suitors against each other in an effort to win the hearts of the parents.

The parents, however, were not just passive observers on the show. They were given the power to veto a date, send the current partner home early, or make a substitute pick for the date. The goal for each parent was to see if their child would choose their “handpicked” partner over their current one.

The show's panel of matchmakers consisted of Anant A.J. Jiemjitpolchai and Larisa Bates, who would evaluate each candidate on their physical appearance, interests, and personality to ensure they were suitable to the parents' standards.

Parental Control wasn't just about the dating aspect, though. The show also tackled several serious issues like dating and relationship conflicts that often cause a strain on parent-child relationships. Issues like sex addiction, communication, and commitment were tackled in a way to stimulate conversation among family members.

The show often featured classic blowouts and intense arguments between the parents and suitors offering an insight into the dynamics of modern-day relationships. Though it was a reality TV show with a predetermined premise, some of the scenes depicted were cringe-worthy and borderline inappropriate, though they provided excellent entertainment value.

Parental Control had five seasons, with each episode having a distinctive theme. Some were location-based, like “Spring Break,” which featured college students on vacation, and “Tour of Booty,” featuring US Navy personnel looking for love. Other episodes were based on the participants' cultural and religious backgrounds.

The show's popularity also led to its international adaptation. Parental Control saw spin-offs in the UK, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, and Argentina.

In conclusion, Parental Control was a TV show that used an unconventional premise to create a unique dating show. Bringing the parents into the mix and seeing their viewpoints on their children's partners and relationship preferences was an innovative approach that made for entertaining viewing. While the show was not always politically correct, it was successful in tackling critical issues and creating a platform for conversations between family members who may be struggling to communicate. Overall, Parental Control had stayed relevant and memorable, and it is unlikely any show can replace its biting sarcasm and clever commentary on dating culture.

Parental Control is a series that ran for 7 seasons (99 episodes) between February 19, 2009 and on MTV

Parental Control
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Seasons
Episode 20
20. Episode 20
January 1, 1970
Here is Mom & Dad's chance to do something about that poor excuse for a loser their daughter Mariah is dating. Each chooses someone they feel is good dating material and then sends Mariah on 2 separate dates.
Episode 19
19. Episode 19
January 1, 1970
Here is Mom & Dad's chance to do something about that poor excuse for a loser their son Jamie is dating. Each chooses someone they feel is good dating material and then sends Jamie on 2 separate dates.
Episode 20
18. Episode 20
May 21, 2010
Here is Mom & Dad's chance to do something about that poor excuse for a loser their daughter Mariah is dating. Each chooses someone they feel is good dating material and then sends Mariah on 2 separate dates.
Episode 19
17. Episode 19
May 20, 2010
Here is Mom & Dad's chance to do something about that poor excuse for a loser their son Jamie is dating. Each chooses someone they feel is good dating material and then sends Jamie on 2 separate dates.
Episode 18
16. Episode 18
May 19, 2010
Here is Mom and Boyfriend's chance to do something about that poor excuse for a loser their son Anwar is dating. Each chooses someone they feel is good dating material and then sends Anwar on 2 separate dates.
Parental Control 716
15. Parental Control 716
June 26, 2010
Here is Mom & Dad's chance to do something about that poor excuse for a loser their son Trenton is dating. Each chooses someone they feel is good dating material and then sends Trenton on 2 separate dates.
Justin
14. Justin
August 25, 2010
Justin's girlfriend may be too cool for school but definitely not for his parents.
Andreale
13. Andreale
August 12, 2010
Andreale's parents are ready to kick her boyfriend to the curb.
Sheyna
12. Sheyna
July 28, 2010
Sheyna's parents are sick of her disgusting boyfriend.
Jason
11. Jason
July 17, 2010
Jason's parents are ready to ship out their son's obnoxious. loud mouthed girlfriend.
Heather
10. Heather
July 15, 2010
Heather's parents think her boyfriend is nothing more than a big monkey. It's time to move on!
Lasherma
9. Lasherma
June 30, 2010
Lasherma's boyfriend is a huge loser that her parents want to get rid of.
Ashlee
8. Ashlee
June 30, 2010
Ashlee's parents cannot wait for her jerk boyfriend to get out.
Hannah
7. Hannah
June 30, 2010
It's time for Hannah's parents to throw her boyfriend out!
Lauren
6. Lauren
June 21, 2010
Lauren's parents are totally disgusted with her "saggy" boyfriend.
Charlee
5. Charlee
June 21, 2010
Charlee's parents think her boyfriend is a major jerk.
Kimberly
4. Kimberly
June 21, 2010
Kimberly's parents must get rid of her "shady" boyfriend.
Olga
3. Olga
June 20, 2010
Olga's parents are fed up with her disrespectful boyfriend.
Josh
2. Josh
May 27, 2010
Will Josh's parents triumph over his gross girlfriend?
Miyah
1. Miyah
May 27, 2010
Miyah's parents don't think her boyfriend is the finest thing on earth.
Description
Where to Watch Parental Control
Parental Control is available for streaming on the MTV website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Parental Control on demand at Paramount+ and Amazon Prime.
  • Premiere Date
    February 19, 2009
  • IMDB Rating
    3.3  (828)