Brothers to Brutha (BET)

common sense media says

Aspiring R&B star siblings balance family and fame.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this reality series -- which chronicles the lives of a family of brothers whose R&B act is close to getting its big break -- spends a lot of time on family relationships, including the rocky association between the Harrell "boys" and their absentee father. Although the family is very close, they sometimes have heated arguments (using lots of bleeped curses) and sometimes physically fight each other. The "N" word is also part of the family's vernacular. Expect to see some drinking and sexual innuendo/talk, including discussions about one brother's virginity.

Positive messages: The show focuses on the Harrell brothers' singing career and their family's dynamics, including their challenges in communicating effectively with one another. While they argue frequently, there's no denying that they're close and that they value their family relationships.
Positive role models: The brothers are very close to each other. Uncle Drano is both manager
and father figure to the brothers and attempts to teach them
responsibility and other important values. The whole group struggles
with their relationship with the boys' biological father.
Violence: Old wounds and disagreements between family members sometimes lead to yelling, screaming, pushing, shoving, scratching, and punching; but the combatants are usually separated by other family members before anyone really gets hurt.
Sex: Some mild sexual innuendo, including brief mentions of "fornicating." One brother's virginity becomes a topic of humorous discussion among his siblings.
Language: Audible language includes words like "damn." Stronger words, like "f--k" and "s--t," are bleeped out. The "N" word is used frequently as part of the guys' vernacular (not as an insult).
Consumerism: The series is a promotional vehicle for the group. Frequent references to R&B artists like Keyshia Cole when working with industry professionals.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Uncle Drano's rules for the group include no drinking, but the guys are occasionally shown drinking champagne and wine. Tony's consistent drinking becomes a source of tension.

More on Brothers to Brutha

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about why the Harrells (and other similar families) would want to be featured on a reality show. Do you think this series is simply a way of promoting the band, or does it offer something more?
  • Do you think being featured on a reality show helps an actor or musician's career?
  • Is having a great singing voice enough to make someone a star? What other things does a singer or band have to have to make it big?

What's the story?

What's the story?
BROTHERS TO BRUTHA follows the lives of the Harrell brothers, who -- as R&B group Brutha -- have signed with Island Def Jam records. Under the direction of their tough-but-loving uncle/manager Drano, Grady, Tony, Jared, Poppa, and Jacob, have to learn how to be a professional act and prove that they belong on the hit music scene. But as they work on their rhythms, they must also find a way to balance their careers with their personal lives. Adding to the pressure are both the daily challenges that come with being part of a close extended family and the brothers' tenuous relationship with their father, a musician who was missing during most of their lives. It isn't always easy, but the brothers try to keep it real while focusing on their commitment to their success and to each other.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

While the show is clearly a promotional vehicle for the up-and-coming group, Brothers to Brutha is also very much about family. The young men openly discuss their feelings about their troubled childhood, their absentee father, and -- for Grady and Tony -- their roles as parents. They also openly note the love and respect they have for their uncle, who, despite having two children of his own, has made it his mission to provide them with the opportunity to succeed both as R&B singers and as men.

Unfortunately, sibling rivalry and other unresolved issues sometimes lead to some unhealthy family feuds that include heated verbal exchanges and fistfights. But the emotions leading up to these moments seem genuine, and while the brothers' on-camera "make-up moments" seem a little contrived, you get the sense that even if they don't always get along, they really do love each other. It's got some iffy content, but overall this show succeeds in pointing out that family, no matter how imperfect, can serve as a foundation to build success on.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: BET
Cast: anthony Harrell, Donny Harrell, Nadia Dajani
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: BET

This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

tmcrae
teen, 17 years old
 
i laughed
yes i would like to say brothers to brutha is a good tv show a that they laugh and fight alot but i know that they just do it out of love because me and my brothers are the same way.but do practice alot and they work hard to become successful at what they do .if possible give me a call at 843-439-7294.or 843-862-2118.

quina
teen, 15 years old
 
best in the world
i love this

deneen44
educator and parent of 6 , 7 , 8 , 14 , and 18 year old
 
i cried it was a real story that needed to be told its everyday life story for most of my kids

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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