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Crowned: The Mother of All Pageants (CW)

common sense media says

Mom/daughter beauty contest gets pretty catty.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this beauty-pageant reality series -- in which mother-daughter teams vie for the crown -- rewards talent and intelligence as well as physical beauty. The judges also look for clear boundaries between the moms and their daughters ... which are often crossed behind the scenes (some of the relationships are quite troubled). Expect some strong language ("crap," "bitch," etc.) and catty behavior between contestants, including negative comments about weight.

Positive messages: The judges evaluate the contestants on a mix of physical beauty, intelligence, attitude, and evidence of clear and respectful boundaries between mother and daughter. Some of the contestants are very catty and vindictive. Some of the moms and daughters have troubled relationships, while others' stories are inspirational. Some women make negative comments about others' appearance (including commenting on their weight). The teams come from various socioeconomic backgrounds; most are Caucasian, but there are several African-American teams.
Violence: Contestants sometimes argue with each other. Some mothers argue with their daughters.
Sex: The contestants are sometimes seen in bras and bikinis. Some of Carson's risque observations contain references to "hookers" and gay "queens."
Language: Words include "crap" and "bitchy."
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Some visible alcohol consumption (wine, champagne).
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Crowned: The Mother of All Pageants

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the messages that televised beauty pageants send to viewers. Do pageants ever really give as much weight to qualities like intelligence and talent as they do to physical beauty? And what issues come up when parents and kids compete together? Why do some parents seem to lose sight of their role as parents when they're competing? Do these competitions exploit parent-child relationship problems for entertainment?

What's the story?

What's the story?
CROWNED: THE MOTHER OF ALL PAGEANTS explores the complex relationship between mothers and their adult daughters by teaming them up to compete for a beauty-pageant title. Eleven mother-daughter teams from all over the country live together in a mansion under the watchful eye of pageant director Linnea Maloney as they undergo intensive pageant training (the teams have a range of past pageant experience). At the end of each week, they strut their stuff on stage for the show's trio of judges: Queer Eye star Carson Kressley, former Miss USA/Dancing with the Stars alum Shanna Moakler, and image consultant Cynthia Garrett. The pair that shines the least is desashed and sent home; the final team left standing will win sparkling tiaras -- and $100,000.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

The judges claim that they're looking for "modern beauty," which ostensibly includes heart, spirit, and brains as well as good looks. They also want to see moms actually act like parents rather than their adult daughter's friend or subordinate. But these ideals don't keep some of the competitors from engaging in catty behavior -- including openly sniping about other contestants' weight, talent, and socioeconomic background. The pressure also causes some troubled mother-daughter teams to turn against each other.

While Crowned may appeal to young pageant hopefuls, the sometimes-strong language and snide remarks make it iffy for tweens. But it's definitely a guilty pleasure for older viewers who enjoy watching the behind-the-scenes strife that always seems to emerge between reality-show competitors.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: CW
Cast: Carson Kressley, Cynthia Garrett, Shanna Moakler
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: CW
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

king_of_queens77
teen, 16 years old
 
Its Alright
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lini
teen, 14 years old
 
A big NO!
I think this show is for people 12 and up. There is a lot of swearing and fighting. Kids should not watch this show, even though this show is about fashion.
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helped me decide (3) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (3)
cherrycoke00
teen, 14 years old
 
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ac7193
teen, 17 years old
 
An ok show.
This show wasn't extrodinary, but it wasn't wasting my time either. Every week I continue to watch the show, which is a good sign. I wonder who is going to win. I think Shanna whatever is really trying to compete with "America's Next Top Model. This show will NEVER be better than ANTM, sorry.
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