Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
More of the same iffy stuff from VH1's reality "celebrity."
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
NEW YORK GOES TO WORK is the latest reality show starring one-time Flavor of Love contestant Tiffany "New York" Pollard. This time, she's seeking (more) fame and fortune by letting viewers put her to work. Each week, audiences text their vote for one of three potential employment opportunities, which range from working at a bakery to pig farming. At the winning job site, New York must complete three specific tasks in order to earn a $10,000 check. If she doesn't complete the tasks to her boss' satisfaction, she walks away with nothing.
Is It Any Good?
The show is a departure from New York's other shows (including I Love New York and New York Goes to Hollywood), because it takes some decision-making power away from New York and puts it in viewers' hands. It might seem like harmless fun -- especially compared to those shows -- and it's definitely hard not to laugh when watching New York try her hand at milking cows and/or completely flipping out when working alongside pest control professionals.
But her willingness to work at places that have been specifically chosen to make her look like a fool seems like a desperate ploy for attention. It's also rooted in absolute greed. Although New York sometimes admits to gaining a new respect for the people who actually do some of these jobs on a regular basis, she only ever seems genuinely satisfied by her experiences when she has her cash in hand. It may be entertaining, but the messages this show sends are fundamentally disturbing.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why some people who appear on reality shows go on to become reality "celebrities." Why do they "deserve" their own shows? What do they get from their time in the spotlight?
You can also talk about the things that people will do on reality shows to win money. When do these kinds of stunts go too far?
What kind of role model is New York?
TV Details
- Premiere date : May 4, 2009
- Cast : Tiffany Pollard
- Network : VH1
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 10, 2022
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
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate