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Frankie and Neffe

  • 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

    Iffy behavior trumps positive messages in reality spin-off.

Themes in this show include:   family relationships, substance abuse

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–18

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    There are some tough themes here -- including drug addiction, domestic violence, and abuse -- but both mother and daughter want to heal old wounds and build their relationship, and they care about family.
  • Role models:

    They may not always solve their problems in the most positive way, but these women are strong and want to make positive changes. Frankie is also a recovering drug addict who has worked hard to get and stay clean.

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Frequent arguing, yelling, and screaming between the duo. Neffe consistently states that she will “kill someone” when she discusses her mother’s friends, but she never acts on it. Topics like domestic violence and abuse are discussed.
  • Sex:

    Discussions about topics like dating and pregnancy.
  • Language:

    Lots of strong language, ranging from audible words like “damn” and “hell” to stronger bleeped terms like  “ass,“ “f--k," “s--t,” and “p---y."
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Cigarettes are occasionally visible; potential for smoking. Frankie is a recovering drug addict, and her challenges are discussed on the show.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Frankie and Neffe was written by Melissa Camacho

Parents need to know that this spin-off of Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is -- which follows mother-and-daughter reality personalities Frankie Vons and Neffe Pugh as they work through their troubled relationship -- addresses some tough topics, including drug addiction, domestic violence, abuse, divorce, and incarceration. It also has lots of strong language (though stronger words like “f--k” and "s--t" are bleeped), arguing is constant, and threats of violence are frequent (but never acted upon). But despite all of this, the series does focus on the love between a mother and daughter and the importance of family.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about why people choose to work out their problems in front of a camera. Is it for the money? Fame? Or is there another reason?
  • Why do you think Frankie and Neffe got their own show? Do you think their lives warrant being televised? Is their relationship relatable?
  • What is a life coach? What kind of training does a life coach need to have? Is it the same is being a therapist? What’s the difference?
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More on Frankie and Neffe

What’s the Story?

FRANKIE AND NEFFE, a spin-off of the reality show Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is, follows R&B singer Keyshia Cole's mother and sister as they work through their troubled relationship. Frankie Lons, a recovering drug addict, is attempting to live on her own for the first time, while Neffeteria “Neffe” Pugh is trying to work through the hurt and anger caused by her mother’s addiction -- while also trying to raise her own children. With the help of life coach Lauren Lake, the two attempt to rebuild their relationship and explore potential business ventures. It’s a difficult journey, but one that neither woman is willing to give up on in hopes of pulling their family together.

Is It Any Good?

Frankie and Neffe offers some positive messages about family and determination, but they're wrapped in layers of dysfunctional behavior. Screaming, yelling, and threats of violence are often part of the conversation ... when the ladies aren't already discussing drug addiction, incarceration, and child neglect. But viewers who look past the rough stuff, will find that the series is really about the importance of recovery, hope, and family.

It isn’t always pretty or comfortable to watch, particularly when each woman tries to cope with her own personal issues (from domestic violence to risky pregnancies to a difficult divorce). Their continual bickering also gets a bit tiresome. But while Frankie and Neffe don’t always deal with their problems in the most constructive way, it's clear that they're committed to creating a loving -- and healthy -- relationship.

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