Tools for this page
Print

Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version
    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    2.0
  • Common Sense says

    Life is but a dream for Nick and Jess; teens OK.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–16

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Both are stars and teen superstars in their own right, but their lives are very sheltered. Jessica has never cleaned or cared for her own things, but she shops like crazy. Situations are played up to make her seem like a stereotypical dumb blonde. The couple divorced in 2006, citing the show as part of the reason their marriage failed.
  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

    Jessica and Nick are a monogamous couple. Jessica sometimes wears revealing clothing or makes references to her large chest; Nick makes some jokes and sexual innuendos to get his wife "in the mood."
  • Language:

    Occasional bleeped words from Nick.
  • Consumerism:

    Both launched albums during the series; Jessica started a product line and wrote a book about getting married. She likes designer brands such as Louis Vuitton and has a shallow, throw-away mentality.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Beer, light drinking.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica was written by Joly Herman

Parents need to know that Jessica Simpson comes off as a dim-witted housewife, which has helped catapult her to fame. Nick Lachey is seven years her senior and a more grounded celebrity. The couple rarely fight on screen, but their interaction is limited. (Note: In 2006, Nick and Jess filed for divorce -- citing this series as part of the reason their marriage failed.)

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about the concept of commitment. How can Nick be expected to commit to the whole package of the Simpson family -- Jessica, Mom, Dad, and the television crew? Is this going to make things easier or more difficult for them? How is Jessica pampered? Does her starlet nature help or hinder her personal development? Does she have any say in her life's course? Can life be too easy? After this show ended, the couple divorced. How do you think the show impacted their marriage?
Did this review help you decide?

Will your kids tune in?

Have you seen it? Review It!

More on Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica

What’s the Story?

Made famous by the episode in which Jessica was unsure whether tuna in a can was chicken or fish, MTV's NEWLYWEDS: NICK AND JESSICA found a following based on the voyeuristic, I-can't-believe-people-actually-live-this-way reality of the show. The series, produced by Jessica's father, Joe Simpson, a former Baptist minister, tracks the celebrity lives of pop-star newlyweds Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey. Each episode takes place in a new locale, such as a posh hotel or a glitzy party for famous guests. The two give concerts, do photo shoots, give celebrity appearances, and fend off fans, but life in between has its lulls, and one gets the sense that they're ultimately bored.

Is It Any Good?

A big part of the show's appeal is the couple's natural allure -- Jessica is a lovely creature, as is Nick, which makes for interesting television voyeurism. Watching Jessica try on outfits at an exclusive boutique is reward aplenty for the average viewer, and seeing Nick lounge poolside, beer in hand, is a convincing advertisement for the "good life." But the couple's interactions are shallow and trite -- though one has to wonder if Jessica plays the ditz for the audience because she enjoys the reaction that she inevitably receives. Nick is the brighter bulb, but his patience seems to wear thin as the series continues.

There's not much substance to Newlyweds, but it's an interesting slice of contrived contemporary Americana. These two make the American Dream seem easy -- maybe a little too easy, considering that they divorced in 2006.

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

What did you think about Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica?

or

to post a review

See all 4 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 4.0

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title pause for age 9 and give it 5.0

    i love her

    jessica simpson rocks

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Kansas
    I rate this title off for age 0 and give it 0.0

    i yawned

    the stupidest and most pointless show ive ever seen. Who cares what stars do in there spare time...this is just another show to rub in the publics face of what a famous life is like. I think that maybe this show was created for the...obssessed fans?!?! i say pssssht whatever why watch someone who makes millions of dollars sit around and loaf or spend all their money...?

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it 1.0

    Really very dull. Pass on this.

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • New in Theaters

    The Princess and the Frog

    The Princess and the Frog

    First African-American Disney princess is a good role model.

  • Tech Tip

    What parents need to know.YouTube and Your Kid

    What parents need to know.

  • Must See TV

    Life Unexpected

    Life Unexpected

    Teen-themed family drama is edgy but earnest.

  • Pick of the Week

    Sites for Haiti

    Sites for Haiti

    Help kids get involved.

  • Download This

    "Today Was a Fairytale" (CD single)

    "Today Was a Fairytale" (CD single)

    Innocent love song for tweens from a PG-13 movie soundtrack.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name