To the 'MILF Manor' Born — Meet the Men of TLC's Controversial Reality Series
"MILF Manor" may be TLC's most controversial series. Meet the young men who are the objects of the show's MILF contestants.
TLC has been known for pushing the envelope with their reality series such as "90 Day Fiancé" and "My 600-Lb. Life," but the cable network has hit a new high (or low) with their latest: "MILF Manor."
The premise brings together a group of middle-aged women wanting to have a relationship with younger men. The rub is that the younger men the women pursue are each other's sons.
As the Washington Post writes: "The reality show that has ignited the internet and, despite two decades of people doing all manner of self-debasing things on reality TV, has prompted an unusual level of shock, horror, disgust, laughter ... and well, again, horror. The premise of the series, which aired its third episode Sunday night, is that eight attractive single women in their 40s and 50s are matched up with eight attractive single men a few decades younger in age. The twist dramatically revealed in the first 15 minutes of the premiere — described to its unsuspecting participants as a 'unique dating journey' — is that the men are the women's sons. The goal is to find love."
But the salaciousness of the premise — based on the term MILF ("Mothers I'd Like to Fuck") — suggests something more like hook-ups. "The show has received plenty of it, from dark jokes about how Sigmund Freud would have a field day to viral clips posted to social media. There's the competition where blindfolded moms have to run their hands over the men's abs and chests to see who can identify her own son's body quickest. The scene where one mom admits to sleeping with her son's best friend, an admission that rattles her son so much that he strips naked and jumps in the pool to contemplate his existence. The clip of one man describing his mother's breasts in detail seems almost quaint after spending just a few hours in the Manor."
But one of those who developed the series disagrees. Daniela Neumann, Managing Director of Spun Gold TV, the London-based production company that created the idea and co-produced it with eOne, said, "So I'm not quite sure what the big deal is. No one's doing anything wrong. And these are all consenting adults," Neumann continued. "I don't really understand it, but I think that anything that provokes conversation is a very positive thing."
She also added that the term itself has different meaning in England. Neumann's son "told her MILF stood for 'Mother I Love Forever.'"
"I don't know about in the States, but in the U.K. it's used as a positive term."
But who are the men of "MILF Manor?" Here they are with descriptions pulled from the "MILF Manor" website.
Joey
Son of Kelle Mortense
"Joey is a bartender living in Orange County and he's also studying to get his real estate license. He's had one serious relationship in his life and was left with a broken heart. Now that he's ready to put himself out there again, will MILF Manor help mend it?"
Ryan
Son Of Shannan Diggs
"After a short career in social media marketing, Ryan moved back to Atlanta to work on his own music. He is very outspoken and although that can get him into trouble, he doesn't care what other people think of him."
Billy
Son Of Stefany
"Billy lives in Los Angeles, loves to travel, and he's pursuing a career in real estate. He always dates older women and he's quiet, yet charming. Billy is a true romantic who is looking for his soulmate. Will he find everything he's looking for in the villa?"
Jose
Son Of Pola Mochon
"Jose lives in Miami and helps with his family's fitness business. He also works as a Mexican television host and he's fluent in both Spanish and English. He's had one very serious relationship which ended 5 years ago, and he's been single ever since."
Jimmy
Son Of SoYoung
"Jimmy lives in Los Angeles and he was in the Army for 4 years. Now, he's a model and actor. He prefers blondes and he's open to dating women of all ages. In fact, his dating app is set to 65!"
Ricky
Son Of April
"Ricky works for the United States Postal Service in Detroit. He usually plays the field, but he's willing to settle down for the right woman. He's super close to his mom and feels they grew up together since she had him at a young age."
Harrison
"Harrison lives in Los Angeles with his mom and he's currently in college playing football, hoping to make it to the NFL. He is extremely fit and as a former 'male entertainer,' he's definitely got the moves to win over the women of MILF Manor."
Gabriel
Son Of April Jayne
"Gabriel is a model and a singer. He lives in Los Angeles and has a twin brother. Gabriel, his brother, and their father have a rock band together, and they regularly perform at clubs on Sunset Blvd. He is a huge flirt and has a hard time being serious in relationships. Will all of that change with one of the ladies in the villa? Watch MILF Manor to find out!"