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Run's House

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Rapper runs a positive house for tweens and up.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Parents are involved in kids' lives, assist in motivating and keeping them on track. Positive role models and a relatable family.

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    It's MTV -- Rev. Run has a new album out.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Run's House was written by Jill Murphy

Parents need to know that this MTV reality show stands apart from most of the channel's programming. The show prominently portrays one affluent African-American family's values and morals. Unlike many MTV shows, there is no sex, language, or violence to worry about.

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 a range of topics, including respect for one's parents and family support. They could also discuss whether or not they think the family is acting naturally or if they're "performing" for the camera. How real is this reality program?
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More on Run's House

What’s the Story?

Former rap artist Joey Simmons, aka Run of RUN-DMC, has added Reverend to his resume. This half-hour show is dedicated to the experiences of Rev. Run's five kids and how he and his wife shape their kids into responsible teens. Parents are often non-existent when it comes to reality television, but on RUN'S HOUSE, they're front and center. Joey and wife Justine live a privileged life, but they manage to keep their children grounded in reality.

Is It Any Good?

Run's House is appropriate for older tweens and up, and kids may even learn a lesson or two in the process. They'll be interested because the lively Simmons kids, who range in age from grade school to college grad, are fun to watch. Each child has had an episode spotlight his or her life: Angela struggled with avoiding nepotism when applying for an internship with her aunt, while JoJo aimed to strengthen his grades. During Russy's "sportsmanship" episode, we see him break two Gameboys and throw a tantrum while bowling with his family. Concerned about how his youngest son is dealing with competition, Rev. Run has him write an essay on sportsmanship. Who ever expected to see good parenting on an MTV show?

Each episode ends with the Rev. in his bathtub, text messaging a "moral message" to his friends; in the tradition of Doogie Howser and Carrie Bradshaw, Rev. Run sums up the episode and shares his newfound insight. Despite this corny device, the show isn't preachy. There's an element of comedy and sarcasm within the show that keeps it from being too serious or heavy-handed. Parents may want to encourage kids interested in the world of MTV to choose Run's House over other reality favorites like Laguna Beach or Real World.

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it 2.0

    Run's House

    I have nothing agaisnt rappers but I think these shows of life in a celeberty's eyes in just a waste of time. Theres no point in this show, unless you like to see others bask in their wealth.

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 9
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    run dmc rules!

    thx run dmc for making rap alive

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0

    Some bleeped words

    Some bleeped words.I bet it's not even bad.

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Georgia
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 3.0

  5. I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 3.0

    a little weird but a decent alternative to MTV's other reality shows

    This definitely has its weird elements. I watched it with my daughter and she liked the nice lifestyle but found the whole concept a little corny.

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