The entire show is a commercial for Barbie/Mattel, the Barbie movie, and the HGTV network's shows' stars. Every Barbie-loving kid will want a toy Dreamhouse after watching this show. Also lots of other very visible logos for products throughout.
Language
a little
Some rude-ish language like "oh my God" and "shut up," but used in a positive and complimentary context.
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The designers and judges have diverse backgrounds when it comes to race, gender, age, sexual orientation, and body size (and Barbie doll-related imagery is similarly diverse as well). Some designers specifically mention representation -- like how much it meant to them as a child to have a Black Barbie. Host Ashley Graham is a supermodel with a larger body type and counters the Barbie body stereotype.
Competitors and Barbie superfans are positive role models who are good sports about the competition.
Educational Value
a little
Some opportunities to learn about the design aesthetics of various decades, as well as general home design tips.
Positive Messages
a little
Positive messages around inclusion and overcoming adversity; heavy dose of consumerism dampens Barbie's shine a bit. The show matches the brand's modern emphasis on the idea that girls from all backgrounds can do anything.
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge is a competition show in which designers renovate a real home to look like a Barbie Dreamhouse toy. Supermodel Ashley Graham hosts, the contestants are a variety of HGTV stars, and the judges are a bunch of design A-listers like Jonathan Adler and Christian Siriano. There's not much iffy content, with the exception of the heavy promotion throughout. While it's a super-entertaining series, parents should know that Dreamhouse Challenge is one giant commercial for HGTV shows and the Barbie brand.
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What's the Story?
In BARBIE DREAMHOUSE CHALLENGE, eight teams of TV-host home designers compete to turn a real house into the iconic children's toy. Each team is assigned a different room of the house and has a week to transform it into Barbie style from a specific decade. The show details important moments in Barbie history as well as design styles from various decades. The design teams are matched with a Barbie superfan, and the winning team's fan will get to stay in the house. The designers are also playing for a charitable donation to be made in their name. Judges choose the team that wins each week's face-off, and the winning teams advance to the "pink carpet finale."
Kids who love typical home renovation shows will find this one especially dreamy. The Barbie-themed room designs are perfection: whimsical, painstakingly detailed, and very, very pink. The Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge designers also do a great job explaining their inspiration and process, so design-minded kids will enjoy learning some tips. There's a smidge of reno-show drama, but it's not mean or over the top. While the show comes on strong with the Barbie promotion, it also emphasizes the modern brand's inclusive and girl-power messages.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
What are all of the things this show is trying to advertise to you? What is the show obviously trying to get you to buy? What is the show trying to promote a little more sneakily? Do you think this marketing has worked on you?
Do you know how the Barbie brand has been criticized (promoting unattainable body ideals, wearing revealing clothing)? How do you think this show is trying to positively influence Barbie's public image?
What era of design do you like the most? Do you think you can draw a room or an outfit inspired by that time period?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
suggesting a diversity update.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
By Ashley Moulton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
