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Hey Paula

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Starring Paula Abdul, Where to watch: Bravo, Online)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 14.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Idol judge lets reality TV into her life.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Paula is generally sweet and a really hard worker. She treats her staff well, though she does criticize their work when it's done poorly. Some of her woes seem terribly shallow. She occasionally makes fun of others. Her maid, who has a thick Spanish accent, picks up Paula's dogs' poop.
  • Violence:

    Some arguing, emotional outbursts, sharp criticisms.
  • Sex:

    Some revealing clothing.
  • Language:

    Fairly frequent use of words like "ass," "hell," and "screwed," with an occasional bleeped "bulls--t."
  • Consumerism:

    Some brand names are mentioned. Paula lives a very comfortable lifestyle. Plus, she's creating and selling her own brand of jewelry on QVC, and there are many references to American Idol.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Paula is shown drinking socially (wine), and she sometimes acts in a way that many associate with -- and some have publicly alleged is the result of -- intoxication. She insists she's an insomniac and overtired.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Hey Paula

Parents need to know that this reality show follows the hectic life of American Idol judge Paula Abdul. While most of the material is fairly benign, viewers will see her curse rather frequently ("bulls--t" is bleeped; words like "ass" aren't) and make fun of other celebrities on occasion. When her life gets too stressful, Paula can get very emotional; expect to see her cry and yell in reaction.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about why Paula Abdul is considered a good subject for a reality show. What makes her stand out? Why do you think people would want to watch her life? Families can also discuss what it takes to be a successful celebrity. What kind of person is good at the business of being a star? Does the fame and recognition seem worth the amount of work they do? Does being famous appeal to you? What would be the best and worst parts of being a celebrity?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 1.0

    I love Paula...cept this show is...not for me...

    Paula's reality t.v. show is dissapointingly...very bad. The whole show consists of her playing with her dogs, her shopping, her crying, and her laughing her little, annoying nazzle laugh. I think they took this show off "Bravo!"? It's just really not good. I wanted to talk about her music though..There were no CDs to review!! Which sort of peeves me off, since she was super popular back in the 90s. So...I thought I'd just tell you. She has a so-so voice..I don't like it, personally. At all. But I love the music she does. "Straight Up", "Forever Your Girl", "Rush Rush", "Cold Hearted", and "Blowing Kisses In The Wind" are all some of the greatest songs ever. I bought her album, "Spellbound", though, the other day, and...it's not that good. I don't know about "Forever Your Girl" or "Head Over Heels", but...don't buy "Spellbound". Download the songs individually. It will save you a lot of money!! Paula is one of my favorite artists, though, after Madonna and David Bowie. I think that she should stick to dancing though; singing and reality t.v. shows just...aren't her thing...........

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