Parents' Guide to

Breaking Bonaduce

By Lucy Maher, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Uncomfortable look at former child star's woes.

TV VH1 Reality TV 2005
Breaking Bonaduce Poster Image

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What's the Story?

In BREAKING BONADUCE, viewers follow the life and couples counseling sessions of washed-up child star Danny Bonaduce and his wife, Gretchen, as they deal with the issues that threaten to break up their relationship. Danny and Gretchen got married in 1990 after knowing each other for just a few hours, but they stuck together for more than 15 years, weathering Danny's adultery, anger issues, substance abuse, and more.

Is It Any Good?

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

Breaking Bonaduce isn't your average reality show, in that it's more like a cautionary documentary about the hazards of hard living. The show had already begun filming when Danny fell back on drugs and drinking binges. A rehab program leaves Danny more determined than ever to win back Gretchen's trust and save their marriage. He relies on the help of friends and marriage counselor Dr. Garry Corgiat to get his life back on track. But to do so, he still has to deal with the jealousy issues that continue to torment him.

While high, Danny exhibited manic behavior, and those scenes are revisited from time to time. In one scene, a tipsy Danny, in Mexico for a rooftop photo shoot, jumps onto the ledge and plays around while horrified photographers look on. During the same trip, he carjacks a vehicle while drunk. There are also scenes in which he verbally abuses his therapist. While any fans that the actor has left may enjoy it, for families looking for quality TV, it's a pass.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about drugs and alcohol. Why do some people have a problem controlling the amount they drink, while others don't? What makes someone an addict? Why do some people become addicts even when they know about the harmful effects of substance abuse? What messages does the show send about addiction? Families can also discuss counseling. Do you think their sessions are helping Danny and Gretchen? What are the benefits of therapy? The drawbacks (if any)?

TV Details

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