Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Age-focused dating contest has drinking, cursing, flirting.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Back in the Groove
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Hosted by Taye Diggs (whose film debut, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, is this show's inspiration), BACK IN THE GROOVE is a reality dating series featuring 40-something women hoping to find love with men half their age. Three women check in "The Groove Hotel" in the Dominican Republic, headed up by Pedro Salamanca, a.k.a. Pedro the Concierge, which also houses 24 younger men. As the women get to know them and decide with whom they have a romantic spark, those who fail to meet their standards must check out and go home. But some of the cast members are keeping secrets, which makes the situation a bit more interesting.
Is It Any Good?
The formulaic series attempts to turn the tables on traditional reality dating scenarios by giving "older" women the power to choose potential partners among eager younger men. Outside of the flirtatious behavior, innuendo, and tension between the men vying for their attention, the women appear to be searching for men who demonstrate a maturity more common in older men. On the flip side, there are moments when the women appear to be talking to contestants as if they were teenagers, and mothering is sometimes a theme. All of this gives the show an odd overall vibe. But Back in the Groove refrains from being too catty or cut throat, and tries to keep the insults, which are often uttered by Pedro the Concierge, to a minimum. Not everyone will appreciate the characterization of 40-year-old women here, but if you like dating competitions, you'll find it mildly entertaining.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the popularity of dating competitions. What makes them appealing? Do you think people really make long-lasting connections on these TV series?
What messages is Back in the Groove sending about age differences and romantic relationships? About being a woman over 40? What are younger audiences expected to take away from this?
TV Details
- Premiere date: December 5, 2022
- Cast: Taye Diggs , Pedro Salamanca
- Network: Hulu
- Genre: Game Shows
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: February 12, 2024
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