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Gotti's Way

(Rated NR, Reality TV, Starring Irv Gotti, Deb Gotti, Where to watch: VH1, Online)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 15.

  • Is it any good?

    2.0

  • Common Sense says

    Reality show about reformed hip-hopper is mediocre at best.

Themes in this show include:   family relationships

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The show aims to present Gotti as a reformed bad boy, but there's enough iffy stuff going on to send some pretty mixed messages about family relationships.

  • Role models:

    Gotti is trying to rebuild his name and reputation in the hip-hop industry after being acquitted of criminal charges. He loves Deb and his children, but he's shown attempting to control his estranged wife. He also struggles with balancing his work and family. Gotti refers to women as "scallywags," "chicks," and "hos."

  • Violence:

    Frequent arguments between Gotti and recording artists and Gotti and Deb. Gotti's record label is named "Murder Inc." Some of the featured music references violence.

  • Sex:

    Some of the music heard features sexually explicit lyrics. Infidelity is openly discussed. Dating is sometimes discussed.

  • Language:

    Strong language throughout. Words like "damn" and "hell" are audible; "s--t" and "f--k" are frequent, but bleeped. The word "ho" is also bleeped.

  • Consumerism:

    Expensive cars (Range Rovers, Cadillacs) are visible. Popular hip-hop music occasionally heard. Features well-known musicians like Russell Simmons, Ja Rule, DMX, Lloyd, and Vanessa Carlton.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

     Alcohol (wine, beer, mixed drinks) is sometimes visible. Gotti was charged and acquitted on federal charges of laundering money for drug kingpins.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Gotti's Way

Parents need to know that this series -- which follows hip-hop music executive Irv Gotti as he regroups after being acquitted of laundering drug money -- deals with mature themes like legal controversy, infidelity, and divorce. It offers mixed messages about family relationships and includes scenes in which Gotti's children are affected by their parents' issues. You can also expect a lot of strong language (most of which is bleeped out) and some drinking, as well as sex and violence references in featured songs.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about why Gotti got his own show. What audience do you think producers were hoping to reach?
  • Why are viewers so interested in "celebreality" shows? Do you think Gotti will be able to rebuild his career?
  • Why are some artists (like Cher, for example) able to successfully revive their careers, while others aren't?
  • How can children cope when parents are having problems? What can parents do to help their kids when families are facing hard times?
Tools and tips that can help

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    lady2869
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    It's alright!

    It's not for kids IMO 15/16 of age or less, it is a bit on the interesting side. To see how the business works on the others side I suppose and on the flip side trying to keep a family life going.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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