Denise Richards: It's Complicated - NR

Voyeuristic reality series isn't meant for kids.

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Common Sense rates it
2
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details
  • TV Rating: NR
  • Network: E!
  • Cast: Denise Richards, Irv Richards, Michelle Richards
  • Genre: Reality TV

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that while this reality series -- which follows actress Denise Richards as she attempts to rebuild her life after her mother's death and her own much-publicized divorce from Charlie Sheen -- includes some discussion of family and motherhood, it's more focused on Richards' attempts to revitalize her love life and rebuild her career. Conversations about men are frequently full of sexual innuendo (including crude references to male genitals), and Richards is sometimes seen in her underwear, modeling bikinis, and even completely naked (though no private parts are actually shown). There's also some social drinking and a fair amount of strong language, though curse words like "dick" and "f--k" are bleeped.

Families can talk about the popularity of celebrity-focused reality shows. What makes these celebs' lives entertaining? Why do you think some stars are willing to discuss very private issues -- like divorce or dating -- on television? Do you think reality TV is a good forum for discussing these topics? Families can also discuss stars using reality shows to jump-start their careers. Do you think it helps or hinders them in general? Do you think the celebs featured in these shows act the same way when the cameras aren't there?

Message

Social Behavior:

While the show has some positive messages about family and parenthood, much of the focus is on Richards' previous marriage, her dating life, and living a celebrity lifestyle.

Consumerism:

The show is an obvious promotional vehicle for Richards.

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Some visible wine drinking.

Violence

Richards occasionally yells at tabloid photographers.

Sex

Some strong innuendo, including crude references to male genitals. Richards is seen in skimpy bikinis/underwear; she's also shown getting undressed and standing naked to get sprayed with sunless tanner (though no sensitive parts are shown). She goes on dates. Her pet pigs are shown mating; Richards refers to their genitals as "corkscrews."

Language

Audible language includes words like "ass" and "hell." Stronger words, like "dick," "a-- hole," and "f--k," are bleeped.

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Melissa Camacho

DENISE RICHARDS: IT'S COMPLICATED follows actress Denise Richards as she begins rebuilding her life after her mother's death and her own much-publicized divorce to actor Charlie Sheen. Helping her along in the process is her father, Irv, who moved in with Richards and her two young daughters after his wife's passing. Things are complicated by the pressure that Richards' sister Michelle and other well-intentioned friends place on her to jump into the L.A. dating scene. Oh, and she has to find a way to revive her acting career, too.

Is it any good?

2
Like most "celebreality" shows, It's Complicated has a handful of quirky moments thanks to Richards' circle of friends, her personal assistants, and her psychic. A menagerie of household pets -- including several pigs -- adds to the fray. But while these bits are lighthearted, they're overshadowed by Richards' comments about relationships and dating, which usually include subtle (and some not-so-subtle) references to her rocky relationships with Sheen and musician Richie Sambora. These conversations are particularly awkward when they take place on dates.

Ironically, while Richards claims that she wants to show the "real" her, it's painfully obvious that the series is mostly an attempt to keep her in the Hollywood spotlight. In between moments with her dad and kids are scenes of Richards taking off her clothes, posing in bikinis, and, in at least one instance, standing completely naked in front of the camera (though sensitive areas aren't shown). Meanwhile, conversations about her past and present love life are full of sexual innuendo and other strong language. As a result, while teens and adults may find this show mildly entertaining in a voyeuristic way, it's not an age-appropriate choice for kids.

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Parents and kids say

All Reviews

There are 4 reviews.

Age 17+
0


Posted on 06/18/08 by baygirl Adult contributor

TV hits new low

sad, sad, sad...especially for her daughters who will someday face the utter embarrassment that is their "mother", at least as portrayed here. self-absorbed, but even more sheen-absorbed! certainly wasn't her intention, but i'm sure she has generated a lot more sympathy for the man, and a lot less for herself. no doubt, in the midst of their ongoing battle, he is delighted to see how consumed she is by her resentment toward him, instead of the "best revenge" option, which would be to just SHADAP AND GET ON WITH HER LIFE. any devoted mother knows it's hard enough to give children all the care and attention they need without the distraction and disruption of an omnipresent camera crew. sheesh. absolutely a new low in TV. between this and "i know my kid's a star", is hollywood concerned at all about promoting what might be called psychological or developmental abuse of children? exploitation of children is just that...even if you're a famous, pretty mom.
Age 17+
5


Posted on 06/09/08 by Suzy Adult contributor

Denise Richards - A Refreshing New Reality Show!!

