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Teen Cribs (MTV)

common sense media says

Wealthy teens give tours of cushy digs they didn't pay for.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the expansive estates featured in this spin-off of MTV's hit Cribs will probably make the average home -- no matter how nice it is -- look bland by comparison. (After all, it's kind of tough to compete with a private beach and an indoor soccer field. ... ) As a result, teen viewers could get the impression that their ordinary stuff just isn't good enough. They'll also be confronted with plenty of luxury brands and see teens talking about lavish parties, high-end cookouts, and international travel as if they were everyday occurrences.

Positive messages: The overall message is "bigger is better." (And forget about living large -- most of these teens live huge.) Some teens even have their own private wings that essentially give them complete privacy from their parents. The show also implies that viewers should look up to and idolize these kids simply because they were fortunate enough to be born into wealthy families who can afford to shower them with lavish gifts and five-star accommodations.
Positive role models: While some of the teens seem genuinely grateful to have what they do, most are living the good life without much concern or awareness of the hard work that went into paying for it. 
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Some teens make references to entertaining members of the opposite sex in their bedrooms and other places their parents' eyes can't see, but it's not necessarily overtly sexual. Many teens also throw hot tub and pool parties that allow teen girls and boys to hang out in bikinis and board shorts.
Language: Most episodes are pretty clean, but in at least one case, a parent's use of "f--k" was bleeped.
Consumerism: Teens frequently mention luxury labels like Porsche, BMW, Rolls Royce, and Hummer. Most of their other prized possessions aren't attributed to a specific brand, but viewers will see logos for Xbox, as well as food manufacturers like Totino's Pizza Rolls, Edy's Ice Cream, and Hot Pockets.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Teen Cribs

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about the message this show sends in regards to consumerism, money, and happiness. Do these teens' lives seem better just because they have expensive things? Would you trade your life for theirs, or are you happy with what you have?
  • Teens: Does watching this show make you want to make a lot of money when you grow up? How hard do you think you'd have to work to pay for the things you're seeing on screen?
  • Why are shows about people who live the good life so popular? Do you look up to these teens, or are you jealous of them?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Taking its cues from MTV's celebrity-driven Cribs, TEEN CRIBS brings viewers inside the homes of ordinary teens -- well, "ordinary" in the sense that they aren't internationally famous ... their parents are "just" extremely rich. The teens themselves serve as the show's tour guides, leading camera crews through their parents' expansive estates and showing off some of their most prized possessions, from indoor bowling alleys and basketball courts to private salons and luxury cars.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Shows like Teen Cribs appeal to the voyeur in all of us, and the chance to peek inside mega homes that most of us could only afford in our dreams is kind of fun. But what are we learning here about the cost of such luxurious accommodations and, in most cases, the hard work that went into paying for them? Unfortunately, not very much. (One notable exception: The home of one teen, whose father is an inventor and the owner of several unnamed tech companies, sends a strong message that being smart can pay off. Big time.)

Many of these privileged teens' parents admit on camera that they purposefully tried to make their homes "fun" so that their kids would want to spend all their time there with their friends instead of getting into trouble someplace else. Family togetherness is great. But does it really take a Rolls Royce, a recording studio, and an indoor rock climbing wall to keep kids happy and safe? If so, parents everywhere should be concerned.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: MTV
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: MTV
This review was written by Kari Croop
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members


kid, 12 years old
9
 
iffy for kids 9-12, but not for kids under 7.
ok when ur 13 plus I don't recommend this show for ages 12 or younger, only some iffy ones.
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teen, 14 years old
9
 
iffy for kids 9-12, but not for kids under 7.
ok when ur 13 plus I don't recommend this show for ages 12 or younger, only some iffy ones.
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (1)

kid, 11 years old
9
 
iffy for kids 9-12, but not for kids under 7.
ok when ur 13 plus I don't recommend this show for ages 12 or younger, only some iffy ones.
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NoParentEmail
kid, 12 years old
8
 
A lots of swearing
"HOLY CRAP" and "HOLY SH-T"
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shop till i drop
teen, 14 years old
13
 
A show that is entertaining but may make teens who have less than these teens feel insecure or not great.
i personaly think this show is pritty good and the houses they show are amazing along with some pools and secret hideouts. But the teens on this show do send to swear and brag about what they have which will make teens who have less or way less feel like what they have is worthless. Or that they always will spend every minute wishing that they had those things...... But remind them that it isnt the stuff that matters its the fact that you have house and a family and u dont need those things to be happy.
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