Rev Run's Renovation

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Rev Run's Renovation
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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 Rev Run's Renovations is a renovation reality series featuring rapper Joseph Simmons (aka Rev Run) and his family as they renovate their large home. There are some promotional logos visible for local contractor and design companies and some occasional mild self-promotion. Despite some occasional iffy vocab ("hell") and some less-than-subtle innuendo, the overall show is very positive and family-friendly.
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What's the Story?
RUN'S RENOVATION is a home-fixer-upper show starring Reverend Joseph Simmons, aka Rev Run from the rap group Run DMC, and his wife Justine as they renovate their 9,000-square-foot home one room at a time. From redoing a daughter's bedroom to renovating the entire kitchen, the couple and their three kids are followed by cameras as they slowly give their New Jersey mansion a face-lift. While Justine likes to take a creative and hands-on approach with designers and contractors, Rev Run gives a lot of instructions as he watches their purse strings. Luckily, they're able to balance each other out and keep each other from going too over the top with their ideas. At the end of each job, the Reverend shares his thoughts about what lessons he's learned from the experience.
Is It Any Good?
The lighthearted renovation show highlights the ups and downs of a home renovation with a touch of humor as the genuine couple showcases their colorful personalities and negotiate over each job. The ways in which they try to deal with snafus also leads to some smiles.
Most of the show's focus is on the musical couple and their reactions to the changes they're making and, of course, showcasing each room once it's completed. People looking for a how-to show won't find it here, but if you're seeking some interesting design ideas delivered in a positive and entertaining way, this one works.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about reality shows. Why do you think the Simmons' renovation projects are being featured on a series? What is it about this family that makes it interesting enough to carry a show?
What is the purpose of DIY and renovation shows? Are they meant to be educational? To inspire creativity? To promote products and suppliers? Or simply entertain?
TV Details
- Premiere date: January 14, 2014
- Cast: Joseph Simmons, Justine Simmons
- Networks: HGTV, DIY
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-G
- Last updated: March 31, 2022
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