Parents' Guide to

Beverly Hills Fabulous

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Gossip and divas in mild beauty shop reality show.

TV VH1 Reality TV 2011
Beverly Hills Fabulous Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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What's the Story?

BEVERLY HILLS FABULOUS revolves around the staff and clientele of Elgin Charles Hair Salon, which combines Rodeo Drive glamour with traditional African-American beauty shop culture. Lively celebrity hairstylist Elgin Charles spends his time doing hair, reaching out to the African-American community, and capitalizing on his success. But expanding his salon business and promoting his product brand aren't easy, especially when his stylists -- including the arrogant Sean Cameron, the wild and confident Lolita Goods, and newcomer Katrina Atkinson -- create lots of drama thanks to their endless gossiping and diva-like attitudes. Adding to the fray are some interesting clients, who range from TV personalities to folks looking for a high-class makeover.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

The show offers a colorful look inside Beverly Hills' only African-American-owned salon and reflects the unique characteristics of the black beauty shop culture without relying on traditional racial stereotypes. Also adding to the show's flair are the "Fabulizing" segments, which show how a specific client's hair is transformed and which are designed to look more like music videos than a reality show.

Much of the staff's conversations and over-the-top behavior seem so staged for the cameras that you have to wonder whether it's scripted. Viewers may also question when the stylists actually spend time working on clients' hair. But despite the lack of authenticity, the cast members are interesting enough to make the show somewhat entertaining.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about African-American culture. What exactly is "black beauty shop culture," and what makes it unique? What kinds of things do the stylists do and say that highlight this tradition? How can the media depict the uniqueness of this culture without using stereotypes?

  • When does a reality show cross the line between showing what's real and creating fiction?

TV Details

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