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Hey Paula (Bravo)

common sense media says

Idol judge lets reality TV into her life.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this reality show follows the hectic life of American Idol judge Paula Abdul. While most of the material is fairly benign, viewers will see her curse rather frequently ("bulls--t" is bleeped; words like "ass" aren't) and make fun of other celebrities on occasion. When her life gets too stressful, Paula can get very emotional; expect to see her cry and yell in reaction.

Positive messages: Paula is generally sweet and a really hard worker. She treats her staff well, though she does criticize their work when it's done poorly. Some of her woes seem terribly shallow. She occasionally makes fun of others. Her maid, who has a thick Spanish accent, picks up Paula's dogs' poop.
Violence: Some arguing, emotional outbursts, sharp criticisms.
Sex: Some revealing clothing.
Language: Fairly frequent use of words like "ass," "hell," and "screwed," with an occasional bleeped "bulls--t."
Consumerism: Some brand names are mentioned. Paula lives a very comfortable lifestyle. Plus, she's creating and selling her own brand of jewelry on QVC, and there are many references to American Idol.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Paula is shown drinking socially (wine), and she sometimes acts in a way that many associate with -- and some have publicly alleged is the result of -- intoxication. She insists she's an insomniac and overtired.
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More on Hey Paula

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about why Paula Abdul is considered a good subject for a reality show. What makes her stand out? Why do you think people would want to watch her life? Families can also discuss what it takes to be a successful celebrity. What kind of person is good at the business of being a star? Does the fame and recognition seem worth the amount of work they do? Does being famous appeal to you? What would be the best and worst parts of being a celebrity?

What's the story?

What's the story?
If you've always been fascinated by Paula Abdul (and really, who hasn't?), then HEY PAULA will scratch your itch to peek behind the headlines and see what really makes the singer, choreographer, businesswoman, and American Idol judge tick. With cameras following her every move, viewers track the diminutive celeb as she jets from Los Angeles to the Midwest to New York and back to promote her jewelry designs, attend the Grammy Awards, accept a fashion award, and much more. Along for the ride are her trusty assistants and advisors -- her publicist, stylist, hairdresser, and personal assistant -- who all lose sleep to keep Paula organized ... and endure her mild wrath when things get messy.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

The Paula revealed here isn't much different from the one we already know, though the glimpse into her busy schedule offers some insight into her sometimes-delirious behavior. And it's fun, in a voyeuristic way, to see her get pissy sometimes, too. (Seeing the less-than-glamorous side of celebrity might be a good eye-opener for star-struck younger viewers.) Ultimately, this is pure, unadulterated, guilty-pleasure fluff -- fun fluff, perhaps, but after watching you might wonder what else you could have done with the 30 minutes of your life you'll never get back.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: Bravo
Cast: Paula Abdul
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: Bravo
This review was written by Sierra Filucci
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Michael G.
adult
 
I love Paula...cept this show is...not for me...
Paula's reality t.v. show is dissapointingly...very bad. The whole show consists of her playing with her dogs, her shopping, her crying, and her laughing her little, annoying nazzle laugh. I think they took this show off "Bravo!"? It's just really not good. I wanted to talk about her music though..There were no CDs to review!! Which sort of peeves me off, since she was super popular back in the 90s. So...I thought I'd just tell you. She has a so-so voice..I don't like it, personally. At all. But I love the music she does. "Straight Up", "Forever Your Girl", "Rush Rush", "Cold Hearted", and "Blowing Kisses In The Wind" are all some of the greatest songs ever. I bought her album, "Spellbound", though, the other day, and...it's not that good. I don't know about "Forever Your Girl" or "Head Over Heels", but...don't buy "Spellbound". Download the songs individually. It will save you a lot of money!! Paula is one of my favorite artists, though, after Madonna and David Bowie. I think that she should stick to dancing though; singing and reality t.v. shows just...aren't her thing...........
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