Outsider's Inn - TV-PG

Reality celebs check in for Southern hospitality.

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details

TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: CMT
Cast: Carnie Wilson, Maureen McCormick, Bobby Brown
Genre: Reality TV

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this quirky, sometimes silly reality series -- which follows a trio of C-list celebs as they try to run an upscale bed and breakfast in Newport, Tenn. -- has some strong sexual innuendo (including references to homosexuality). There's also some stereotyping of the local town residents and of Southern living in general. The language is relatively mild (words like "s--t" are fully muted), but drinking and cigar smoking are frequently visible.

Families can talk about why celebrities are so eager to be in reality shows. Do you think they participate to restart their careers? Or is it just a way to make money in the competitive world of show business? Families can also discuss stereotyping in the media. Is it ever OK to poke fun at people for the way they talk, act, or live -- even if it isn't intended to be hurtful?

Message
Violence
Sex
Language

Message

Social Behavior:

The three main celebrities are clearly friends. While it's not intended to be malicious, the series includes a lot of stereotyping. Most of the cast members (and the guests) are Caucasian.

Consumerism:

Local Newport stores are visible. Occasional references to The Brady Bunch.

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Visible drinking (mainly whiskey) and cigar smoking is visible. Newport is in a "dry county," and a few locals are featured illegally selling liquor.

Violence

Occasional arguments break out when things go wrong.

Sex

Some strong sexual innuendo, including references to orgasms and homosexuality. Subtle references to other sex acts.

Language

Audible language includes words like "hell." Stronger expressions (like "Jesus Christ") and occasional expletives (like "s--t") are fully muted out.

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Melissa Camacho

OUTSIDER'S INN follows former Gone Country contestant Maureen McCormick as she takes over management of the Pigeon Inn, an upscale bed and breakfast located in Tennessee's Smoky Mountains. She invites fellow Gone Country alums/best friends Bobby Brown and Carnie Wilson to entertain and cook for her guests; together, the trio serves up some Southern hospitality to their odd assortment of guests while trying not to destroy each other in the process. Luckily they have the help of Leroy the handyman, whose experience and close connections with the locals help them get by.

Is it any good?

Outsider's Inn may ostensibly be a reality show, but it feels more like a quirky sitcom as it requires the three city slickers to improvise their way through a variety of staged (and sometimes bizarre) situations. From checking in guests and their various barnyard animals to procuring liquor in a "dry" county, they manage to provide their guests with interesting -- if not problem-free -- experiences. And luckily, they can rely on one another to find humor in the process.

The show definitely has funny moments, but some come at the expense of the local residents. While none of it is intended to be mean-spirited, the show often the Newport, Tenn., residents as stereotypical Southern caricatures. There's also some strong sexual innuendo. Bottom line? It's not for young kids, but for older viewers looking for something silly and entertaining, Outsider's Inn just might fit the bill.