Crash Test Mommy is a Canadian reality show produced by Paperny Films in which surrogate "mothers" (usually husbands) are left at home to cope with the demands of running a family, while the mother is taken away for a weekend of pampering.
The series premiered in Canada on the Life Network in November 2004. There are 52 episodes in four seasons, with a 5th season in production.
Crash Test Mommy premiered in South Africa on DStv's The Home Channel on Monday 11 February 2008, at 21h00.
Repeats
Tuesdays: 09h00
Wednesdays: 13h00
Thursdays: 17h00
Synopsis
Take a mom, replace her for a long weekend with someone who thinks they can do a better job and watch what happens.
In each episode of Crash Test Mommy the surrogate "mom" (who is often a guy) is challenged to two full days and nights of driving children, grocery shopping, meal prep, endless cleaning and laundry, emotional meltdowns, and more, while the real mom is whisked away for a weekend of personal pampering.
Part comedy, part chaos, Crash Test Mommy takes underappreciated, often criticised moms out of the house for a weekend away, replacing them with a know-it-all family member or friend who thinks they can do a better job with the children and the household.
The hosts whisk the mom away, leaving the "crash test mommy" to cope with the meals, meltdowns and daily challenges that are part of raising children.
Meanwhile, mom watches from her hotel via webcam, providing insights and instructions when she sees her rules being carelessly ignored.