VH1 Goes Inside

Back to the main review

What’s the Story?

Documentary series VH1 GOES INSIDE looks at artists, TV shows, and events that have become notable and beloved parts of America's entertainment culture. With the help of classic video clips and interview footage, the series offers a behind-the-scenes look at what made talk-show personalities like Arsenio Hall and reality shows like America's Most Wanted famous. It also offers some insight about the way these people and events shape American society today.

Is It Any Good?

Overall, the series offers interesting (and even educational) background about some of America's most popular entertainment phenomena. Its wide range of subject matter is particularly appealing. Also, unlike other similar series, much of the focus here is on celebrating the positive impact that various people have had on the way we look at -- and what we expect from -- the entertainment industry today. Some episodes also make a point of noting how the industry looks at race, class, and gender, giving credit to the efforts of those who managed to break down stereotypes and took a chance on offering alternatives to the entertainment status quo.

The language, imagery, and subject matter in some episodes of VH1 Goes Inside may be too strong for tweens, but the series offers teens and adults a fun and usually compelling way to learn a little more about what defined the pop culture landscape years ago and what's having an impact on how it's defined today.