The Spin Crowd

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Reality show spins iffy messages about image and success.
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 the "star" of this workplace-set reality show about a celebrity-oriented public relations firm is a boss with a cringe-inducing management style. Among other things, he pressures his employees to dress in designer clothes for success and get cosmetic surgeries they don't need and also tells one point-blank that she's "homely." In addition to the show's iffy messages, there's some bleeped swearing ("f--k" and "s--t") and audible use of words like "ass" and "screw," as well as a bit of social drinking on the job. The show also functions as a longform commercial for the PR firm and touts the names of several brands it represents.

  • Public relations is all about appearances, and the office policies showcased here drive that message home. There's also a lot more emphasis placed on personal dramas and office shenanigans than on how cast members actually accomplish their work.
  • The PR firm's owner is shallow, rude, and often hurtful, yet he somehow manages to run a "successful" business. He tells a new hire that she's "homely" and would benefit from lip injections. He then pays for the procedure and sets up the appointment for her yet denies that he's pressuring her to go, etc.
  • Some arguing and verbal sparring.
  • A few characters wear skimpy clothes and show lots of skin. Some sexual innuendo and lots of encouragement to look "hot."
  • Bleeped swearing ("f--k" and "s--t"), along with audibles like "ass," "screw," and "Jesus Christ" (used as an exclamation).
  • The show functions as a commercial for the central PR business, touting the brand name several times per episode, as well as the names of products the firm is representing. Characters also mention cosmetic surgery brands like Restylane and Juvederm.
  • Occasional social drinking, with cast members mixing alcohol and work.

What's the story?

Training its cameras on Hollywood-based public relations firm Command PR, THE SPIN CROWD is a workplace-driven reality series about the highs and lows of keeping clients satisfied. At the center of the action is owner Jonathan Cheban, but he isn't the only one to watch. His motley crew of co-workers includes vice presidents Simon and Summer, and associates Katie, Lauren, and Erika.


Is it any good?

 

The Spin Crowd is a spin-off of a spin-off -- and that should tell you something right there. (Specifically, something like, "Quick, change the channel.") But if that's not enough to sway you, know this: Cheban may look familiar because you've seen him before on Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami, and Kim Kardashian (of Keeping Up with the Kardashians, the show that started it all) is one of the show's executive producers.

Those things alone don't add up to an automatic misfire. But the show digs its own grave right from the first episode, when Cheban's newest employee proves her dedication to the firm by getting her lips injected against her will, all because her boss told her she looked "homely." (Not that it matters, but, for the record, she's already beautiful.) With tears streaming down her face, she agrees to alter her appearance for her job ... and in that moment, we lose all respect.


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about the level of "reality" they see in this reality show. Are cameras truly capturing a typical day at the office, or do episodes seem staged? How can you tell? Is there any reality TV that's actually real anymore?

  • How do you rate Jonathan as a boss and entrepreneur? Does the show portray him as a serious businessman? Does it surprise you that his firm is successful, based on what you see?

  • Is a show like this one a win for Jonathan's firm, or are there some risks involved in showing the "reality" of the business? Why would Jonathan agree to do a reality show about his company? Do you think the show helps or hurts his image?


This review was written by Kari Croop
Adult
August 30, 2010
 
Toxic show and very bad message
I just dont get this guy who wears hot pink lipstick and just is terrible to his staff. Please get rid of this show it is toxic!!

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Adult
October 7, 2010
 
One of the Best Shows on E!
I love this show! It's hilarious and just fun to watch. It's not that bad, if your kids want to watch it, you should consider letting them because it's not only a good show but it gives you a great glimpse at the entertainment industry.

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This review was written by Kari Croop
TV rating:TV-14
Network:E!
Cast:Jonathan Cheban, Simon Huck
Genre:Reality TV

This review was written by Kari Croop
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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