Hammertime
M.C. Hammer as a dad, dancer, and digital entrepreneur.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this family-friendly reality series -- which follows Stanley Burrell (aka musical legend M.C. Hammer) as he balances his family and career -- has positive messages about family, education, and maintaining a strong work ethic. That said, the show is also an obvious promotional vehicle for Burrell's various online commercial outlets, and it encourages viewers to participate in social media networks like Twitter and Facebook in order to stay connected with him. Parents may want to monitor if/how their kids are tapping into the show's interactive nature.
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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: TV-PG
- Last updated: January 17, 2023
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