| ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. | |
| OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Parents need to know that this "celebreality" show features party scenes with women in tight clothes who virtually fall over themselves to be noticed by legendary rock star Gene Simmons. Alcohol is prevalent, some mild cursing is common, and the show serves as evidence of our fame-obsessed culture. But the Simmons family members also clearly care deeply about one another, and both parents make efforts to communicate with their kids, acknowledge their concerns, and be involved in their lives. Watch for some relationship drama, including indications of infidelity and deception between Simmons and his partner in later episodes.
You might not recognize him at first without his black-and-white make-up and trademark tongue-wagging, but it really is KISS lead man Gene Simmons fumbling with that vacuum cleaner in A&E's GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS. Gene lives in a Beverly Hills mansion with his long-time partner, actress and former Playboy Playmate of the Year Shannon Tweed. The couple have been together for 23 years and have two kids, 17-year-old Nick and 13-year-old Sophie. Despite their obvious mutual adoration, Gene and Shannon have never married, a fact that she occasionally drops into conversations for some good-natured nagging.
Overall, Family Jewels is an enjoyable glimpse into the lives of surprisingly candid, down-to-earth celebrities, and much of the family-related subject matter will resonate with viewers. Fans may be surprised to find that in the company of his family, Gene's ego takes a back seat to his pride in his kids. It's only in scenes that find him among adoring female fans that he turns on the charm and welcomes flirtatious advances.
While mature tones and some strong language rule this one out for general family TV viewing, it might be one parents (after a quick preview) can enjoy with their teens. If so, why not dust off some KISS albums and see if musical taste can cross the age divide, too?
Families can talk about being a celebrity. How would fame affect your life? What would you enjoy or dislike about it?
Why does our society have such an obsession with famous entertainers? Why aren't leaders in science or education treated the same way?
Do you think Gene and Shannon are effective parents? How can you tell? What about their methods seems to work? What doesn't? How is the Simmons family different from and similar to your own family?
| TV rating: | TV-14 |
| Network: | A&E |
| Cast: | Gene Simmons, Nick Simmons, Shannon Tweed |
| Genre: | Reality TV |