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How'd You Get So Rich?

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Starring Joan Rivers, Where to watch: TV Land, Online)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Rags-to-riches stories -- told Joan Rivers-style.

Themes in this show include:   materialism

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–16

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    While being wealthy is the show's focus, and the camera (and Rivers) certainly linger on the trappings of wealth and privilege, most of the featured rich folks started from humble beginnings and worked hard to build their businesses -- which emphasizes the importance of hard work and creativity.

  • Role models:

    Some of the featured interviewees use their money to give back to their community or to charitable foundations. Many are self-made success stories. Rivers herself is (as per usual) brash and in your face.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    Rivers uses lots of strong sexual innuendo, including references to genitals, “quickies,” and various other sexual acts. Breast implants are frequently discussed; in one episode, Rivers grabs a woman’s breasts to see if theyr'e “real." Another features Rivers wearing fake breasts that are “blacked out” on the screen. 

  • Language:

    Words like "hell" are sometimes audible. Rivers likes to use curses like “f--k"; these words are are fully bleeped.

  • Consumerism:

    Lots of verbal and visual references to high-end brands, including Gucci, Chanel, Marc Jacobs, Rolls-Royce, and Porsche.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About How'd You Get So Rich?

Parents need to know that while this reality series generally focuses on wealth and materialism -- references to high-end brands like Rolls-Royce, Porsche, Chanel, Gucci, and Marc Jacobs are frequent -- some of the stories are inspirational and demonstrate a strong work ethic. Host Joan Rivers is prone to strong sexual innuendo (including references to genitals and various sexual acts) and swearing (though the strongest words, like "f--k," are bleeped), and some her jokes are on the iffy side (like suggesting that kids drop out of school to save their parents money).

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about what the show's ultimate take-away message is. Does it glorify materialism and conspicuous consumption or hard work and tenacity? Can it do both at the same time?
  • Why do you think some cultures consider it inappropriate to talk about how much money people make? Is it generally considered polite conversation in most cases? Why or why not?
  • Do you think the featured entrepreneurs started their businesses just to make money, or were they following their passion? Which is more important to you?
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