 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
9 by Design
- Bravo
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
Hipster parents hawk their design firm amidst family chaos.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this reality show -- which involves a set of working parents and their seven kids -- features a decent amount of bleeped swearing in moments of frustration (which appears in some episodes more than others) and audible language such as "damn," "hell" and "piss." The show also functions as an advertisement for the couple's top-dollar design firm, Sixx Design, and glamorizes city living in upscale digs that cost upwards of $15 million.
What's the story?
In the reality series 9 BY DESIGN, New York City home designers Robert and Cortney Novogratz are pretty comfortable with chaos. After all, when the series begins they've already got six kids ranging in age from 11 to 3 months with another one on the way. And while some might consider them crazy, their risk-loving approach to work and family has paid off with a successful business and a rotating line-up of beautiful, well-designed homes that they live in for a short time before moving on to the next project. They crave a world that's constantly changing...and that's exactly what they've got.
Is it any good?
In the already-crowded realm of reality television, 9 by Design is Bravo's response to the families-with-multiples trend, and the Novogratzes prove fitting subjects -- particularly for style-conscious urban-dwellers who view the ever-expanding Duggar clan (of TLC's 19 Kids and Counting franchise) with a blend of alarm and bewilderment. Sure, all of the Duggar children's names start with the letter "J," but the Novogratzes have upped the ante by naming their kids Wolfgang (11), Bellamy (10), Tellulah (10), Breaker (8), Five (3), Holleder (3) and, most recently, Major (3 months).
Between multiple moves and new house projects, playdates, and delivering babies, there's rarely a dull moment here. But some of the best times are when the cameras stop to catch the kids in action. While a very pregnant Cortney is lifting wing chairs over her head, big sister Bellamy is playing diplomat over a bunk bed spat and middle kid Breaker is showing 3-year-old Holleder how to put his clothes away. No, the Novogratz family isn't "normal," but you get the sense that what they've got works.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about consumerism and how the series subtly (or not-so-subtly) promotes the couple's design business. Why would Robert and Cortney agree to open up their personal and professional lives to viewers at home? What do you think they're getting out of it?
Does the series come across as overly scripted, or relatively unplanned? How does that mirror the couple's design sensibility and their joint approach to parenting?
Do you think this is a good show for families to watch together? Why or why not?
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- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
NOT WORTH WATCHING....
The father repeatedly takes the Lord's name in vain...swears "God Dam__ It!" and, "Jesus Christ!!!"....throughout the show. The parents love living in the chaos they've created. This is ONE LOUSY, BORING SHOW! NOT WORTH WATCHING....
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AGE
The dad is kind of a douch bag!
The dad is a total douch bag, who lies outright to his wife, while she's busy with the kids in the first epsiode. I like the mom okay so far though.
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Kid, 12 years old
May 31, 2010
AGE
The show really shows how hard work can pay off and how you can balance your job and have a family (of 9). Verizon Wireless and Sixx Design is showed. Some smoking and drinking. No underage drinking
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | Bravo |
| Cast: | Cortney Novogratz, Robert Novogratz |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
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