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Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
By Melissa Camacho,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Beauty pageant spin-off is comical and crass.
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Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
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Based on 11 parent reviews
Trash
this show is horrible
What's the Story?
HERE COMES HONEY BOO BOO, a Toddlers & Tiaras reality spin-off, features the colorful Thompson family as they enjoy summer life in Southern Georgia while working hard to help the youngest daughter's efforts to become a successful beauty queen. It features 6-year-old Alana Thompson, a.k.a. Honey Boo Boo Child, whose amusing but unpolished performances has led to a string of losses on the pageant circuit. But there to support her and help her be successful is June "Mama" Thompson, her dad "Sugar Bear," and her teenage sisters, Anna "Chickadee," Jessica "Chubbs," and 12-year old Lauryn "Pumpkin." From mud belly flopping in the Redneck Games to perfecting arm pit noises, this clan creates their own brand of fun. But in the end, they are proud of who they are and are always there for each other.
Is It Any Good?
The series highlights the day-to-day lives of a family who has made a name for themselves by being confident in who they are, despite the fact that who they are doesn't usually reflect the standards of the people who participate in beauty pageants. But one has to wonder what drives June's stage mom-like presence, as well as what motivates them to encourage their youngest daughter to participate in something that expects her to behave differently than who she is.
Some folks may not appreciate the endless bathroom jokes and other behaviors, many of which are stereotypically characterized as being "redneck." Others may be troubled by June's insistence on putting her daughter in pageants despite the fact that she does not have the same competitive edge as the other little girls. And there is the problematic issue of watching people's outrageous behavior in order to make fun of them -- not a great message for kids. But for a guilty pleasure, there is definitely entertainment here.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stereotypes. Why do people use stereotypical terms to define themselves? What are some ways the media perpetuate stereotypes? What can we do to diffuse them?
Why do you think the Thompson family agreed to appear on a reality show? Is it fame? To promote Alana's pageant career? Money? Do you think they behave the way they do on camera in real life?
TV Details
- Premiere date: August 8, 2012
- Cast: Alana Thompson , Anna Thompson , June Thompson
- Network: TLC
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: February 25, 2022
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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
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