Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
KISS wild man shows his milder side. Teens OK.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Gene Simmons Family Jewels
What's the Story?
You might not recognize him at first without his black-and-white make-up and trademark tongue-wagging, but it really is KISS lead man Gene Simmons fumbling with that vacuum cleaner in A&E's GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS. Gene lives in a Beverly Hills mansion with his long-time partner, actress and former Playboy Playmate of the Year Shannon Tweed. The couple have been together for 23 years and have two kids, 17-year-old Nick and 13-year-old Sophie. Despite their obvious mutual adoration, Gene and Shannon have never married, a fact that she occasionally drops into conversations for some good-natured nagging.
Is It Any Good?
Overall, Family Jewels is an enjoyable glimpse into the lives of surprisingly candid, down-to-earth celebrities, and much of the family-related subject matter will resonate with viewers. Fans may be surprised to find that in the company of his family, Gene's ego takes a back seat to his pride in his kids. It's only in scenes that find him among adoring female fans that he turns on the charm and welcomes flirtatious advances.
While mature tones and some strong language rule this one out for general family TV viewing, it might be one parents (after a quick preview) can enjoy with their teens. If so, why not dust off some KISS albums and see if musical taste can cross the age divide, too?
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about being a celebrity. How would fame affect your life? What would you enjoy or dislike about it?
Why does our society have such an obsession with famous entertainers? Why aren't leaders in science or education treated the same way?
Do you think Gene and Shannon are effective parents? How can you tell? What about their methods seems to work? What doesn't? How is the Simmons family different from and similar to your own family?
TV Details
- Premiere date : August 7, 2006
- Cast : Gene Simmons , Nick Simmons , Shannon Tweed
- Network : A&E
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 20, 2019
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