Glam God with Vivica A. Fox - TV-PG

Label-heavy styling contest is all about looks.

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Common Sense rates it
3
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details
  • TV Rating: TV-PG
  • Network: VH1
  • Cast: Vivica A. Fox
  • Genre: Reality TV

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that kids will see lots of labels in this red carpet-loving reality show, which embraces celebrity worship and stresses the importance of looking good from every angle. A lot of the brand names featured aren't exactly affordable, either. For example, a Vera Wang party dress used in one challenge retails for at least $300. There's also a bit of mild language, and a few of the contestants smoke and drink.

Families can talk about why celebrity magazines like Us Weekly are so popular, particularly with teens and twentysomethings. Do you think people in general have become more obsessed with movie, TV, and music stars? Do you take your style cues from pictures of celebrities you see in magazines, or do you draw inspiration from other sources? If you see a celebrity wearing a particular pair of sunglasses or a certain designer handbag, are you more likely to buy it? Why or why not?

Message

Social Behavior:

The show celebrates celebrity worship and embraces the art of image-making, stressing the importance of the right outfit, the right hair, and the right make-up. On the plus side, the contestants are a diverse bunch. Most are positive role models who are passionate about what they do, though a few seem prone to needless drama.

Consumerism:

The show is described as being "inspired by" Us Weekly magazine's regular "Who Wore It Best?" feature. An Us Weekly bureau chief is one of the judges, and the magazine is mentioned in every episode. Bluefly.com, Charles Worthington London hair products, Stila cosmetics, and l.a. Models also get plenty of shout-outs -- and the show touts designers like Vera Wang, too.

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

A few contestants smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol, but they're all of age.

Violence

A few shouting matches, but nothing physical.

Sex

One contestant likes to dress in drag when he's partying.

Language

Cursing of any kind is rare. But a few milder words ("ass," "damn") are audible, while stronger language ("s--t," "f--k") is bleeped.

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Kari Croop

In VH1's GLAM GOD WITH VIVICA A. FOX, 12 contestants compete in a series of elimination-style challenges for $100,000, the chance to style a celebrity for Us Weekly magazine, and the opportunity to be represented by a "major styling agency." Their work is judged by host Vivica A. Fox, who compares notes with stylist-to-the-stars Phillip Bloch and Us Weekly bureau chief Mel Bromley to determine which would-be stylist will be going home next.

Is it any good?

3
True, Glam God is heavy on commercialism, and it doesn't do much to stem the ever-growing tide of celebrity worship. But it's a watchable guilty pleasure that will likely stay on the TV schedule thanks to a roster of contestants who are both entertaining and talented. For example, there's a chic-looking stylist named Tigerlily who has a trumped-up accent that's difficult to trace (a bit like Madonna's Britishisms). And the flamboyant Bo? Well, he's a Southern boy with a signature style that includes an updated Prince Valiant bob. Dee-lish.

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