Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Vapid reality contest reinforces shallow values.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
In PARIS HILTON'S MY NEW BFF, 18 hopefuls from across the country -- 16 girls and two guys -- compete to become hotel heiress Paris Hilton's new best friend. (As for the "forever part? That remains to be seen.) To whittle down the pool of prospective BFFs, Paris puts her acquaintances through a series of elimination-style challenges designed to show who's a keeper and who's a loser. Paris makes it clear that she's ultimately looking for someone who 1) can party, 2) has class, taste, and business savvy, 3) is real, and 4) is hot ... in that order.
Is It Any Good?
Hilton has no problems being blunt, so here's hoping she doesn't hate us for saying that this inane, negative MTV reality series is utterly skippable. The only thing it has going for it is unintentional comedy. In fact, the premise is so ridiculous that a few of the contestants are actually smirking as they go through the elimination ceremony, which is supposed to be serious -- at least in theory. Paris is quick to call out "Desperate Debbies" -- attention-seeking girls who will do anything to soak up the limelight. But the real Desperate Debbie here is obvious.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether Paris really needs to launch a televised search for a new best friend -- and whether she might have other motivations, too. After all, is it really possible to find someone you connect with on a "best friend" level through an overproduced reality show that doesn't provide time for any real intimacy? Teens: Do you admire Paris in general, and would you want to be her constant companion? Why or why not? Who are your best friends? What qualities do they have that make them so special to you?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 30, 2008
- Cast : Paris Hilton
- Network : MTV
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 20, 2019
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