Mel B: It's a Scary World

Name: Mel B: It's a Scary World
Item: Mel B: It's a Scary World
Rating: 3
Author: Melissa Camacho

TV review by

Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media

Mel B: It's a Scary World TV Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 13+

(i)

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

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age 12+

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A lot or a little?

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

Positive Messages

Living successfully as part of an integrated family is one of the show's major theme. Divorce and paternity are frequently discussed, but the focus is on working things out and family harmony.

Positive Role Models & Representations

Brown is both a successful entertainer (though some of the projects she's involved in are a bit risque) and committed mother. Stephen Belafonte is a positive parent figure in Brown's daughters' lives.

Violence

Sex

Some strong sexual innuendo, only some of which will go over younger viewers' head. Scenes of women dressed scantily and dancing provocatively as part of a burlesque review.

Language

Words like “damn” and “pissed” are audible, while occasional stronger language (“s--t," “f--k”) are bleeped.

Consumerism

Apple computers are visible. References are made to entertainment acts like the Spice Girls and The Pussy Cat Dolls and films like Shrek. Occasionally Beverly Hills stores and restaurants are featured.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Drinking (cocktails, wine, champagne) is visible at social events and entertainment venues.

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.

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Teen, 14 years old Written byMillyMolly December 9, 2010

age 12+

its alright

Sometimes it can get a bit boring. But she has to work through life just as any othe person does, but in the end its all worth. Its also a good laugh when her d... Continue reading

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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?