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Designer to the Stars: Kari Whitman (WE)

common sense media says

Zany decorator perks up celebs' homes.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this reality program follows the life of a celebrity interior decorator. Because viewers see both her work and personal life, there's a good deal of talk about who she finds attractive and her past dating experiences. There's also plenty of cursing, with only the worst words bleeped. Other "highlights" include a shot of Whitman driving with her knees -- her hands entirely off the wheel -- and a scene in which she wipes a dog's behind several times (viewers get an up-close look).

Positive messages: Generally innocuous, though Whitman is a workaholic and sometimes treats her employees rather firmly. On the upside, she's a successful, confident, passionate businesswoman.
Violence: Occasional dangerous behavior -- for example, Whitman driving with her knees (no hands on the wheel).
Sex: Random talk about dating, being engaged, etc. Some flirting.
Language: Words like "ass," "bitch," and "dammit" flow freely, while the occasional "f--k" and "s--t" are bleeped.
Consumerism: Some mention of brands like Frigidaire, though not obvious product placement. Whitman drives a Range Rover. The people who hire her are incredibly rich.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Some social drinking. One episode shows Whitman getting a vitamin IV drip.
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More on Designer to the Stars: Kari Whitman

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about their reactions to Whitman's personality. Do you find her strong and confident or bossy and mean? Do you think you'd feel differently if she were a man? In what ways does she act stereotypically female? What does she do that goes against that stereotype? Do you think she would have gotten her own show if her clients weren't famous? Also, Whitman works even when she's wiped out by illness. Is this a good example? What's a healthy balance between work and personal life?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In the hectic reality show DESIGNER TO THE STARS: KARI WHITMAN, cameras follow the day-to-day experiences of a Los Angeles-based interior designer whose work brings her into the homes of celebrities like Jessica Alba and Kristen Bell. Whitman -- a slightly wacky and always enthusiastic pouty-mouthed blonde -- zips from place to place procuring the perfect granite for a kitchen counter, then slips out for a night on the town in honor of her other great passion, dogs. Watching Whitman work -- and exercise with her trainer, get a vitamin IV, and talk about her three ex-fiancés -- can be both fascinating and irritating: She's got a strong personality that might grate on some people's nerves. But even when Whitman is being bossy or cloying, she's also endearing.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Getting glimpses of celebrities in a somewhat real-life setting can be fun, so the show works as a guilty pleasure/stay-home-sick show, but it doesn't go beyond that. As the growing popularity of the home renovation industry (both on TV and in real life) demonstrates, watching a room go from "before" to "after" can be enjoyable. And teens might enjoy the celebrity eye candy, though parents should be aware that bad language flows pretty freely, with only the major words getting bleeped.

Also, while Whitman's work ethic is incredibly solid, she could also be considered a workaholic, putting work above her health and personal relationships. Not a great message for teens. On the other hand, she's a successful businesswoman with lots of confidence, and she doesn't hesitate to correct someone if they're wrong or stand up for what she believes in. Not a bad message for teens.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-14
Network: WE
Cast: Kari Whitman
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: WE
This review was written by Sierra Filucci
 
 

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What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

jnconcepts
adult
 
I couldn't believe someone paid for that crap design
that was a very sad design - or lack there of. first episode watched and will be the last.
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Tuppence
adult
 
I love her passion for animals and decor
I love watching this show! Kari has great style and her love of animals borders on my own and that is truly hard to find, therefore I have tvo'd it so I don't miss an episode. I only wish I could afford her for my own home.
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jairoparga
adult
 
KARI IS A UNTALENTED WOMAN BESIDES ORDINARY AND GROSS TALKER
Hi , I just watched the episode where Kari Whitman designed Jessica Alba's parents home. I was completely dissapointed of this lady, KARI WHITMAN's gross language and doubt of her professionalism when doesnt care for the workers' health letting them paint the furniture without proper security clothing or masks and referring to that as a joke, I believe she must change her image as I just dont want to watch her program again, I think is a bad influence for children as they learn from it just how to be a nasty human being. if she were decent it wouldnt matter that she doesn't have any talent people are interested in building and some will watch her preogra...
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