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What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Jill Murphy

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?

4

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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