Parents' Guide to

House of Carters

By Lucy Maher, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Like Party of Five, only more painful.

TV E! Reality TV 2006
House of Carters Poster Image

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What's the Story?

In the "celebreality" series HOUSE OF CARTERS, five adult siblings agree to temporarily live together in an attempt to heal the wounds that arose after their parents' divorce (as well as some of the sibs' own tabloid-ready exploits). Leading the group is former Backstreet Boy Nick Carter, who leases a tricked-out Los Angeles house while in town to record a new album. With their parents' contentious split behind them, the siblings -- singer Aaron (who once dated Lindsay Lohan and Hilary Duff at the same time); Aaron's twin, aspiring model Angel; singer Leslie; and aimless Bobbie Jean -- crash with father figure Nick in an attempt to bond and become a family again.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (1 ):

This is one dysfunctional family. Like the stars of The Real World, the Carter siblings start out in awe of their souped-up surroundings but quickly begin arguing over who has the best room. And when it comes time for culinarily inclined Bobbie Jean to prepare dinner for the troops, their bickering over whether or not she's cooking the corn correctly might make some viewers turn the volume down -- or switch the channel altogether.

Although Nick and Aaron's tween fans might want to watch, only teens who can take the pop stars' "reality" with a grain of salt should tune in -- and even they might have second thoughts after spending a little time with this clan. Overall, House of Carters is a sad portrayal of a family that blows the all-too-rare chance to start over.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about sibling relationships. What are the advantages and disadvantages of having siblings? Why do brothers and sisters fight so often? How do sibling relationships change as you get older? Why is it that family members can make you angrier than anyone else? Families can also talk about the Carter siblings' unusual circumstances. How likely is it that five kids in a non-famous family would do what they're doing? What else about their lives is unrealistic?

TV Details

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