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Growing Up Twisted (A&E)

common sense media says

Rocker's family is "twisted" but surprisingly tight-knit.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Twisted Sister star Dee Snider and his wife raised their kids to be strong-willed, independent, and, at times, a little outspoken -- which means they aren't afraid to speak up ... or to use curse words around Mom and Dad (think "f--k," "s--t," "douchebag," etc.). There's also some sexual innendo (mainly jokes about penises and such) and, on occasion, some horsing around that leads to injuries. The kids who are old enough drink alcohol socially, and the series helps to promote the Snider family "brand." But at the end of the day, they're also a tight-knit bunch who genuinely seem to love each other.

Positive messages: Messages include the importance of spending time with family -- and showing up to support each other when necessary. Self-expression is encouraged, but rules are enforced if things go too far.
Positive role models: As parents, Dee and Suzette have raised reasonably well-adjusted kids who are ambitious (although at times a little crass) and genuinely seem to enjoy spending time together. Suzette isn't always the strongest parental role model, but you can tell she really loves her family.
Violence: Family members sometimes yell at each other so they can be heard. On rare occasions, there's some horsing around that results in accidental injuries (and blood).
Sex: The kids' mom routinely dresses in skimpy outfits. There's also some sexual innuendo (like references to penises and erections).
Language: Bleeped swearing comes from both parents and kids -- and often in streams (as in, "I'll beat the f--king s--t out of you"). Audible words include "ass," "hell," "douchebag," and "nads."
Consumerism: The show subtly promotes the careers of everyone in the Snider clan -- from Dee's rocker brand to Shane's stand-up comedy.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Two of the kids are old enough to drink alcohol, and they do on social occasions.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Growing Up Twisted

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about parenting. How well have Dee and Suzette raised their kids? Is one a better parent than the other, or do they just have different strengths? Do the kids respect their parents -- and each other? How does the Snider family compare to yours?
  • How have fame and celebrity affected the Sniders? Do the kids have it easier because their father is famous? Does having a celebrity dad have a downside?
  • Why would the Sniders choose to participate in a show like this one? Do you think it was their idea? What do they get out of the experience?

What's the story?

What's the story?
To the casual observer, Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider and his family are GROWING UP TWISTED in a house full of music and mayhem. But they're actually pretty normal ... at least, that's how they choose to see it. The family unit includes Dee and his wife, Suzette, who've been married for nearly 30 years; eldest son and fellow musician Jesse, 27, who's married with a brand-new baby; aspiring stand-up comic Shane, 22; budding filmmaker Cody, 20; and wilful teen Cheyenne, 13.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

As often as we've seen this same formula -- be it with The Osbournes or Gene Simmons Family Jewels -- it's still fun to see a celebrity who built his career on the notion of bucking authority have to deal with the drudgeries of fatherhood. And in a refreshing twist, Dee Snider isn't an incoherent couch potato (sorry, Ozzy) or a skirt-chasing self-promoter (our apologies, Gene) but rather a surprisingly good role model. (And a grandfather to boot!)

Granted, he isn't perfect, and his kids swear like a ship full of sailors. But that doesn't stop him from reining them in when they go too far -- even if Suzette won't back him up. For instance, when a hot-headed Cody warns a heckler, "I'll beat the f--k out of you," Suzette is not only proud, she thinks he "shoulda kicked his ass." But a deadly serious Dee makes it clear that, when it comes to his kids threatening violence, he's not gonna take it. And who would've predicted that?

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-14
Network: A&E
Cast: Dee Snider
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: A&E
This review was written by Kari Croop
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

gina104220
parent of 14 year old
12
 
FUNNY FAMILY SHOW We Loved Growing Up Twisted
WE LOVED IT...LOVED IT SO MUCH WE WATCHED THE ENCORE 2 episodes over again. I( Woman 46yrs old) watched it last night for the premier episodes( Tuesday July 27th 10PM A&E)along with my husband (50yrs old)and my 2 children (daughter 19 yrs and son 13yrs) We enjoyed it so much. We laughed, we cried, we talked...It was so nice to watch a "Real" family.Dee and his family are tight/He and Suzette have been married 34 years..It wasn't about liquor/drugs or violence...It was a family reality show that every family member can enjoy. The oldest son (Jesse Blaze) is a singer and writer and wrote the most beautiful single that was just released on ITunes "Go with Me"...Go give a listen...The kids are so funny..The show is true reality and makes you feel that you know the family. I not only found a new favorite show but I feel like I have made some new friends...We are looking so forward to next week TUESDAY NIGHTS 10PM A&E
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MariaBomba
parent of 7 year old
16
 
Loved the show! Cody and Shane are so funny.I can't wait to see what they do next!Love the whole family.Best reality show I have seen in years!
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helped me decide (4) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)

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