TV Show spotlight
Surviving Marriage
Married couples on the verge of divorce take part in an extreme form of therapy in hopes of saving their relationships. Akin to being locked in a room and told to work it out -- sort of -- one couple on each episode spend five days together on a secluded South Pacific island. Without modern conveniences and with limited access to food and water, the husband and wife have to rely on each other to survive the challenging conditions, including when they take part in physical and emotional exercises designed by marriage counselors. Guiding viewers are clinical psychologist Dr. Colleen Long and family therapist Tom Kersting, who explain how the participants are faring during the often-volatile journey. On the final day, the couple decide if they want to remain married or call it quits.
Insights
Plot Summary
The series follows the complicated lives of a recently separated couple who, despite their marital woes, continue to navigate their shared lives and relationships. They must learn to co-parent and maintain a semblance of normalcy while dealing with the emotional fallout of their separation.
Critical Reception
Surviving Marriage received a mixed to negative reception from critics, with many finding the premise to be a rehash of similar storylines and citing a lack of originality. Audience reactions were similarly divided, with some appreciating the relatable portrayal of marital strife and others finding the characters and situations frustrating.
What Reviewers Say
Some critics found the show's exploration of post-separation life to be occasionally insightful.
A common criticism was the lack of a fresh narrative perspective on the familiar theme of divorce.
The performances were generally noted as being solid, but insufficient to elevate the material.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this series, but the limited feedback suggests viewers were often divided on its humor and dramatic elements, with some finding it too slow-paced or predictable.
Fun Fact
The series was originally developed under the title 'The J List' before being retitled 'Surviving Marriage'.
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