WIFE SWAP

In response to concerns expressed by some in our community, I looked into just what the show “Wife Swap” was all about. I obtained a five minute presentation tape from the network and the show itself would appear to have nothing to do with sex. It has to do with family lifestyles. For example, a Mom from a “neat as a pin” conservative household switched places with an “I clean it once a year whether I feel like it or not” free spirit. The clip dealt a lot with both Moms’ reactions to how the other lived (“I can’t believe people actually live like this!”) during the first week and the kids/Dads’ reactions (“Her rules are too tough!”) the second week. Based on the tape, there is no sex or “monkey business” of any kind. It is, I believe, an interesting clash of “household cultures” and personalities and the show might be more appropriately named “Mom Swap”. The show is scheduled to air at 10PM on Wednesdays.

The Director of Programming Research for the Katz Television Group, wrote about the show in the 2004-2005 New Series Descriptions this way: “Already a smash hit in the UK and most recently awarded a BAFTA, the UK’s most prestigious television award, “Wife Swap” gives two families the rare opportunity to witness what it’s like to live someone else’s life and experiences. Two matriarchs from two households trade places for 10 days. For the first five days of the challenge, they must obey the rules of the new family’s lifestyle and adopt their daily routine – parenting, shopping housework, creating budgets and social life. For the remaining five days, these women get to run the new house their own way – a radical shock to both families. This intense new series taps into America’s voyeuristic tendencies and desires to judge how others run their households, raise their children and treat their spouses. Never before has a reality series taken such an honest inside look at the American family.”

If you still have concerns, I would be glad to show you the tape, upon request, during normal working hours (M-F, 8:30-5PM), so that you can judge for yourself. To schedule an appointment, call my assistant, Elaine Haggerty, at 410.742.4747 x 340.

Thanks and Regards,

Kathleen McLain, General Manager
410.742.4747 x 303