Parents' Guide to

So NoTORIous

By Jill Murphy, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Spelling finds her niche in slapstick -- teens OK.

TV VH1 Comedy 2006
So NoTORIous Poster Image

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What's the Story?

SO NOTORIOUS stars Tori Spelling as -- who else? -- former teen actress Tori Spelling, star of Beverly Hills, 90210 and daughter of TV mogul Aaron Spelling (90210, Charmed, Melrose Place, Charlie's Angels, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island). Tori plays a fictitious version of herself, blending her personal life with the rumors spun by tabloid reporters, and surrounds herself with a bevy of sitcom-ready characters. Her roommate, Pete (James Carpinello), is supposedly only living in her apartment until he finishes med school, but dating distracts him easily; her best friends, Sasan (Zachary Quinto) and Janey (Brennan Hesser), are diligent about getting Tori some action, quick to assure her that she's a national icon, and even quicker to encourage her to use her family connections. But Tori is determined to do things on her own -- which includes winning roles based on her talent, not her pedigree (she stars in an F-movie -- "like Lifetime, but worse" -- as a "plucky melanoma survivor who solves crimes while battling hypoglycemia and a sex addiction."). When Tori visits her parents at their infamous mansion, we only hear her father over a loudspeaker (a la Charlie's Angels); her visible family includes her emotionally challenged mother, Kiki (Loni Anderson), and her childhood caretaker, Nanny (Cleo King), who constantly comments on Tori's figure, sighing, "Damn girl, look at those boobies. They get bigger every week -- that can't just be the bra."

Is It Any Good?

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

The series' antics are painfully humorous but done in a lighthearted tone. Bottom line? Tori's character is fighting against a stereotype, and as co-executive producer of So NoTORIous, Ms. Spelling is having the last laugh.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the effects and consequences of fame. Is it fair to get work through a family member or friend of the family? Why or why not? Is Tori responsible? Does her character live up to her real-life reputation or dispel it? How much do you think TV Tori is like real-life Tori? How would/does your teen deal with popularity (fame)? Is it a struggle or a goal?

TV Details

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