See more TV reviews

Sons of Hollywood (A&E)

common sense media says

Boring lives of the rich, rude, and semi-famous.

parents & educators say
Be the first to review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this reality show about the lives of three young, rich, materialistic Hollywood guys features a plethora of adult-oriented material. They gamble, curse, drink, smoke, and dance suggestively with barely clad women. What's more, one member of the trio is struggling with sobriety; he loses his temper and threatens his friend with violence while saying insulting things. This same guy tells his mother that he plans to buy a hooker for the weekend (he's only joking, but still), and in another scene he acts disrespectfully toward an older man while his friends look on.

Positive messages: Generally spoiled behavior from all three of the stars, but Sean Stewart in particular is rude, obnoxious, and immature to his friends, his elders, his mother, and strangers. Occasional scenes are included to point out the unreality of their lives -- like when a hotel maid cleans up the guys' suite and the camera pauses on the piles of cigarette butts and empty booze bottles that she placidly cleans up while they go golfing.
Violence: Threats of violence between the friends when they argue.
Sex: Jokes about hookers and "getting laid," women in revealing clothing, sexually suggestive dancing, allusion to masturbation.
Language: Lots of foul language, with only the very biggies ("f--k," etc.) bleeped.
Consumerism: Lots of expensive things -- material goods like fancy cars, huge mansions, and hip clothes, and extravagances like hotel suites, decadent meals, limo rides, etc. Stewart and Spelling are both trying to launch careers in entertainment, too, so they're promoting themselves by being on the show.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: One character struggles with sobriety; the guys drink and smoke frequently.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Sons of Hollywood

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the appeal of "celebreality" shows. Do these guys even count as celebrities? Why do you think they wanted to make this show? Do you think they'll be happy with how it turned out? Families can also discuss responsibility, wealth, and politeness. Do you think wealthy people are more or less likely to be rude? Do you think growing up with lots of money makes a person more or less responsible? When a friend is being disrespectful to others, do you think you should step in, or let them handle it themselves?

What's the story?

What's the story?
SONS OF HOLLYWOOD follows the exploits of aspiring actor Randy Spelling (son of Aaron, brother of Tori), wannabe model/musician Sean Stewart (son of Rod and model/actress Alana), and talent manager David Weintraub (son of no one famous, apparently). The three guys live the posh life in Los Angeles, driving fancy cars, wearing hip clothes, dating hot women, and generally doing whatever they please. Sometimes their whims take them someplace like Las Vegas, as in one episode where Stewart (who is sober, though for how long?) gambles away thousands of dollars in a maniacal blackjack spree and then picks a completely pointless fight with Spelling. Later in the same episode, Spelling finds out that his father is on his deathbed and makes up with Stewart (who continues to act like an obnoxious 4-year-old even in the face of his friend's pain). Then Weintraub takes Stewart and the rest of the gang (sans an emotional Spelling) to a fancy golf course where Stewart acts again like a preschooler -- and doesn't even have alcohol to blame.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

As far as celebrity reality shows go, this one is rather mediocre. Spelling is moderately compelling, and Weintraub seems like he's got some brains, but Stewart is such a whiny little snot that it's unclear who will enjoy watching his immature exploits. In addition to the profusion of cursing, drinking, smoking, and mildly sexual elements, the spoiled-rotten behavior is what puts Sons of Hollywood on the younger set's "skip" list. Mature teens who have the perspective to understand how unusual the guys' lives are -- and that their behavior isn't something to admire or emulate -- might survive a viewing, if they aren't too bored by the extended footage of ordering food at fancy restaurants.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-14
Network: A&E
Cast: David Weintraub, Randy Spelling, Sean Stewart
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: A&E
This review was written by Sierra Filucci
 
 

Review It

 

Review Sons of Hollywood

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

There aren’t any reviews yet. Ask your friends to review this title.

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you see Sons of Hollywood?

Won't miss it
We'll try
Change it

Already seen it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Browse more TV
About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines