Parents' Guide to

Mama's Boys of the Bronx

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Sexism, stereotypes mix with family loyalty in docuseries.

TV TLC Reality TV 2012
Mama's Boys of the Bronx Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 18+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Bill1201
Bill1201 Adult
April 10, 2012
age 18+

Bad show overall

Look at indulged men who aged out of momma's house years ago! Thank God they aren't married and having children!
vikki 82
vikki 82 Adult
April 6, 2012
age 18+

Dont bother watching another reality show about spoiled grown men!

Is this really what we want 30 somehing men living at home having there parents still taking care of them.. What kind of message are you sending to your kids!!

This title has:

Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

The reality series MAMA'S BOYS OF THE BRONX feature a circle of five thirty-something Italian-American bachelors who grew up together in the Bronx, and are now enjoying adulthood while happily being taken care of by their mothers. The mama's boys include construction worker Anthony, who lives with mother Patti; personal trainer Chip, who lives with his mom Camille; and the hot-tempered Frankie, who lives with him mom Gina. Also part of the gang is Giovanni, who lives with his Aunt Gina; and Peter, the youngest of the group, who is an aspiring actor and substitute teacher living with his divorced dad, Gus. Although they all enjoy the good food and other perks that come with living at home, it has its drawbacks, including constantly being nagged about finding a nice Italian girl and getting married. While some of the guys are looking for a committed relationship, most of them simply enjoy looking good, living large at their old haunts in Little Italy on Arthur Avenue, and being doted on at home.

Is It Any Good?

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

The show takes a light-hearted and voyeuristic look at the lives of Italian-American mammonis, specific men of Italian heritage in their 30s and 40s who are employed, successful, attractive, and who proudly remain dependent on their mothers to take care of them until they choose to get married. It also reveals how their mothers (and other parental figures) reinforce this dependency by their desire to have them live at home, and by cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry for them.

What is presented here may appear comical or troubling to some viewers, but it is a lifestyle that has its historical roots in older, more traditional Italian values that encouraged children to remain at home until they got married. It is also one that reinforces the importance of family, as well as largely sexist attitudes about men and women. It's somewhat interesting, and certainly offers an entertaining look at this distinctive segment of the Italian-American community.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the term "mama's boy." What does it really mean? Is it intended to be a positive or negative characterization in American culture? What about in other cultures? Is it a stereotypical term? Why or why not?

  • How does the media characterize men and boys? What are the negative and positive messages boys get from TV and movies?

TV Details

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