Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
M.C. Hammer as a dad, dancer, and digital entrepreneur.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
HAMMERTIME follows the life of Stanley Burrell -- aka 1990s music star M.C. Hammer -- as he juggles being a full-time dad, musician, and social media entrepreneur. Along for the ride are his long-time wife, Stephanie, and their family, including 21-year-old daughter A'Keiba, 18-year-old nephew Jamaris, 15-year-old Sarah, 13-year-old Stanley Jr., 10-year-old Jeremiah, and 3-year-old Samuel. When he isn't helping his clan clean the house, finish their homework, or explore their own talents, the music icon performs at concerts, keeps up with speaking engagements, and manages his various online ventures.
Is It Any Good?
This lighthearted show uses humor and sensitivity to highlight the importance of family, education, and maintaining a physically, emotionally, and financially healthy lifestyle. It also serves as a giant promotional vehicle for Burrell's social media empire, including the Hammertime iPhone application and his latest social media labels. He openly discusses how he uses his Facebook and MySpace pages to connect with his fans and uses his Twitter account to post updates throughout each episode.
While the show often appears staged for the cameras, it succeeds in creating a positive, appealing viewing experience that taps into the digitally interactive nature of today's up-and-coming M.C. Hammer fans. It also creates a fun and nostalgic experience for older ones. As a result, the series is both commercially creative and a fun viewing experience.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether it's really possible to live an "ordinary" life after being so famous. Do you think Burrell's decision to star in his own reality show is an attempt to revive his music career, or are there are other reasons? Families can also discuss social media. Are online media platforms a good way to connect with people? What are the benefits? Drawbacks?
TV Details
- Premiere date : June 14, 2009
- Cast : Stanley Burrell , Stephanie Burrell
- Network : A&E
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : November 23, 2022
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