Tiny & Toya (BET)

common sense media says

Reality show mixes edgy content, positive messages.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this reality series -- which follows two women as they rebuild their lives after leaving their hip-hop celebrity partners -- includes some salty language (“hell," “damn”) and bleeped curse words, as well as sexual innuendo, some drinking, and references to violence. The show touches on heavy themes like imprisonment, drug addiction, and poverty but ultimately has positive messages about family, friendship, good parenting, and the importance of women empowering themselves.

Positive messages: The women are trying to rebuild their lives in a positive way. Weighty, complex issues like poverty, absentee parents, teen prengancy/single motherhood, and imprisonment are discussed.
Positive role models: They aren’t perfect, but both women are earnestly attempting to create more independent and empowered lives for themselves and their families.
Violence: No violent moments, per se, but T.I.'s weapons conviction and subsequent jail sentence is part of what's motivating Tiny to change.
Sex: Some mild sexual innuendo. Romance and feelings for each woman’s former boyfriends/partners are frequently discussed, as is frustration about not finding a man. The women often dress in tight, cleavage-revealing outfits. Promiscuity is occasionally discussed, and Toya talks about getting pregnant and having a child at the age of 14.
Language: Words like "damn" and "hell" are audible; curse words like "s--t" and "f--k" are bleeped.
Consumerism: Hip Hop artists T.I. and L’il Waye are discussed. Tiny was a member of the successful hip-hop group Xscape; her music is sometimes heard in the background. The women are using the series to promote their personal business ventures. Expensive cars and other luxury items are occasionally visible in the background.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Social drinking (wine, champagne, mixed drinks). Toya struggles with a drug-addicted mother.

More on Tiny & Toya

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about Tiny and Toya's choice  to use a reality show to fight tabloid gossip about their lives. Do you think that's a good decision or a bad one? Do you think reality shows can be used to highlight positive behavior?
  • Also, what do you think it's like to share a life with someone famous? Do you think it's possible to be with that person without being overshadowed by their fame? Why or why not?

What's the story?

What's the story?
TINY & TOYA follows friends Tameka “Tiny” Cottle and Antonia “Toya” Carter as they attempt to remake themselves into independent, self-sustaining women. The duo -- each best known for her involvement with a high-profile hip-hop star (Tiny was dating now-jailed rapper T.I.; Toya has a daughter by singer L’il Wayne) -- have moved into a house in Atlanta in order to support each other. Each woman struggles with her own personal challenges, which range from coping with a drug-addicted mother to the search for romance and companionship. They're also taking the opportunity to reexamine their lives, build new goals, and create a better future for themselves and their kids.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

This somewhat voyeuristic series is intended to challenge the tabloid gossip that's surrounded its stars for years -- and to give viewers a chance to see both women outside of the large shadows cast by their former celebrity partners. Unfortunately, there's so much discussion about the hip-hop industry (and their roles in it) that it's hard to look beyond it. Adding to this is the women's rather luxurious lifestyle (courtesty of Tiny’s former singing career and Toya’s high-profile divorce).

That said, there's also something very poignant and genuine about the women's personal struggles. Their stories offer a reality check to anyone who thinks that it's easy to live in the limelight -- or that money is the solution to all problems. And, unlike many reality shows, this one offers the chance to watch two women empower themselves ... rather than allowing themselves to be objectified by men.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: BET
Cast: Antonia Carter, Tameka Cottle
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: BET

This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

solissexy
parent of 4 year old
 
I like the show tiny and toya they are real and I always like the group escape back in the day they where one of my favorite groups . Tiny is right for wanting to get back to music she's good at it. toya is a strong person to hold it to gether after all the bs from wayne anyway I like the show 100% rating from me.

 
I love the show exspecially Toya I just LOVE her and I also look up to her.

ayan9876
teen, 16 years old
 
love it

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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