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Parents' Guide to

Hey Paula

By Sierra Filucci, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Idol judge lets reality TV into her life.

TV Bravo Reality TV 2007
Hey Paula Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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What's the Story?

If you've always been fascinated by Paula Abdul (and really, who hasn't?), then HEY PAULA will scratch your itch to peek behind the headlines and see what really makes the singer, choreographer, businesswoman, and American Idol judge tick. With cameras following her every move, viewers track the diminutive celeb as she jets from Los Angeles to the Midwest to New York and back to promote her jewelry designs, attend the Grammy Awards, accept a fashion award, and much more. Along for the ride are her trusty assistants and advisors -- her publicist, stylist, hairdresser, and personal assistant -- who all lose sleep to keep Paula organized ... and endure her mild wrath when things get messy.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

The Paula revealed here isn't much different from the one we already know, though the glimpse into her busy schedule offers some insight into her sometimes-delirious behavior. And it's fun, in a voyeuristic way, to see her get pissy sometimes, too. (Seeing the less-than-glamorous side of celebrity might be a good eye-opener for star-struck younger viewers.) Ultimately, this is pure, unadulterated, guilty-pleasure fluff -- fun fluff, perhaps, but after watching you might wonder what else you could have done with the 30 minutes of your life you'll never get back.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why Paula Abdul is considered a good subject for a reality show. What makes her stand out? Why do you think people would want to watch her life? Families can also discuss what it takes to be a successful celebrity. What kind of person is good at the business of being a star? Does the fame and recognition seem worth the amount of work they do? Does being famous appeal to you? What would be the best and worst parts of being a celebrity?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

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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