Designer to the Stars: Kari Whitman

What’s the Story?

In the hectic reality show DESIGNER TO THE STARS: KARI WHITMAN, cameras follow the day-to-day experiences of a Los Angeles-based interior designer whose work brings her into the homes of celebrities like Jessica Alba and Kristen Bell. Whitman -- a slightly wacky and always enthusiastic pouty-mouthed blonde -- zips from place to place procuring the perfect granite for a kitchen counter, then slips out for a night on the town in honor of her other great passion, dogs. Watching Whitman work -- and exercise with her trainer, get a vitamin IV, and talk about her three ex-fiancés -- can be both fascinating and irritating: She's got a strong personality that might grate on some people's nerves. But even when Whitman is being bossy or cloying, she's also endearing.

Is It Any Good?

Getting glimpses of celebrities in a somewhat real-life setting can be fun, so the show works as a guilty pleasure/stay-home-sick show, but it doesn't go beyond that. As the growing popularity of the home renovation industry (both on TV and in real life) demonstrates, watching a room go from "before" to "after" can be enjoyable. And teens might enjoy the celebrity eye candy, though parents should be aware that bad language flows pretty freely, with only the major words getting bleeped.

Also, while Whitman's work ethic is incredibly solid, she could also be considered a workaholic, putting work above her health and personal relationships. Not a great message for teens. On the other hand, she's a successful businesswoman with lots of confidence, and she doesn't hesitate to correct someone if they're wrong or stand up for what she believes in. Not a bad message for teens.