Parents' Guide to

Secret Talents of the Stars

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Celebrities' new tricks are great fun for fans.

TV CBS Reality TV 2008
Secret Talents of the Stars Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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What's the Story?

Bragging rights are up for grabs in this reality series, which pits 16 celebrities against each other in a tournament-style competition of hidden talents. The contestant pool includes award-winning entertainers and world-class athletes, but there's no way to predict what will happen when they step outside their comfort zones and try their hands at secret passions like stand-up comedy, juggling, and singing. Judges Debbie Reynolds, Brian McKnight, and Gavin Polone offer their impressions of the contestants' efforts, but it's viewers' votes that ultimately decide the stars' fates.

Is It Any Good?

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

It's always fun to see celebs outside their professional element, since it gives us a glimpse of their more human side, and SECRET TALENTS OF THE STARS doesn't disappoint in that regard. The celebrities are honest about their fear of failure and issues with self-confidence, and there's something endearing about watching accomplished entertainers and athletes like Clint Black and Sasha Cohen battle stage fright like, well, a normal person.

There's little outright competition among the stars, who seem to simply enjoy the experience, so as reality TV goes, this show is as family-friendly as they come. It may lack the glitz, polish, and suspense of American Idol or America's Got Talent, but it has a charm all its own. And aside from being fun, the show encourages families to talk about topics like self-esteem, handling criticism, and overcoming adversity.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how to handle criticism and judgment. Do you think it was easier or more difficult for the contestants on this show to compete because they are famous? How did they respond to the judges' comments and the voters' decisions? How does it feel to be criticized? Do we hold celebrities to a different standard because of their fame? Is that fair?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

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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