Mel B: It's a Scary World

TV review by Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media
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Common Sense says

age 13+

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

Style Network Reality TV 2010
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Parents say

age 18+

Based on 1 review

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 1 review

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that that this reality series -- which follows former Spice Girl Melanie Brown as she works in various entertainment venues while raising two children with her husband -- is pretty upbeat and includes positive messages about blended families. But there's also some strong sexual content (including innuendo and images of scantily dressed women) and adult themes, including discussions about a public custody battle between Brown and actor Eddie Murphy. Alcohol consumption (wine, cocktails, champagne) is also visible.

Community Reviews

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[email protected] Adult
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?

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

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