Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Single gal's search for love is sexually charged.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Ex List
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
When a local fortune teller tells 33-year-old florist Bella Bloom (Elizabeth Reaser) that she's already met the man she's going to marry -- but that if she doesn't reunite with him soon, she'll spend the rest of her life alone -- Bella launches a determined search to find her soul mate among her long list of exes and acquaintances. Along the way, she's supposed to be paying attention to the \"signs.\" But, more often than not, she's fielding mixed signals.
Is It Any Good?
The basic premise of THE EX FACTOR is hardly plausible. But the show doesn't seem too concerned with the reality of Bella's predicament, assuming that viewers will simply come along for the ride. In return, they get a zippy script that's peppered with sexual innuendo -- some of which is surprisingly bold for network TV. Still, all that sass can't hide the problems when it comes to character development. Perhaps over time, the people in Bella's world will blossom into more complex individuals. Until then, this series is at risk of dying on the vine.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the show's central premise: that a psychic tells Bella to revisit her list of ex-boyfriends in hopes of reuniting with "the one" she's supposed to marry. Is that believable? If not, does it matter? How does the show handle the topic -- with seriousness or with humor? Why is finding a husband so important at this point in Bella's life? Do you think she's ready to get married? Why or why not? And do you think that the psychic is right when she says that if Bella doesn't find the right guy in a year, she'll never find him?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 3, 2008
- Cast : Alexandra Breckenridge , Elizabeth Reaser , Rachel Boston
- Network : CBS
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : March 14, 2020
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