Parents' Guide to

Rock the Cradle

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Music stars' kids compete in mostly tame series.

TV MTV Reality TV 2008
Rock the Cradle Poster Image

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What's the Story?

In ROCK THE CRADLE, music legends' sons and daughters try to sing their own way into stardom. Each of the nine competing celebrity offspring perform live for studio and TV audiences, as well as a panel of judges that includes singer Belinda Carlisle, choreographer Jamie King, fashion guru June Ambrose, and talent manager Larry Rudolph. The judges' scores determine who's safe from elimination each week; the rest must wait until the TV audience votes on who should move to the next round of competition. The winner gets a major recording contract and the chance to step out of their parent's shadow and pave their own road to success.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Hosted by actor/MTV personality Ryan Devlin, the series offers music fans a chance to watch a new generation of performers try to hit some winning notes. But much of the show's appeal lies in watching their mega-star moms and dads -- like Kenny Loggins, Olivia Newton-John, Bobby Brown, M.C. Hammer, Joe Walsh (the Eagles), and Tom Johnson (the Doobie Brothers). Happily, despite the endless attention they get during the show, these legends act less like celebrities and more like any genuinely proud, loving parent as they cheer their kids on. They also point out that, despite their own personal success and occasional stage parenting, it's important for their kids to work hard and make it on their own.

This fun show will appeal to music fans of all ages, but there is some sexual innuendo and a bit of strong language (words like "crap" and "hell" are used frequently, while those like "s--t" and "f--k" are bleeped). The series also includes conversations about anorexia, addiction, and jail that might be a bit mature for younger viewers. But for older tweens and teens, this is an enjoyable show that demonstrates that breaking into the music biz takes passion and lots of hard work, no matter how talented or famous your parents are.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what it's like to be the child of a celebrity. What kind of pressures do kids face when their parents are in the media spotlight? Do you think it's possible for them to have "normal" lives? Are they pressured to be as successful as their parents and/or to follow their career footsteps? Families can also discuss the appearance of celebs on reality and competition shows. Do you think being on shows like this helps boost their career?

TV Details

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