Shahs of Sunset

Review

Common Sense Media says

Typical wild reality drama, this time Persian American.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this reality series about wealthy Iranian-Americans in Los Angeles contains lots of drinking (wine, cocktails, hard liquor), strong sexual references, and lots of cursing (bleeped "s--t", "f--k"). High-end logos (Audi, Rolex, Cristal, Yves St. Laurent, etc.) are constantly visible. While it breaks down some stereotypes about the Persian community, it also reinforces others.

  • Positive messages0
    The series notes some cultural details about the Persian community, but these are overshadowed by the focus on affluence and flashy lifestyle.
  • Positive role models0
    The cast members are proud of their Persian background, but much of their focus is on image and material wealth. Female cast members attempt to break away from the traditional Persian expectations placed on them, but the men quietly uphold it.
  • Violence2
    Arguing, yelling, screaming, and threats of violence are common. One cast member enjoys guns, knives, and other weapons. Guns are fired at a range.
  • Sex2
    Blunt references to the size and activity of male genitalia, women's sexuality, boob jobs, as well as the importance of getting married and having children. Terms like "bust my balls," "sluts," and "hos" are used. Women are often seen in skimpy bikinis and other revealing and tight-fitting outfits, and sometimes move provocatively.
  • Language4
    Words like "piss" and "ass" are frequently audible, as are fully bleeped curses like "s--t" and "f--k."
  • Consumerism4
    Rolex watches, Mercedes-Benz, Audis, BMWs, Yves St. Laurent bags, and Cristal champagne are just a few of the endless number of high-end logos visible and discussed.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking3
    Characters drink wine, champagne, cocktails, and hard liquor frequently and sometimes smoke hookah pipes. One cast member mildly criticizes Muslim members of her community for engaging in these activities.
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What's the story?

The reality series SHAHS OF SUNSET features five Iranian-American friends negotiating their Persian identities while living stylish and affluent Southern California lifestyles. The gang includes commercial real estate leasing exec Mike Shouhed, the spoiled and weapon-loving Golnea "GG" Gharachedaghi, real estate developer Sammy Younai, and the flamboyant Reza Farahan. Rounding out the group are Mercedes "MJ" Javid and Asa Soltan, a performance artist who doesn't share her friends' materialistic interests. From enjoying their active social lives and shopping trips to coping with their parents disapproval or pressure to live a more traditional lifestyle, the group shows how they navigate a world where image is everything.

Is it any good?

 

The show highlights some of the Persian community's cultural norms and values, including the diversity of religion that exists in the Persian community. Cast members briefly share how their families escaped from Iran after the 1979 revolution, and proudly note how financially successful they've become despite their difficult beginnings in America. But the real focus is on the drama created by the cast's obnoxious and narcissistic attitudes, as well as their constant need to showcase their wealth and lifestyle.

The show breaks down some stereotypes about the Iranian-American community, but what is being showcased here contributes to other problematic generalizations about its members. Meanwhile, it contains the expected drinking, cat fighting, and relationship issues that one expects from this sort of thing. Reality fans looking for some voyeuristic entertainment may find something here, but outside of this it has little else to offer.

Explore, discuss, enjoy

  • Families can talk about the immigrant experience in America. What are some of the challenges immigrants face when they come? What are some of the stereotypes that exist about immigrants? Do you think reality shows like this one help break them down, or do they reinforce them?

  • What trends in reality TV do you notice? Why are the "wives" shows so popular? How do these shows make you feel? Guilty? Ashamed? Lucky? Jealous? Proud? Something else?

This review of Shahs of Sunset was written by
Kid, 10 years old
March 30, 2012
AGE
12
 
LOL
IM PERSIAN AN THIS SHOW IS HILARIOUS!!!!!! but it is very stupid, even though it's hilarious. though they do drink a lot and get very sick.
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This review of Shahs of Sunset was written by
TV rating:TV-14
Network:Bravo
Cast:Asa Soltan Rahmati, Golnea Gharachedaghi, Reza Farahan
Genre:Reality TV
This review of Shahs of Sunset was written by
 
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