Parents' Guide to Candy Girls

TV E! Reality TV 2009
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Common Sense Media Review

Kari Croop By Kari Croop , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 17+

Sugar and spice? More like sex -- and not much nice.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 17+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 2+

Based on 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

By shadowing Danielle, a successful businesswoman whose Los Angeles-based Bella Agency books women to appear in popular hip-hop videos, CANDY GIRLS pushes women who've made their living as background players firmly into the spotlight. The show also focuses on Danielle's assistant, Kysha; her go-to stylist, April; and the "Candy Girls" themselves -- Brooke, Terricka, Olivia, and Blanca -- three of whom live together in a posh downtown loft.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 2 ):
Kids say : Not yet rated

While it's vaguely interesting to meet the women who appear as virtual "eye candy" in the background of popular music videos, this reality series is far too focused on girl-on-girl conflict to produce any serious food for thought. A lot of the dialogue seems forced as well, and one of the Candy Girls is actively trying to launch her acting career -- which makes her participation in the project seem more than a little suspect.

In the end, a show that could have offered a thought-provoking perspective from strong-willed women working in a male-dominated industry devolves into a celebration of trash-talking, skin, and shameless self-promotion. So if you're craving something sweet, keep looking: These Candy Girls will give you a tummy ache.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what might motivate a woman to seek out work as a "video girl." Is that kind of work demeaning or empowering?

  • What qualities make Danielle a successful businesswoman? What qualities make her "Candy Girls" good at what they do?

  • Which of the Candy Girls do you admire? Are there any that you dislike? Generally speaking, do you think the show presents women in a negative or a positive light?

TV Details

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