Parents' Guide to

Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew

By Kari Croop, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Stars' cautionary tales best for older teens+.

TV VH1 Reality TV 2008
Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 14+

Based on 4 parent reviews

Jaclyn S.
Jaclyn S. Adult
March 16, 2018
age 15+

This title has:

Great messages
christian2011
christian2011 Adult
October 24, 2012
age 13+

Very inspiring show. Drug and sex addiction is graphically displayed.

This is a show that shows the grim and harsh realities of drug addiction, alcoholism, and other harmful acts including self-mutilation, sex addiction, and abuse (both physical, psychological and sexual), all from real people and is graphically displayed, which can upset and disturb some viewers. It also reveals the people's past of how they've gotten themselves like they are, and intense thematic material is common throughout. Some scenes show the agonizing stages of drug withdrawal, its symptoms, which are triggered into physical and verbal throw downs between patients, and potentially harmful reactions which does show some patients pass out, have seizures, vomiting, suicidal attempts, and some characters don't make it through their addiction. Yet, it's a very inspiring show which can teach individuals about drug addiction and the serious yet potentially fatal consequences. Dr. Drew is one of the best, most experienced addiction Doctors in the world, specializing in drug and sex addiction, and his words of expertise and experience can inspire those who want to become just like him to help people with serious addictions.

This title has:

Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much consumerism
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 4 parent reviews

What's the Story?

With reality shows like The Surreal Life and Celebrity Fit Club, VH1 has seemed more than happy to provide C-list celebrities with a public stage for their bad behavior. But now, with CELEBRITY REHAB WITH DR. DREW, the network wants to help them kick their addictions to booze, pills, and hard-core drugs -- the very things that made them such ratings-friendly TV train wrecks. Among those checking into the Pasadena Recovery Center are more than a few reality TV veterans, including actress Brigitte Nielsen and former wrestler Chyna (Surreal Life), actors Daniel Baldwin and Jeff Conaway (Fit Club), and amateur singer Jessica Sierra (American Idol). Rounding out the slate of addicts are porn star turned wannabe politician Mary Carey, Crazy Town rapper Seth "Shifty" Binzer, and Family Matters actress Jaimee Foxworth.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (4 ):
Kids say (1 ):

Leading the recovery process is board-certified physician/talk show host/addiction expert Dr. Drew Pinsky, best known for his long-running radio program, Loveline. Steering clear of typical reality show shenanigans, Dr. Drew adds an air of credibility to the concept and seems genuinely interested in seeing these celebs through to the other side. Without his steady presence, it's not hard to imagine the show becoming exploitative rather than educational.

Still, it remains to be seen whether Celebrity Rehab is inherently helpful or harmful. After all, if it helps at least one person turn his or her life around, then it's served a definite purpose. But if not, isn't it just feeding the problem by giving the fame-starved a chance to be on TV?

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the grim realities of drug and alcohol addiction, as well as the celebrities who seem to struggle so publicly with it. Teens: Do you enjoy the constant media reports about troubled celebs like Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears? If so, why? Do you look down on -- or perhaps envy -- their behavior? Parents: In an age of celebrity worship and tabloid trash-fests, is it more difficult to raise a well-adjusted, substance-free teen? How does the media both help and hinder your efforts?

TV Details

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