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Parental Control was an American reality TV series that aired on MTV from 2005 to 2010. The show, which was created by executive producer Karen Frank, followed parents who were unhappy with their child's partner choice and offered them a chance to find a better match. The premise of each episode would feature parents who were unhappy with their offspring’s choice in a partner. They would then choose two candidates for their child to go on dates with, while they watched and critiqued their every move.

Hosted by Shawn Turner, Parental Control featured a unique approach to traditional dating shows, where parents were allowed to have an active voice in their children's lives. The show used this dynamic to build tension and drama, often pitting the chosen suitors against each other in an effort to win the hearts of the parents.

The parents, however, were not just passive observers on the show. They were given the power to veto a date, send the current partner home early, or make a substitute pick for the date. The goal for each parent was to see if their child would choose their “handpicked” partner over their current one.

The show's panel of matchmakers consisted of Anant A.J. Jiemjitpolchai and Larisa Bates, who would evaluate each candidate on their physical appearance, interests, and personality to ensure they were suitable to the parents' standards.

Parental Control wasn't just about the dating aspect, though. The show also tackled several serious issues like dating and relationship conflicts that often cause a strain on parent-child relationships. Issues like sex addiction, communication, and commitment were tackled in a way to stimulate conversation among family members.

The show often featured classic blowouts and intense arguments between the parents and suitors offering an insight into the dynamics of modern-day relationships. Though it was a reality TV show with a predetermined premise, some of the scenes depicted were cringe-worthy and borderline inappropriate, though they provided excellent entertainment value.

Parental Control had five seasons, with each episode having a distinctive theme. Some were location-based, like “Spring Break,” which featured college students on vacation, and “Tour of Booty,” featuring US Navy personnel looking for love. Other episodes were based on the participants' cultural and religious backgrounds.

The show's popularity also led to its international adaptation. Parental Control saw spin-offs in the UK, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, and Argentina.

In conclusion, Parental Control was a TV show that used an unconventional premise to create a unique dating show. Bringing the parents into the mix and seeing their viewpoints on their children's partners and relationship preferences was an innovative approach that made for entertaining viewing. While the show was not always politically correct, it was successful in tackling critical issues and creating a platform for conversations between family members who may be struggling to communicate. Overall, Parental Control had stayed relevant and memorable, and it is unlikely any show can replace its biting sarcasm and clever commentary on dating culture.

Parental Control is a series that ran for 7 seasons (99 episodes) between February 19, 2009 and on MTV