Parents' Guide to

Big Ang

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Mob Wives spin-off has laughs, drinking, and stereotypes.

TV VH1 Reality TV 2012
Big Ang 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?

BIG ANG follows Mob Wives cast member Angela Raiola as she relaunches her Staten Island bar, the Drunken Monkey, in hopes of drawing in a younger, sexier crowd. Known for her popularity among alleged gangsters over the years, the bar owner spends her time reminiscing about the "good old days" with her crew, including best friends "little Jen" and Linda. Also making appearances is Ang's older sister, Janine, who makes sure that Ang is actually paying her bills on time; and Ang's son, A.J., who still needs her to do his laundry. From figuring out her relationship with her estranged husband to encouraging lots of wild behavior at the bar, Raiola still lives her life to the fullest.

Is It Any Good?

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

Big Ang offers lots of entertaining moments thanks to Raiola's larger-than-life personality and surgically enhanced appearance, which is so genuinely over-the-top that you can't help but chuckle at everything she says and does. Her straightforward and unapologetic acceptance of who she is also makes her very likable.

If you're looking for some voyeuristic entertainment, Big Ang will definitely fit the bill. But like its parent series, it underscores lots of stereotypes about the Italian-American community. And while there's lots to laugh at here, Big Ang also features subtle reminders of what Raiola's life was like -- and the benefits she reaped -- as a modern-day mobster moll.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about reality shows that feature people who are allegedly connected to the Mafia. Do shows like this one reinforce or challenge existing stereotypes about the connection between specific ethnic and racial communities and organized crime?

  • Why do you think people find these shows entertaining? Are these representations glorifying the gangster lifestyle? Is this appropriate?

  • What do these characters have to gain or lose by being on this show?

TV Details

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