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Coolio's Rules

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Starring Coolio, Jarez Posey, Artis Ivey, Where to watch: Oxygen, Online)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Parenthood is this rapper's new paradise.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–16

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Coolio claims to have given up the partying life of a successful gangsta rapper and is taking advantage of his chance to be a hands-on father to his almost-adult children. His approach isn't perfect, but he clearly loves his kids and wants a family life with them. He demands that his daughter's dates be respectful. Some of Coolio's rules are designed to set boundaries and teach his kids a work ethic; the kids don't always respect them. Occasional references to his past relationships and his divorce. Some sexist references.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Occasional arguments between Coolio and his kids, especially between father and son. Occasional references to Coolio's music, which is notorious for violent lyrics, but nothing violent is really heard.

  • Sex:

    Lots of sexual innuendo, including references to Coolio's past as a ladies' man. Coolio discusses his personal dating and relationship needs, often using terms like "hot-ass women" and arguing that good cooking will make a "woman's panties come right off." Occasional conversations about teen dating issues; one of Coolio's rules is that his children are/were not allowed to date until they're 16.

  • Language:

    Audible language includes words like "bitch," "ass," "hell," and "damn." Stronger curse words like "f--k" and "s--t" are bleeped. Coolio occasionally curses in front of his kids, usually when he gets frustrated.

  • Consumerism:

    Occasional clips from Coolio's music, music videos, and concerts.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Visible alcohol consumption (wine, beer, mixed drinks).
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Coolio's Rules

Parents need to know that this reality series follows Grammy-winning rapper Coolio as he attempts to build a family life with his nearly grown children. While his approach to parenting isn't always the best, he loves his kids and tries to instill some positive values in them. The show's list of iffy stuff includes strong language (words like "bitch" and "ass" are audible; "f--k" and its ilk are bleeped), sexual innuendo, and sexist references. Coolio sometimes discusses his past life as a partying womanizer, and some episodes feature family arguments, especially between Coolio and his son.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about TV shows that feature "real-life" celebrity families. Why do you think these families choose to make these shows? Do you think they act the same way when the cameras aren't there? What makes these particular families "TV worthy"? Would your own family life make a good reality show? Why or why not? Families can also discuss how parents and children reinvent their relationships. Is it ever too late for a parent to establish a closer relationship with his or her kids, even if the kids are nearing adulthood?
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