Parents' Guide to

Bank of Hollywood

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Celebrity panel helps makes dreams come true -- with cash.

TV E! Reality TV 2009
Bank of Hollywood Poster Image

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What's the Story?

In BANK OF HOLLYWOOD, ordinary people go in front of a celebrity panel to ask for the cash they need to make their dreams come true. In front of show host Bryan Callen and a studio audience, each hopeful goes before a "Power Panel" comprised of author Candy Spelling, professional poker player Vanessa Rousso, Pussycat Dolls singer Melody Thornton, and Wilhelmina Models president Sean Patterson to describe their goal and ask for a specific sum of money to help them make it happen. The judges then vote on whether they'll give the dreamers the cash or leave them empty handed.

Is It Any Good?

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The series, which is based on the British show Fortune: Million Pound Giveaway, takes on a variety show-like quality as requesters dress up, perform, and/or share personal anecdotes and video clips that highlight the special circumstances behind their appeal for funds. But the real entertainment comes from the quirkier and/or sillierproposals -- which include "dreams" such as following Madonna to every city of latest her world tour (in order to do charity work, of course) and building a new and improved stripper pole.

Some of the featured requesters are definitely greedy, but the judges seem unwilling to reward this kind of behavior -- instead, their generosity is inspoired by those who demonstrate a real need or special talent and/or present a creative plan to help someone else. And along with their donations, the celeb panelists also offer important advice to those looking for quick cash: It's better to work hard and earn things rather than relying on someone to give it to them.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why people might ask for money from a panel of strangers. Would you be willing to do that to realize your own dream?

  • Would you feel differently about realizing your goals if you earned the cash to achieve them rather than having the money given to you? Why or why not?

  • Why do you think these celebrities are offering their own money to help people with their dreams?

TV Details

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