Parents' Guide to

Mel B: It's a Scary World

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Former Spice Girl's reality show is OK but a little bland.

TV Style Network Reality TV 2010
Mel B: It's a Scary World Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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age 18+

Based on 1 parent review

gbscates0403@gmail.com
[email protected] Parent of 12-year-old
March 2, 2019
age 18+

Melanie Brown

Melanie Brown
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What's the Story?

MEL B: IT'S A SCARY WORLD follows Melanie Brown -- formerly known as Scary Spice of the Spice Girls -- as she balances her singing, acting, and hosting career with being a wife and mother. Cameras follow the performer as she raises her daughters -- 11-year-old Phoenix and 3-year-old Angel -- with the help of her movie producer/manager husband Stephen Belafonte while simultaneously navigating the intense world of the Hollywood entertainment industry. It's not always easy, but together they experience the joys and challenges of living as members of an integrated family.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

Overall, the show offers viewers the chance to see how normal the life of a former member of a world-famous pop music group can actually be. Parenthood and successfully navigating the challenges of being a blended family are also major themes here.



Thanks to Brown's down-to-earth demeanor and Belafonte's humor, the show's mood is upbeat and positive. But there are times when it isn't very exciting. Still, former Spice Girls fans may enjoy watching what Scary is up to these days, while others may simply like the family-oriented fare that's featured here.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about reality shows. Why do you think celebrity families allow cameras in their homes? What's the purpose (from their perspective) for having a reality show? Is it simply intended to be entertainment, or is there something more?

  • What is a "blended" or "integrated" family? Can you think of other movies or TV shows that have featured blended families? How are they typically portrayed?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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