We all laughed back in 2008 when 30 Rock joked about MILF Island, a reality competition show featuring hot moms vying for the attentions of young men. We shouldn’t have. Because it turns out this absurdity was prophecy. YouTube
TLC
The good news is that, unlike 30 Rock’s MILF Island, TLC’s MILF Manor does not feature eighth grade boys or battles at “Erection Cove.” The bad news is that, somehow, MILF Manor is way worse.
On the surface, the premise is tawdry, but not egregious: attractive older women and younger men are looking for love in a lavish mansion on the beach.
The women range in age from 44 to 60. They’re beautiful, lively, and, for the most part, unabashedly prefer the company of younger men, who can keep up with them.True Photography/TLC
TLC
This woman calls herself “Disco Mommy,” which gives you a not terrible idea of the personalities of the contestants. And you know what? You do you, Disco Mommy. We stan a middle-aged queen who embraces her desires and knows she’s cute!
The men range in age from 20 to 30 and appreciate more mature women: in some cases, older women are “a must.” Others say they are there to find their soul mate.True Photography/TLC
About 15 minutes into the episode, however, we are let in on the shocking* twist** of MILF Manor: the men are all sons of the female contestants!*predictable**less a twist than an unavoidable cringeTLC
Here’s the thing, though: none of the contestants of MILF Manor are particularly good actors, and it is very clear they were either in on the premise or had guessed it. Of course, this isn’t to say there were some genuine surprises...TLC
Probably none of them had guessed that they’d be playing a game where the mothers run their hands over the torsos of the contestants to identify their sons.
...Or that this “game” did not immediately induce everyone to quit on the spot...
...Or that one of the moms would complain that her son keeps “cock-blocking” her...
TLC
Truly, the most surprising part of this twist (which, again, basically everyone predicted) is that it somehow didn’t launch Sigmund Freud cigar-first out of his grave.API/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images
