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Confessions of a Teen Idol

(Rated TV-14, Reality TV, Starring Scott Baio, Jason Hervey, Lawrence Cooper, Where to watch: VH1, Online)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Former stars look for fame a second time.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The series explores some of the good and bad truths about fame, including how rewarding it can be, how addictive it is, and how destructive it can become. It also highlights the hard work that goes into rebuilding a career in Hollywood. The former idols are all male and Caucasian.

  • Violence:

    Some therapy sessions feature heated arguments between the former stars. One exercise requires them to violently destroy pictures of themselves when they were young. One cast member discusses his previous contemplation of suicide.

  • Sex:

    Some sexual innuendo, including references to "rocking the trailer." Many of the former idols discuss how they used to have their "pick of women." Photographs of the cast members in their past lives show them in skimpy outfits and sexy poses. Occasional pictures of women in skimpy bathing suits are also visible. Fame is referred to both as a beautiful woman that has broken their hearts and as a "bitch" they all want back.

  • Language:

    Words like "bitch," "damn," and "hell" are audible; stronger curse words ("s--t," "f--k") are fully bleeped.

  • Consumerism:

    Miller Light beer is visible. One former idol lightly promotes a line of health food products and holistic treatments, but all labels are blurred, and the show includes a legal disclaimer rejecting any endorsement of these products.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Visible consumption of alcohol (wine, beer). Some of the former stars talk about abusing alcohol and drugs (cocaine, crystal meth) during and after their years in the limelight.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Confessions of a Teen Idol

Parents need to know that this reality series -- which follows seven former teen idols who are attempting to reinvent themselves and their careers -- includes some sexual innuendo (like references to "rocking the trailer"), drinking, and strong language (words like "bitch and "damn" are audible; harsher choices are bleeped). Some of the former stars discuss their previous wild lifestyles and past mistakes -- including abusing and selling drugs -- but these conversations are presented within the context of them recognizing the errors of their ways. Therapy sessions sometimes lead to some heated arguments, yelling, and name-calling.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the relationship between fame and the media. Can someone become famous without being featured in the media? To what extent does the media make people famous vs. simply showing people who are already famous? Families can also discuss the benefits and pitfalls of becoming famous. Teens: Would you want to be famous? For what? Why? How do you think your life would change because of it? Do you think it would become addictive?
Tools and tips that can help

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    tina grant
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 4.0

    I found the show to be very entertaining, and the actors seemed like they really wanted to get back into show business. I like the cast.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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