Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Quasi-reality sitcom shows strong blended family.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
LEAVE IT TO NIECY is a unique reality show starring actress/comedienne Niecy Nash looking for ways to bring her family closer together. Six months after marrying mechanical engineer Jay Tucker, Niecy wants to have the perfect family by helping her teenage kids, Dominic, Donielle, and Dia, bond with their new stepfather. She also wants to help her stepson Romalis, who was raised as an only child, adjust to the crazy clan. Adding to the fray is Miss Margaret, Niecy's mom, who helps raise her grandchildren and is always part of the family dynamic. From forcing the family to go to the roller disco to radically attempting to improve the family's collective eating habits, Niecy never stops thinking of ways to inspire the family to get closer and be happy. Her plans don't always turn out the way she expects them to, but in the end, it somehow it all works out.
Is It Any Good?
The series, which mixes documentary and comedy formats, offers a humorous and voyeuristic look at the dynamics between the members of a newly blended family. Each episode is produced to follow a specific story line, but it contains plenty of seemingly spontaneous moments that create a sense of reality.
Nash's humor is definitely entertaining, and her children's dry wit will also make you chuckle. It's lighthearted and fun, but the overall show sends a very strong message about positive relationships and the importance of family.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about blended families. How difficult is it to bring together members of two families to create a new, single family? What are some of the challenges? How has the media depicted blended families over the years?
Do you think this show is offering a real portrayal of their family experience? Or are they just offering a comical version of it to create an entertaining show?
How are African-American families portrayed in the media? What images of African American men and women do we see in the news? How do media depictions compare to reality?
TV Details
- Premiere date : March 25, 2012
- Cast : Jay Tucker , Margaret Ensley , Niecy Nash
- Network : TLC
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 20, 2019
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