Home Sweet Home * Different From Other Reality Shows Because It Focuses On Celebrating Differences
Created by Ava DuVernay, a social experiment focuses on real families of different backgrounds who experience a new way of life when they trade homes. The participants boldly step out of their comfort zones, taking part in each other’s daily routines, getting acquainted with new friends and neighbors, trying unfamiliar hobbies and more. Afterward, the families come together to share stories as well as their new perspectives and learnings. Their emotional, inspiring journey begins as a celebration of differences, but in the end, it might just reveal that they have more in common than they think.
KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Tiana S. comments, “This show is different from other reality television shows because it focuses on celebrating differences, things that families have in common and connecting people rather than conflicts, like many other reality TV shows.” See her full review below.
Home Sweet Home
By Tiana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11
Home Sweet Home is not just another show where families switch lives! This show is different from other reality television shows because it focuses on celebrating differences, things that families have in common and connecting people rather than conflicts, like many other reality TV shows. It really is a breath of fresh air.
Home Sweet Home is an unscripted nine-part docu-series created by Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Ms. Ava DuVernay that follows two families with very different lives as they swap homes, eat each other’s meals, meet each other’s loved ones and experience their traditions and lifestyle.
One of the best parts of the show is that Ms. DuVernay picked families that have never been on a television, had no desire to be famous and are genuinely interested in understanding other people. I love that different families, even the children, learn about other cultures and ways of life that they may not be able to experience any other way. During the social experiment, the families must remove personal photos or anything that may give the other family clues about who they are so the “switch family” really keeps an open mind while staying at their house. It’s hilarious watching the families try to guess things about each other based on what they see in their homes, like their food and decorations. It’s really cool that, at the end of each episode, the two families sit down for a meal together to share what they learned about each other and themselves throughout the experience.
Home Sweet Home is all about kindness and understanding others. The lesson in this series is to learn how to have an open mind and heart to see life through other people’s eyes. The families are able to appreciate how other lives and learn that we all want the same things at the end of the day and that we are all human.
I give Home Sweet Home 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 18, plus adults. You can enjoy a free screening of episode 4 of Home Sweet Home now through November 28 during the American Black Film Festival at www.abff.com. The series premiered on October 15, 2021, on NBC and moved to Peacock on November 12, 2021.
