Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica - TV-PG

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

TV Rating: TV-PG Network: MTV Cast: Jessica Simpson, Nick Lachey Genre: Reality TV

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that Jessica Simpson comes off as a dim-witted housewife, which has helped catapult her 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 fied for divorce -- blaming this series as part of the reason their marriage failed.)

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?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Joly Herman

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.

Like her sister Ashlee, Jessica Simpson is a singer whose career has been managed by her ever-present parents. In fact, her father, Joe Simpson, a former Baptist minister, is an original producer of the show. This strong parental influence may explain why Jessica is so sheltered and so "clueless." It was father Joe's idea to open the marriage to the public by means of creating the reality show to begin with.

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. Likewise, 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, though his patience seems to wear thin as the series continues.

Every 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 wonders whether they're ultimately bored.

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.

Other MTV reality shows with a little more substance and a little less "what came first -- the chicken or the tuna" include True Life and MADE.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content 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."
Violence
Language Occasional bleeped words from Nick.
Message
	Social Behavior 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.
	Commercialism 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.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Beer, light drinking.