'Suddenly Amish,' an eight-part reality series on TLC and Discovery+, attempts to immerse six strangers in a traditional Amish community, but the show feels highly staged and lacks authenticity. The premise involves participants living with an Amish family for a month, with the possibility of joining the church. However, from the outset, the series is plagued by dubious scenarios and manipulative editing.
Obvious Setups and Dubious Casting
The show's casting raises immediate questions. Kendra, a former party girl and OnlyFans account holder, arrives in a tiny halterneck dress, seemingly with producer approval. Billie Jo, an Amish cosplayer who condemns Kendra as 'slutty,' is found to have a sex toy in her suitcase. Aaron, a 42-year-old evangelical preacher's son who lost his virginity only a decade ago, also has a hidden disability—hearing impairment—which is revealed crassly when his phone is confiscated for Bluetooth hearing aids. Critics note that Amish communities typically allow technology for medical devices.
Lack of Insight and Manipulative Editing
The series fails to provide genuine insight into Amish life. Conflicts are manufactured, such as Esmeralda's meltdown over losing false eyelashes and acrylic nails. Attractions between participants and Amish hosts, including third cousins once removed Emma and James, feel orchestrated. Bigger reveals, like a participant coming out as bisexual, are held for later episodes to maintain drama. The show's reliance on obvious setups and lack of truthfulness mirrors the 'L'Oréal eyelash problem,' where the line between acceptable shaping and outright lying is crossed.
Questionable Authenticity
Bishop Vernon, the community leader, claims the community needs new blood due to inbreeding, a statement that seems unlikely from a traditional Mennonite leader. The show's depiction of Amish life is heavily skewed for entertainment, with little educational value. As one reviewer notes, 'None of it rings true, none of it is insightful, even by accident.' The series ultimately feels contemptuous of its audience and disrespectful to the Amish community.
