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Bank of Hollywood (E!)

common sense media says

Celebrity panel helps makes dreams come true -- with cash.

parents & educators say
See all 4 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that although the content of this reality series -- in which people attempt to convince a panel of celebrity judges to give them the cash they need to realize their dreams -- is relatively mild overall, you can expect occasional discussion of questionable behavior like getting arrested, serving time for drug-related activities, and being irresponsible with money. Topics like sexual orientation and stripping also pop up sometimes. The proposals themselves range from being creatively philanthropic to self-serving and greedy; some are accompanied by performances and video clips, some of which can get a little racy.

Positive messages: Money is the driving force behind the series. While some of the people making requests want the money for reasons that will help others, plenty are greedy and self-serving. On the plus side, the show does help people realize their dreams ... whatever those dreams may be, and the panelists remind the requesters of the importance of working hard for their dreams rather than just asking for financial assistance.
Positive role models: The judges -- who are giving away their own money -- favor requests that are intended to help others. They also often remind the audience of the importance of working and earning what you want. Some of the requesters are positive role models who want to help others, but others are self-serving.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Some of the proposals contain references to sexual orientation. Some requesters wear sexy costumes and/or outfits to make their point. One specific segment features strippers requesting cash for a new kind of stripper pole.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Some of the folks requesting money allude to past drug-related problems.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Bank of Hollywood

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about why people might ask for money from a panel of strangers. Would you be willing to do that to realize your own dream?
  • Would you feel differently about realizing your goals if you earned the cash to achieve them rather than having the money given to you? Why or why not?
  • Why do you think these celebrities are offering their own money to help people with their dreams?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In BANK OF HOLLYWOOD, ordinary people go in front of a celebrity panel to ask for the cash they need to make their dreams come true. In front of show host Bryan Callen and a studio audience, each hopeful goes before a “Power Panel” comprised of author Candy Spelling, professional poker player Vanessa Rousso, Pussycat Dolls singer Melody Thornton, and Wilhelmina Models president Sean Patterson to describe their goal and ask for a specific sum of money to help them make it happen. The judges then vote on whether they'll give the dreamers the cash or leave them empty handed.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

The series, which is based on the British show Fortune: Million Pound Giveaway, takes on a variety show-like quality as requesters dress up, perform, and/or share personal anecdotes and video clips that highlight the special circumstances behind their appeal for funds. But the real entertainment comes from the quirkier and/or sillierproposals -- which include "dreams" such as following Madonna to every city of latest her world tour (in order to do charity work, of course) and building a new and improved stripper pole.  

Some of the featured requesters are definitely greedy, but the judges seem unwilling to reward this kind of behavior -- instead, their generosity is inspoired by those who demonstrate a real need or special talent and/or present a creative plan to help someone else. And along with their donations, the celeb panelists also offer important advice to those looking for quick cash: It's better to work hard and earn things rather than relying on someone to give it to them.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: E!
Cast: Bryan Callen, Candy Spelling, Melody Thornton
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: E!
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

MillyMolly
teen, 15 years old
10
 
Dreams come true!
Love this show :) There are some funny people that come on the show, and it's good enterteinment.
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helped me decide (4) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (4)

kid, 12 years old
12
 
iffy for 12-13.
8 as heaven can watch it, but not 7 as hell,
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (3)

teen, 14 years old
12
 
iffy for 12-13.
8 as heaven can watch it, but not 7 as hell,
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (3)

kid, 11 years old
12
 
iffy for 12-13.
8 as heaven can watch it, but not 7 as hell,
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (3)

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