Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Harrowing true crime tales of domestic violence, survival.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Worst Ex Ever
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
WORST EX EVER, a spin-off of the docuseries Worst Roommate Ever, tells the stories of men and women who survived deadly encounters with their ex-spouses and partners. It offers detailed accounts of the events that led to people being stalked, harassed, abused, and brutalized by their once-significant others. One woman was nearly killed by her new boyfriend, who unbeknownst to her had a long history of committing violence against women. In another story an estranged wife who, with the help of her mother, tried to kill her husband to get sole custody of their toddler. Interviews with survivors, along with their friends and family members, offer details about the abusers' past, and how complicated and frightening the relationships became over time. Law enforcement agents and lawyers involved with each case also share their observations, and in some cases address what are characterized as failures in the legal system, which fail to fully protect victims of these crimes. Archive police footage and animated reenactments of events also help deconstruct the events that transpired.
Is It Any Good?
The disturbing series offers straightforward accounts of people's experiences dealing with abusive ex-partners and how they're coping today. Interviews with survivors reveal when they noticed that their partners began to exhibit odd or disconcerting behaviors. Those close to them share what they witnessed while these couples were together, including what they believe were red flags that signaled problems in the relationship, and which ultimately culminated in terrible acts of violence. These conversations, along with the accompanying animated sequences that reenact what is being described, do not include a lot of extremely graphic or sensational details. Still, Worst Ex Ever is produced to be entertainingly harrowing, and viewers may feel a bit of paranoia about their current and future partners after watching. Nonetheless, it allows the voices of survivors to be heard clearly and loudly without being overly exploitative.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what domestic violence and intimate partner abuse is, and its impact. If you or someone you know needs help, The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available via phone, chat, or text for support.
Why do abuse survivors agree to tell their stories on true crime TV series if they are meant to be entertaining? What do the survivors on Worst Ex Ever stand to gain by doing so?
TV Details
- Premiere date: August 28, 2024
- Cast: Justine Siemens , Seemona Sumasar , Eric Hill , Amanda Canales
- Network: Netflix
- Genre: Reality TV
- Character Strengths: Courage
- TV rating: TV-MA
- Last updated: September 9, 2024
Did we miss something on diversity?
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.
Suggest an Update
What to Watch Next
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.
See how we rate