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Paparazzi

(Rated TV-14, Reality TV, Starring Darryn Lyons, Where to watch: BBC America)
  • 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?

    2.0
  • Common Sense says

    The camera turns on the relentless photo hounds.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Many of the photographers are little more than stalkers hiding behind a camera. Although most often what they do doesn't break any laws, their ruthlessness clearly crosses the line. Many photographers' tipsters happily sell details of their celeb friends' lives to the eager paparazzi.
  • Violence:

    Some photographers and agency executives throw or kick objects to let out their frustration. Occasionally the celebrities fight back at photographers, lunging at or striking them in anger.
  • Sex:

    The cameras often focus on shots of female celebrities in skimpy bikinis.
  • Language:

    "Prick," "ass," and "s--t" are common, as are the many edited (but still decipherable) versions of "f--k."
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    There's the infrequent cigarette or alcoholic beverage during down time, but those partaking are of age.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Paparazzi

Parents need to know that this British reality show casts light on how photo agencies profit from capturing shots of celebrities at inopportune or unsuspecting moments. They usually manage to get their photos without actually breaking any laws, but it can be disturbing to see how far they'll go for their goal. The most appalling aspect of the show (besides the constant strong language) is the snappers' outright glee over capturing on film a celebrity's anger, sadness, or less-than-perfect appearance.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about privacy and what constitutes an invasion of it. When should people be able to expect privacy? Is it different when you're famous? Is it fair for celebrities to be upset by the paparazzi when the stars have chosen to put themselves in the public eye? How would kids feel if they were constantly under public scrutiny? Why is our society so obsessed with stars' private lives? Does a show like this reinforce that obsession or undermine it? How do the media skew our impressions of celebrities?

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