Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Wild teens, no boundaries, and real bad consequences.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
PRETTY WILD! is a reality series about the trials and tribulations of a mother and three sisters/up-and-coming models living and working in Los Angeles, California. Former Playboy model-turned holistic healer Andrea Arlington is raising her three daughters, 19-year-old adopted daughter Tess Taylor, 18-year-old Alexis Neiers, and 15-year-old Gabrielle Neiers, in a home with little structure and few rules. Thanks to their mother's unique homeschooling, professional modeling opportunities, and for the two older sisters, lots of partying, they are becoming fixtures of the trendy Los Angeles social scene. But their wild journey takes an unexpected detour when Alexis finds herself in very serious legal trouble. While Andrea rethinks her parenting style, the tight-knit family tries to make sense of what is happening while still trying to live a life without boundaries.
Is It Any Good?
The original intention of the series was to highlight how these up-and-coming models are following the wild footsteps of their mother. But Alexis' unexpected arrest in connection with a high-profile teen burglary ring (which occurred while the show was filming) has shifted the voyeuristic show towards a new and more dramatic direction. The result is a program that mixes scenes of the sisters crying over Alexis' troubles in between their lingerie modeling events and moments of rebellious over-the-top behavior.
The attempt at showcasing the overall family's uninhibited behavior in the midst of these circumstances not only seems like a poor choice, but also shows the lengths to which some people will go to for a shot at stardom. Ironically, what they unintentionally succeed at doing is showing both parents and teens what can happen when kids choose (and are allowed) to live too much on the wild side.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about boundaries. What is the benefit of having family rules? How does your family make decisions about these rules? Is there such a thing as too many rules? Kids: Are there rules that your family has, but that you don't agree with? How do you deal with that? Parents: what are the consequences when family members don't follow the rules?
Why do people allow themselves to be featured on a reality shows, even when what is being shown isn't flattering or socially acceptable? Is for the fame? Money? What kind of impact does being on these shows have? Do you think this family's decision to continue with their show in light of Alexis' legal problems appropriate? Why or why not?
TV Details
- Premiere date : March 14, 2010
- Cast : Alexis Neiers , Andrea Arlington , Tess Taylor
- Network : E!
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 13, 2022
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