Parents' Guide to

Made in Chelsea

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Stylish Brit reality has drinking, arguments, and labels.

TV Style Network Reality TV 2011
Made in Chelsea 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?

MADE IN CHELSEA is a scripted reality series featuring a group of upper-crust British twentysomethings living and socializing in the fashionable London neighborhood of Chelsea. It stars socialite and entrepreneur Amber Atherton, diamond mining heir Francis Bouelle, international model Frederik Ferrier, blogger Francesca "Cheska" Hull, and her friend Alexandra "Binky" Felstead. The budding relationship between aspiring singer Caggie Dunlop and her ex-boyfriend Spencer Matthews (who happens to be in a relationship) makes things interesting. Adding to the fray is Cheska and Binky's friend Ollie Locke, Amber and Francis' friend Rosie Fortescue, and Spencer's best mate Hugo Taylor, who occasionally acts as his conscience. From posh parties and polo matches, to trips on private jets to luxurious locations, these folks live in a world where money is no object, fashion is a priority, and for some, pedigree is everything.

Is It Any Good?

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

The stylish (and highly stylized) British import offers a glimpse into the affluent world of central London, the home of British royalty, high-end stores, and people who can afford to shop in them. While much of what is discussed is superficial, some of these conversations subtly highlight the role that class and pedigree continue to have in British culture, especially among the wealthy.

Made in Chelsea is a little slow compared to most popular U.S.-made reality series thanks to scenes that, while visually well-produced, are so obviously scripted that they feel artificial and forced. The polite arguments between cast members also add less drama than the catfights some American reality shows are known for. But the show still offers lots of voyeuristic guilty pleasure for those looking for an international escape.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about differences between U.S. and British TV series. Are there significant differences in the way they are made? Or is it the cultural differences between the two countries that make them different? What are some of the things that are OK to show on American TV, but not in England? And vice versa?

  • Why do you think these people agreed to be on this show? What do they stand to gain or lose?

TV Details

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