Parents' Guide to

Joan Knows Best?

By Kari Croop, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Salty talk, stupid schemes fuel famous family's "reality."

TV WE Reality TV 2011
Joan Knows Best? Poster Image

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

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What's the Story?

In JOAN KNOWS BEST?, comedian Joan Rivers decides to rent out her home in Connecticut and move to Los Angeles to live with her daughter, Melissa, and grandson, Cooper. But unbeknown to Joan, the household also includes Melissa's live-in boyfriend, Jason; her best friend, Conrad; Cooper's busty nanny, Dominica; and the Rivers's longtime assistant, Sabrina. Predictably enough, hi-jinks ensue as mother and daughter attempt to share a living space while respecting each other's private lives.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (2):

A respected comedian who's found her niche as a crass critic of red carpet fashion -- and an eye-opening example of plastic surgery excesses -- Joan Rivers is all too aware that she's aging. She's also savvy enough to realize that, in today's 24-7 "infotainment" culture, she's a brand just like any other product, and that if she wants to stay relevant, she's got to work at it. Unfortunately, that's the problem with Joan Knows Best?, which ends up feeling like Joan's working way too hard. Melissa seems like she's along for the ride, while her son, Cooper, is just trying to be a kid.

For a far more fascinating look at the "real" Joan and the way she lives her life, Ricki Stern and Anne Sundberg's penetrating 2010 documentary Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work will show you everything you need to know. (Including what Joan really looks like underneath all that makeup.)

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the benefits of spending time together, particularly when it comes to children and their grandparents. How often do you see your grandparents? Are they an important part of your life?

  • How real does the show feel to you? Are there any moments that seem scripted as opposed to genuine? How can you tell?

  • How might this show serve to promote Joan's various brands, including her clothing, jewelry and make-up lines, and her celebrity in general? Do you think it was created to entertain viewers or promote her persona?

TV Details

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