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Secrets of Aspen (VH1)

common sense media says

Unoriginal reality show about materialistic socialites.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that -- much like the Real Housewives franchise -- this reality series about the members of Aspen, Colorado's social elite follows a group of women who compete for social status, live materialistic lifestyles, and squabble over men. There's some sexual innuendo, lots of alcohol consumption (wine, champagne), and some major cat fighting (including pushing and shoving). Expect strong langauge (words like "bitch" are audible, while stronger choices are bleeped) and plenty of references to labels like Chanel and Ralph Lauren.

Positive messages: Overall, the series celebrates a rather elitist, materialistic way of looking at the world.
Positive role models: The cast members are materialistic and preoccupied by social status. While some of them appear to be friends, they engage in lots of gossipy, catty behavior. Not a lot of diversity in the cast.
Violence: Frequent arguing; cast members are also occasionally shown pushing and shoving each other.
Sex: Some hugging, kissing, and occasional strong sexual innuendo. Some of the cast members are shown wearing bikinis and sexy clothing. The female cast members frequently squabble over men. References to some cast members acting like "cougars" and using men for money. In one episode, a reference is made to "raping one's innocence."
Language: Words like "bitch" are audible, while curses like "f--k" are bleeped.
Consumerism: Labels like Chanel and Ralph Lauren are discussed. Some cast members are shown using their iPods. One of the cast members is trying to launch a ski clothing line.  
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Frequent alcohol consumption (wine, champagne), especially during social gatherings and meals. Some of the cast members' catty behavior occurs after someone has had a little too much to drink.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Secrets of Aspen

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about the appeal of watching shows about wealthy, elite members of society. What kinds of messages do these shows send about people who have money?
  • Do you think this series is purposely designed to resemble the Real Housewives shows. Do you think some copy-catting is OK, or should all series provide something original?
  • Do you think some reality shows are scripted and/or planned? Do you think reality shows should be considered "reality" if the cast has been told how to act or what to do once the cameras are rolling? How can you tell what's real?

What's the story?

What's the story?
SECRETS OF ASPEN offers an inside look at the Colorado resort town's exclusive social circle after the snow melts. Cameras follow Aspenites like divorcee Laura (whom everyone loves to hate), former beauty queen Brooke, and social veteran Shana as they make their way through the town's summer social season. Joining the tight-knit group are Miami transplants Erin and her best friend, Ben. Also adding to the fray are Star and Kat, two hardworking young women who love the high-end social scene but struggle to afford it. The drarma never ends as Aspen's upper crust competes for friends, men, and the chance to make their mark.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Overall, Secrets of Aspen bears a strong resemblance to Bravo's Real Housewives franchise, thanks to its focus on women who place a lot of importance on material wealth, looking good, and socializing with the "right" people. Fighting for available men also seems to be a major theme.

The endless storylines about backstabbing friends, jilted lovers, and living the high life may appeal to some viewers. But these socialites are sometimes so theatrical that what they're saying seems scripted, and ultimately their stories are pretty unoriginal. The real "secret" of this reality show? It just doesn't offer anything new.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-14
Network: VH1
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: VH1
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 
 

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izzybeth
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Actually crushcrush149 get this through ur head. Need u know is 0ne of the best sad/luv songz ever made. S0 yeah crushcrush149 u can shut upppp!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(:
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