Parents' Guide to

Shahs of Sunset

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Typical wild reality drama, this time Persian American.

TV Bravo Reality TV 2012
Shahs of Sunset 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 17+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Creative Genius
Creative Genius Adult
January 27, 2021
age 18+

Flaws of Sunset

I'm a firm believer that one of the 'worst' television shows ever aired simply had to be Jersey Shore ... but alas, I was wrong! MTV should be relived;) The new crown for Worst show on TV has to be given to the entire cast of 'Flaws of Sunset' (Shahs of Sunset). I've simply can't imagine the Casting Director having to assemble a large group of completely ostentatious, totally undesirable cast members in a single place . This show totally sucks! If I were Iranian, I would not want this collection of losers to represent my Culture. Bravo, you should be embarrassed for yourselves. No one should have to watch this garbage.
Joseph B.
Joseph B. Adult
August 3, 2017
age 16+

No Redeeming Value

With the huge number of alternatives in programming with which to choose from, don't waste the moments of your life with this drivel.

This title has:

Too much swearing
Too much consumerism
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

The reality series SHAHS OF SUNSET features five Iranian-American friends negotiating their Persian identities while living stylish and affluent Southern California lifestyles. The gang includes commercial real estate leasing exec Mike Shouhed, the spoiled and weapon-loving Golnea \"GG\" Gharachedaghi, real estate developer Sammy Younai, and the flamboyant Reza Farahan. Rounding out the group are Mercedes \"MJ\" Javid and Asa Soltan, a performance artist who doesn't share her friends' materialistic interests. From enjoying their active social lives and shopping trips to coping with their parents disapproval or pressure to live a more traditional lifestyle, the group shows how they navigate a world where image is everything.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (1 ):

The show highlights some of the Persian community's cultural norms and values, including the diversity of religion that exists in the Persian community. Cast members briefly share how their families escaped from Iran after the 1979 revolution, and proudly note how financially successful they've become despite their difficult beginnings in America. But the real focus is on the drama created by the cast's obnoxious and narcissistic attitudes, as well as their constant need to showcase their wealth and lifestyle.

The show breaks down some stereotypes about the Iranian-American community, but what is being showcased here contributes to other problematic generalizations about its members. Meanwhile, it contains the expected drinking, cat fighting, and relationship issues that one expects from this sort of thing. Reality fans looking for some voyeuristic entertainment may find something here, but outside of this it has little else to offer.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the immigrant experience in America. What are some of the challenges immigrants face when they come? What are some of the stereotypes that exist about immigrants? Do you think reality shows like this one help break them down, or do they reinforce them?

  • What trends in reality TV do you notice? Why are the "wives" shows so popular? How do these shows make you feel? Guilty? Ashamed? Lucky? Jealous? Proud? Something else?

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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