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Armed & Famous (CBS)

common sense media says

Celeb cops on patrol in quirky guilty pleasure.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this "celebreality" series puts C-list celebs in real police situations like pulling over an intoxicated driver, arresting an elderly woman for drug dealing, physically restraining an alleged criminal, and comforting a family whose house just burned down. These scenarios can be intensely sad, disturbing, and sometimes frightening but are almost always brief. Celebrity cops handle real evidence, such as crack pipes and a bloody knife. The celebrities carry loaded guns, which they handle responsibly, though definitely with enthusiasm. One scene shows the celebs being trained in the use of tasers, and viewers see them being painfully zapped in the process. One celebrity acts like a ladies man and flirts frequently, posing for photos with busty female fans.

Positive messages: Mixed messages: The show paints police duties as serious work to be done responsibly, but putting celebs in cops' place pokes fun at both. Lots of jokes at Jackson's expense. Racial and gender diversity.
Violence: The show details real police work -- restraining, handcuffing, searching, arresting people. Cops have guns that they point at people. Some incidents involve weapons -- a bloody knife is collected as evidence. Celeb cops display unrestrained glee during gun training. Osbourne jokes about shooting his sister.
Sex: Some sexual innuendo and heavy flirting. Brief shots of one celeb in revealing clothing.
Language: A range of mild expletives: "ass," "sucks," "testicles," etc.
Consumerism: Taco Bell seen in distance.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Some police work involves investigating drug- and alcohol-related incidents. Shots of real crack and drug paraphernalia. Lots of smoking, by both cops and criminals.
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More on Armed & Famous

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about what might make this show appealing. How is it different from other reality shows? Which characters do you identify with most -- the celebrities, the cops, the citizens of Muncie? How much of the show do you think is real, and which parts are constructed for television? Does the fact that some reality television is staged influence your enjoyment of the shows? How? Do you think this is responsible television?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Featuring Eric Estrada, Jack Osbourne, La Toya Jackson, Jason "Wee-Man" Acuna (Jackass) and Trish Stratus (a former professional wrestler), ARMED & FAMOUS follows the celebrities through a three-week police training course in Muncie, Ind., as well as their swearing-in ceremony and their subsequent work in the field. Paired with an experienced officer, each celebrity gets a chance to do real police work like make arrests, write tickets, investigate fires, and comfort citizens going through bad times. The Muncie citizens seem generally accepting of the city's newest cops, as in one episode when a toothless elderly woman being arrested for dealing drugs tells Estrada that she wishes she wasn't meeting "Ponch" under these circumstances. Other moments, however, are less charming, like when Acuna flirts with busty gawkers from his police car perch.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

What sets Armed & Famous apart from other reality shows featuring low-level celebrities is that these folks are put into serious situations in which they really have to use their wits and training. The show gives viewers a peek into the somewhat mysterious world of local police through the eyes of a well-chosen mix of Hollywood folks. For the most part, the celebs seem to take their jobs seriously, and viewers get to see them experience real fears and anxieties in dangerous, stressful situations.

While this is a far cry from educational television, its quirky peek into two worlds makes it a fun guilty pleasure. Because of the real police situations it features, Armed & Famous isn't a good fit for younger viewers, but mature teens and adults might just get a kick out of it.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: CBS
Cast: Erik Estrada, Jack Osbourne, La Toya Jackson
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: CBS
This review was written by Sierra Filucci
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Anili
teen, 18 years old
15
 
is an awsome show really entertainig and exciting wow cool!
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helped me decide (1) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)
cmarielizabethm
adult
 
Not nearly as bad as everyone made it out to be - in a good way!
Leading up to the premiere of the show tonight 1/10, all I heard were people complaining about the stars and what they were doing. When I sat down to watch the show I didn't know what to expect - but I looked at it with an open mind. I laughed, I cringed, I smiled - something about this show had a happy medium of everything a good show should, even if it is a reality show. It showed how they trained, how they handle situations, and yet how important team work is. With the first episode done I'm already finding myself wanting to see more of these celebs and their adventures as members of the police force.
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lastevns
adult
 
Surprisingly Great Show
I hate reality TV and this show totally changed my mind. It has heart, intelligence and I LOVE seeing the celebrities FORCED to be real people. Makes me feel as though they might just have something in common with us common folk. LaToya is a huge surprise. The cop with her is really funny. jack Osbourne could actually do the job - which is very cool. I'd like to know who will be in next season's cast. Will they keep the same cops? Or do we get to vote on who should become a reserve cop, next?
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