• SumoMe

Mama's Boys of the Bronx airs on TLC at 10/9c.

In continuation of reality television’s fascination with Northeastern Italians and overall dopey males, TLC premiered its new series “Mama’s Boys of the Bronx” which follows a handful of men in their late 30’s who are completely reliant on their mothers to function. Everything from finding the toothpaste to finding a spouse is run through their mothers.

The pilot episode involved one of the men getting engaged, which in their circle is the first step towards leaving mom’s home. Many of the men express their wishes to do the same, but can’t seem to find a suitable partner who wants to wait on them hand and foot in their mother’s home. Go figure.

The show was pretty boring, as most reality television is. The whole thing sort of felt like a comedy written by Mindy Kaling. However, it was interesting to me that these self-proclaimed macho men are just like grown children in the sense of having neither the ability nor the motive to make their own sandwich. Can you really blame them though, considering their mother is willing to take on that responsibility? Who is actually at fault here is hard to tell. On the one hand you’ve got a guy who wants to live with his mother to prevent having to take care of himself, and on the other hand you’ve got a mother willing to help someone who won’t help himself.

In the end, it might not be a problem at all–these guys are certainly willing to call themselves Mama’s boys, and more power to them. It’s not hurting anyone, after all, except for the people who spend half an hour watching an entire episode. My advice? Skip the show, and take steps for the next 30 minutes to ensure you aren’t growing into this mold.

Have you seen the show? What are your opinions? Give your review in the comments below.