Gene Simmons Family Jewels (A&E)

common sense media says

KISS wild man shows his milder side. Teens OK.

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

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.

Positive messages: Despite the trappings of Simmons' rock star lifestyle, the show's underlying messages are about the importance of family and parental involvement.

Positive role models: The family members have close relationships, and both parents appear to be very involved in their kids' lives. That said, Gene sometimes has trouble putting aside his own goals for his son and trusting Nick to choose his own path. Gene also sometimes sets a double standard for his kids. For example, he encourages Nick to enjoy women's flirtatious attention, but he reminds Sophie to be wary of men and their intentions.

Violence: Not applicable.

Sex: Scantily dressed women hang all over Gene whenever he goes in public. Innuendoes and suggestive comments are common in such scenes. Gene and partner Shannon Tweed (who have been together for 20+ years) have never married, in part because Simmons occasionally does more than flirt with other women.

Language: "Hell," "tits," "suck," and "damn" are used infrequently. Anything stronger (which is fairly rare) is bleeped.

Consumerism: Not applicable.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Party scenes include lots of alcohol, and the action is so chaotic that it's hard to tell who's really of age and who isn't.

Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

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?

What's the story?

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.

Is it any good?

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?

TV themes & details

TV Details

TV Rating: TV-14
Network: A&E
Cast: Gene Simmons, Nick Simmons, Shannon Tweed
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: A&E

This review was written by Emily Ashby

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Gene Simmons Family Jewels (A&E)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on Gene Simmons Family Jewels

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

What's the story?

What's the story?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

TV themes & details

TV Details

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Review Gene Simmons Family Jewels

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

pretty good role models

one with problem!

Awesome show!!

i like totally did not lose six brain cells watching this. 4 show

Don't let your kids watch Kardashians/Hills, let them rock out with Gene!

I couldn't find my remote quick enough!

Ok for adults...not for children under 17

Love it!

I really like Gene Simmons, and his family rocks, too!

Refreshing and fun

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