Tools for this page
Print

Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is

(Rated TV-14, Reality TV, Starring Keyshia Cole, Manny Halley, Where to watch: BET, DVD, Online)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 14.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    R&B singer's family reality has strong themes.

Themes in this show include:   family relationships, substance abuse

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–18

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Despite the show's somtimes-gritty content, overall its messages are positive ones about the importance of family and survival. Keyshia is open about her troubled background, but there's a clear distinction between her upper-class lifestyle and Frankie and Neffe's more hardscrabble one. The cast is African-American.
  • Role models:

    Keyshia and Manny claim that they're never too busy for family. Keyshia reconnects with family and friends and relocates her sister, her nieces, and her estranged mother to her home in Atlanta so that they can have a better life; she also sets boundaries for them while they live in her home. On the other hand, both her mother and sister engage in some inappropriate behavior and cause occasional problems.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Some yelling, screaming, and throwing furniture (sometimes during counseling sessions), but no one gets physically injured. Many discussions about violence, including references to incidents witnessed in Oakland, CA. Frankie describes almost being beaten to death by a boyfriend. Neffe talks about her desire to kill her husband after she found him cheating.
  • Sex:

    Discussions about infidelity, including an alleged affair between Neffe's estranged husband and her cousin. Keyshia doesn't allow casual male visitors in the home; both Neffe and Frankie find this problematic.
  • Language:

    Language includes words like "hell" and "ass." Stronger words like "s--t" and "f--k" are bleeped.
  • Consumerism:

    The series is a promotional vehicle for Keyshia's music. Frequent references to a variety of other R&B and rap artists. Range Rovers and Mercedes-Benz vehicles clearly visible.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Consumption of alcohol (wine, champagne, mixed drinks) sometimes visible. Frankie is a recovering crack addict who served time for drug-related offenses. Neffe is an alcoholic. The show includes many conversations about the impact of addiction on the family.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is

Parents need to know that while this reality series -- which follows R&B singer Keyshia Cole as she attempts to reconnect with her estranged mother and other troubled family members -- features positive messages about family and survival, it also includes frank discussions about substance abuse, spousal battery, child abandonment, adultery, and other strong issues. Arguing, yelling and cursing (with words like "s--t" and "f--k" bleeped) are also common, and there's some drinking.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the appeal of "celebreality" shows. Why do viewers enjoy watching musicians, actors, and other stars navigate everyday life? Are their lives relatable? Why or why not?
  • What happens to children when a parent abuses drugs or alcohol? How do children cope when an addicted parent abandons them? What happens when these kids grow up?
  • Why do some people (like Keyshia) succeed in overcoming their difficult pasts while others can't seem to?

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is?
  •  I think this show is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 1.0

    BRICKS

    How many bricks are gonna hit you over the head before you realize your mother is beyond changing! i warn you to go on with your life and keep a distance. You'll be better off. You can't fix it Frankie,Neffy are beyond your reach. Everyone is wanting your money.

  2. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in South Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 1.0

    I like Keyshia's songs.

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Alabama
    I rate this title on for age 3 and give it 5.0

    new beining

  4. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 1.0

    Kesha Somethings are better left in Gods hands.

    I feel everything you expressing but if i didn't know from experience Keshia is going to end up lost let God work with his creation believe me he makes no mistakes, your mother had you, you didn't have her nor your sister so make your self as limited as possible and focus on your career and your future. God Bless Your Sole. Keep up the Good work.

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Most Popular This Week

    New Moon Is Rising

    New Moon Is Rising

    Fans are gearing up for the 11/20 release.

  • Tech Tip

    How to help them think more ... and want less.Making the Sale

    How to help them think more ... and want less.

  • Book of the Week

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Wildly inventive, wonderful fairy tales for mature teens.

  • Member Buzz

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Is it easier for parents to communicate with their kids via text?

  • Download This

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    Dark, cool tunes OK for kids too young for the movie.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name