Swab Stories

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Swab Stories is a reality television series that aired on VH1 in 2015. The series follows Jared Rosenthal, the owner of a mobile DNA testing service that operates out of an RV. The TV series covers stories of people who are seeking answers to questions they have about their genetic relationships, including biological relationships like paternity.[1]

Premise

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The show features Jared Rosenthal, who provides mobile DNA testing services from his RV laboratory.[2] Each episode includes clients who approach the RV with questions regarding their familial relationships, like paternity or sibling confirmations. These DNA tests often lead to dramatic revelations and emotional moments of closure or connection.[3]

Production

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Swab Stories premiered on VH1 on April 29, 2015, and ran for one season. Jared Rosenthal became the face of the show with his two RV trucks.[3]

Reception

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The show received mixed to positive reviews. Critics praised its emotional depth and unique premise, and also raised questions about the ethics of broadcasting such personal family matters on reality television. A review in the Washington Post featured an episode of two sisters in Washington, D.C., who were separated at birth and reunited on the show."[4]

On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, Swab Stories holds no critical score.[5]

Legacy

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Swab Stories ran for one season. Jared Rosenthal became widely recognized for his unique "Who's Your Daddy?" van.[2]

References

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  1. ^ Rosenthal, Jared (2015-04-28). "VH1's 'Swab Stories' takes DNA testing to NYC streets". New York Post. Retrieved 2024-08-27.
  2. ^ a b "Jared Rosenthal Talks VH1's Swab Stories". Health Street. 30 April 2015. Retrieved 2024-08-27.
  3. ^ a b Flegenheimer, Matt (2016-11-09). "Rolling DNA Labs Address the Ultimate Question: Who's Your Daddy?". The New York Times. Retrieved 2024-08-27.
  4. ^ Izadi, Elahe (2015-05-21). "D.C. sisters separated at birth finally get closure on a VH1 reality show". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2024-08-27.
  5. ^ "Swab Stories". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 2024-08-27.