Calling all families who could use a spoonful of sugar

Intrigued by the cobblestone streets and gas lamps of Back Bay and Beacon Hill, an ABC reality television show is looking for a Boston family with naughty children.

Producers of "Supernanny" are searching for families with situations the show hasn't tackled before, such as households with single dads or with kids who have to shuttle between parents in different homes, said casting director Nick Gilhool. The show is also interested in families with adopted children, kids who are bullied in school or are bullies themselves, and career-oriented parents who are often away on business trips.

The family will have to open their lives to television cameras for two weeks in exchange for counseling from the show's resident authority, 35 -year-old Jo Frost, author of "Supernanny: How to Get the Best From Your Children."

A New England family has never been featured on the show, according to casting associate John Magennis, who said it would be interesting to film in Boston because urban settings present different obstacles for parents.

"The show for some reason tends toward suburban families in housing developments that all look the same," Gilhool said. "Boston is such a strong neighborhood city," he said, it would provide an appealing contrast.

Gilhool noted that "Supernanny" has also never had an immigrant family, a family in subsidized housing, or a family with same-sex parents, but is open to the possibilities.

While they already have three strong candidates from Boston, producers are encouraging more Bostonians to apply so they can choose from a larger pool. The number for the show's casting hot line is 877-626-6984.

Producers will select 10 families from across the country, but Magennis, who is from Massachusetts, said he thinks "Boston has a better chance than any other city.

"I want to get my home city on the show."

JULIE MASIS