The Denise Richard's reality show started plugging the show sometime in April, and it looked good and I knew I would probably watch it, b/c I like Denise as an actress. Not only did I like it, I f'ing loved it! Denise is really a sweet woman, single mom, good friend, good mother, as you can clearly see from the show. She does have a swearing problem, but I could think of worse vices to have! I really can see the side of her now, that she's been so desperately trying to get across to the public - she is not a sl**, nor did she have an affair with "Heather's husband." Why should we care anyway? But, what I liked most about the show was when Denise told the audience that she was going through a difficult time with her mother's death, being a single Mom, going through a divorce, etc.. She went on to say that if there were anyone that needed her to talk about any of these things, she would like to do that.. Denise, I would love to talk with you.. I just lost my son's father in 2006, and my remaining parent, my Dad, last July 2, 2007. My mom died in 1987. I've been through a lot, and would like to write to you Denise. Do you have a p.o. Box, or does anyone know? Thanks, Suzy
Age 13+
3


Posted on 06/04/08 by mzkat7 Adult contributor

This is a pretty good show.. Hope she doesnt go south

There has been a lot of media hype about how bad this girl is.. She is after all a celebrity. If she can keep from proving the media right and stick to her grounds and clean that mouth up, I think this will be a really humorous show. They really bleep all the cuss words.
Age 13+
2

Posted on 05/25/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

it was ok to me

this show should not be for kids 12 and under some kids may not now what it means but they could find out some how.so dont lett young kids wach this movie

Adult Reviews

There are 4 reviews.

Age 17+
0


Posted on 06/18/08 by baygirl Adult contributor

TV hits new low

sad, sad, sad...especially for her daughters who will someday face the utter embarrassment that is their "mother", at least as portrayed here. self-absorbed, but even more sheen-absorbed! certainly wasn't her intention, but i'm sure she has generated a lot more sympathy for the man, and a lot less for herself. no doubt, in the midst of their ongoing battle, he is delighted to see how consumed she is by her resentment toward him, instead of the "best revenge" option, which would be to just SHADAP AND GET ON WITH HER LIFE. any devoted mother knows it's hard enough to give children all the care and attention they need without the distraction and disruption of an omnipresent camera crew. sheesh. absolutely a new low in TV. between this and "i know my kid's a star", is hollywood concerned at all about promoting what might be called psychological or developmental abuse of children? exploitation of children is just that...even if you're a famous, pretty mom.
Age 17+
5


Posted on 06/09/08 by Suzy Adult contributor

Denise Richards - A Refreshing New Reality Show!!

The Denise Richard's reality show started plugging the show sometime in April, and it looked good and I knew I would probably watch it, b/c I like Denise as an actress. Not only did I like it, I f'ing loved it! Denise is really a sweet woman, single mom, good friend, good mother, as you can clearly see from the show. She does have a swearing problem, but I could think of worse vices to have! I really can see the side of her now, that she's been so desperately trying to get across to the public - she is not a sl**, nor did she have an affair with "Heather's husband." Why should we care anyway? But, what I liked most about the show was when Denise told the audience that she was going through a difficult time with her mother's death, being a single Mom, going through a divorce, etc.. She went on to say that if there were anyone that needed her to talk about any of these things, she would like to do that.. Denise, I would love to talk with you.. I just lost my son's father in 2006, and my remaining parent, my Dad, last July 2, 2007. My mom died in 1987. I've been through a lot, and would like to write to you Denise. Do you have a p.o. Box, or does anyone know? Thanks, Suzy
Age 13+
3


Posted on 06/04/08 by mzkat7 Adult contributor

This is a pretty good show.. Hope she doesnt go south

There has been a lot of media hype about how bad this girl is.. She is after all a celebrity. If she can keep from proving the media right and stick to her grounds and clean that mouth up, I think this will be a really humorous show. They really bleep all the cuss words.
Age 13+
2

Posted on 05/25/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

it was ok to me

this show should not be for kids 12 and under some kids may not now what it means but they could find out some how.so dont lett young kids wach this movie

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