There is a myriad of ingredients that can make for a successful reality show recipe, and I have to confess I am not always a “healthy eater” when it comes to what I consume. But, when I tune into new episodes of A&E’s Born This Way, I know I am getting my recommended weekly allowance of two of the most nutritional (and most uncommon) ingredients: sincerity and heart.
It's the show w/ "stunning revelation & emotion." Tune in to #BornThisWay Tuesdays at 10/9c! https://t.co/vNWrbwLM8j pic.twitter.com/29066wbCGc
— A&E Network (@AETV) December 12, 2015
In case you were unaware, Born This Way documents the lives of seven young adults with Down syndrome, as well as their friends and families. “Throughout the series, they pursue their passions and lifelong dreams, explore friendships, romantic relationships and work, all while defying society’s expectations,” reads the network’s description of the show.
Here is a preview clip that gives you a glimpse:
When I first tuned in to the premiere I knew very little about Down syndrome, and after watching five episodes, I am overwhelmed by the gift of awareness the show provides; not only of individuals (and they are all VERY much individuals) with Down syndrome, but also their families.
Despite the vast differences between the seven main cast members, the one thing they all seem to have in common is a propensity for saying exactly what they are thinking or feeling. The result is not only refreshingly entertaining for those of us reality TV junkies accustomed to deception and the intentionality of reality stars trying to act like reality stars, but it also creates some very real, and often very emotional, moments.
Nowhere is this phenomenon more evident than in the relationship between show star Megan Bomgaars, 22, and her mother, Kris (photo above). I don’t even know where to begin to describe the open, honest, and loving relationship these two women share — and they are willing to allow the cameras to capture all of it for us.
As an example, Megan is very open about her dream of getting married and having her own children, probably due in large part to the fact that she has such a great relationship with her mother. However, because of her disability, having children just may not be an option.
In a scene in which Kris and Megan are enjoying a stroll along the beach, featured in the preview above, the topic comes up and Kris does an impossibly hard thing by telling Megan she may have to “reconsider” that dream. And remember, this is from Kim, a single mom (Megan’s dad left when she was very young), who is doing EVERYTHING she can to make all of her daughter’s dreams come true. Sincere, emotional moments like these are so rare for reality television — but not for Born This Way.
Before I scare any potential viewers away by making you think this show is just a series of heavily emotional scenes, let me say that the seven main cast members’ “propensity for saying exactly what they are thinking or feeling” creates plenty of the awkward, hilarious, and sometimes downright cringe-worthy moments — aka drama — that most all of us look for in a reality series. To keep with the recipe metaphor, think of the show as a healthy desert.
As I mentioned above, the show is not only about the seven main cast members, but also about their families. Perhaps it’s because the parents are so used to having to be straight forward and honest with their children who have Down syndrome, but they are almost just as straight forward and honest with each other and the audience.
In one scene with all of the parents, it is brought up that one state is considering legislation in regards to allowing or not allowing abortions after it is discovered that the baby will have Down syndrome. (This show pulls no punches!) There is a bit of silence in the group before Kris says, “I don’t know if I would judge a mom. I do support pro-choice — I am pro-choice — and it would be sad for a mom who would miss an opportunity to have a baby that could teach them so much real feeling.”
I think that sums up my message to those of you who haven’t seen Born This Way yet: It would be sad for a TV viewer who would miss an opportunity to watch a show that could teach them so much real feeling.
The Born This Way Season 1 finale airs tonight at 10/9c on A&E, but you can catch up by watching all of the previous episodes on AETV.com.
In a bit of good news for fans (and future fans) of the show, A&E announced last week there will be a Born This Way Season 2! “We have been overwhelmed and moved by the feedback we’ve received for Born This Way from viewers, as well as people with disabilities and their family members.” said Frontain Bryant, Executive Vice President & Head of Programming, A&E Network. “It’s rare to be able to present a show that changes the way we see the world; we believe Born This Way is one of those shows.”
“I am thrilled the series will return for a second season,” says Executive Producer Jonathan Murray, “and I want to acknowledge the invaluable support we have received from advocacy groups for the disabled, especially RespectAbility and Best Buddies International who have been tirelessly spreading the word.”
