Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Unoriginal reality show about materialistic socialites.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
SECRETS OF ASPEN offers an inside look at the Colorado resort town's exclusive social circle after the snow melts. Cameras follow Aspenites like divorcee Laura (whom everyone loves to hate), former beauty queen Brooke, and social veteran Shana as they make their way through the town's summer social season. Joining the tight-knit group are Miami transplants Erin and her best friend, Ben. Also adding to the fray are Star and Kat, two hardworking young women who love the high-end social scene but struggle to afford it. The drarma never ends as Aspen's upper crust competes for friends, men, and the chance to make their mark.
Is It Any Good?
Overall, Secrets of Aspen bears a strong resemblance to Bravo's Real Housewives franchise, thanks to its focus on women who place a lot of importance on material wealth, looking good, and socializing with the "right" people. Fighting for available men also seems to be a major theme.
The endless storylines about backstabbing friends, jilted lovers, and living the high life may appeal to some viewers. But these socialites are sometimes so theatrical that what they're saying seems scripted, and ultimately their stories are pretty unoriginal. The real "secret" of this reality show? It just doesn't offer anything new.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the appeal of watching shows about wealthy, elite members of society. What kinds of messages do these shows send about people who have money?
Do you think this series is purposely designed to resemble the Real Housewives shows. Do you think some copy-catting is OK, or should all series provide something original?
Do you think some reality shows are scripted and/or planned? Do you think reality shows should be considered "reality" if the cast has been told how to act or what to do once the cameras are rolling? How can you tell what's real?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 3, 2010
- Network : VH1
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 17, 2022
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
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate