Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is - TV-14

R&B singer's family reality has strong themes.

TV Rating: TV-14 Network: BET Cast: Keyshia Cole, Manny Halley Genre: Reality TV
Available on: Download

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that while this reality series -- which follows R&B singer Keyshia Cole as she attempts to reconnect with her estranged mother and other troubled family members -- features positive messages about family and survival, it also includes frank discussions about substance abuse, spousal battery, child abandonment, adultery, and other strong issues. Arguing, yelling and cursing (with words like "s--t" and "f--k" bleeped) are also common, and there's some drinking.

Families can talk about the appeal of "celebreality" shows. Why do viewers enjoy watching musicians, actors, and other stars navigate everyday life? Are their lives relatable? Why or why not? Families can also discuss the impact that substance abuse can have on families. What happens to children when a parent abuses drugs or alcohol? How do children cope when an addicted parent abandons them? What happens when these kids grow up?Why do some people (like Keyshia) succeed in overcoming their difficult pasts while others can't seem to?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Melissa Camacho

Reality series KEYSHIA COLE: THE WAY IT IS follows R&B singer Keyshia Cole while she tries to reconnect with her dysfunctional family.

Abandoned at the age of 4 by her drug-addicted mother, Frankie, Cole spent her youth living with a foster parent in the tough neighborhoods of Oakland, Calif.. Now a successful singer-songwriter who has recorded with artists like Sean Combs and Missy Elliott, she finds herself wanting to reconnect with her family -- especially with her troubled mother.

Throughout the process, Cole finds herself having to face some of the harsh realities of her childhood. She must also come to terms with older sister Neffie's inability to successfully move beyond the streets of Oakland and build a better life for her own daughters.

In an effort to leave the past behind, Cole relocates Frankie, Neffe, and her young nieces to her new home in Atlanta so that they can rebuild their lives. Her manager, Manny, and her assistant, Ronique -- who have relocated to Georgia to help her with her career -- support her efforts. But Cole's hopes of creating a positive family environment are frequently challenged by her mother's inability to cope with the demons from her past. Meanwhile, Neffe tries to fit into this new world but finds it hard to let go of some of her bad habits.

While the show is a promotional vehicle for Cole's music (she's recording and promoting an album throughout the series), its primary focus is on the value of family and the importance of overcoming your past. It contains some difficult moments, particularly when Frankie and Neffe are confronted with the consequences of their negative behavior. But it also offers a glimpse into a family that, despite its hardships, seems to genuinely want to make it work.

Fans may also enjoy Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane and Bridging the Gap.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Discussions about infidelity, including an alleged affair between Neffe's estranged husband and her cousin. Keyshia doesn't allow casual male visitors in the home; both Neffe and Frankie find this problematic.
Violence Some yelling, screaming, and throwing furniture (sometimes during counseling sessions), but no one gets physically injured. Many discussions about violence, including references to incidents witnessed in Oakland, CA. Frankie describes almost being beaten to death by a boyfriend. Neffe talks about her desire to kill her husband after she found him cheating.
Language Language includes words like "hell" and "ass." Stronger words like "s--t" and "f--k" are bleeped.
Message
	Social Behavior Keyshia and Manny claim that they're never too busy for family. Keyshia reconnects with family and friends in Oakland. She relocates her sister, her nieces, and her estranged mother to her home in Atlanta so that they can have a better life and sets boundaries for them while they live in her home. Both her mother and sister engage in some inappropriate behavior and cause occasional problems. Keyshia is open about her troubled background, but there is a clear distinction between her upper-class lifestyle and Frankie and Neffe's more hardscrabble one. The cast is African-American.
	Commercialism The series is a promotional vehicle for Keyshia's music. Frequent references to a variety of other R&B and rap artists. Range Rovers and Mercedes-Benz vehicles clearly visible. Some local Atlanta spas and merchants also visible.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Consumption of alcohol (wine, champagne, mixed drinks) sometimes visible. Frankie is a recovering crack addict who served time for drug-related offenses. Neffe is an alcoholic. The show includes many conversations about the impact of addiction on the family.