Parents' Guide to

Russian Dolls

By Elka Karl, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Jersey Shore meets Real Housewives...with a Russian twist.

TV Lifetime Television Reality TV 2011
Russian Dolls Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 18+

Based on 1 parent review

KatyaH
KatyaH Adult
October 8, 2011
age 18+

Elka are you Russian?

Elka, I don't agree with your review. This show is for people who want to learn about Russian culture - and our culture IS full of stereotypes. Bad language, violence, and especially alcohol is part of Russian society, so don't try to pull the curtains over what Americans might think inappropriate.

This title has:

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Great role models
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What's the Story?

Several generations of RUSSIAN DOLLS and their families are chronicled in their community of Brighton Beach, Brooklyn. The reality show chronicles the women's over-the-top behavior, which includes casually spending $20,000 on a piece of jewelry, and talking extensively about the need for botox, fillers, and fake boobs.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Given that the name of this reality series is Russian Dolls, as opposed to Russian Women, it's safe to bet that the show isn't going to focus on feminist values. And while the show claims to represents the immigrant experience, it's clearly a skewed perspective. These women's immigrant experience revolves around gabbing about "vajayjays," belly dancing at grandma pageants, and spending one's day in a bathhouse eating fish and drinking beer.

The women featured on the show are a thick tangle of contradictions. Marina, who owns a nightclub with her husband, wants respect from everyone around her, yet spends much of her free time badmouthing her mother-in-law, acting like more of a child than her two children, and buying anything that is "big and blingy and definitely Russian style." Twenty-three-year-old Diana, who came to the United States when she was 3, is apparently dating a Spanish guy in large part because he drives a Maserati, yet she wants to find a Russian husband and have a baby by 25 so she can be a hot mom. Underneath all the bling and the blather, the women (and men) display a cultural pride, but any of the potential positivity is lost amid the stereotypes and outlandish behavior.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how the Russian immigrant experience is represented on this reality show. Do you think that the people on the show represent the whole of Russian culture in the United States? What kinds of stereotypes are reinforced here?

  • Why do you think the women spend so much time talking about plastic surgery and Botox? Do you think they feel pressured to look good by other people in their community? Why do you think they spend so much money on their appearance? Would you spend $20,000 on a piece of jewelry if you had the money to do so?

  • Do you think that the women on the show are strong and independent women? What do these women do on the show that makes you think that they are or aren't?

TV Details

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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 suggesting a diversity update.

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