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Parents' Guide to

Starveillance

By Sierra Filucci, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Biting claymation satire skewers puffed-up celebs.

TV E! Comedy 2007
Starveillance 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?

In a funny, twisted take on celebrity voyeurism, STARVEILLANCE merges claymation with tabloid news. Creator Eric Fogel (Celebrity Deathmatch) spins exaggerated, expanded versions of the "real story" behind celebrity news items. Comically embellished clay figures stand in for the celebs as they play out brief, ridiculous scenarios that highlight their personalities as constructed by the media: spoiled Mary Kate and Ashley, power-hungry Barbara Walters, out-of-control Mel Gibson. Each 30-minute episode contains about six skits. While incredibly harsh on its Hollywood victims -- joking about eating disorders, speech impediments, etc. -- Starveillance's biting humor hits its targets, letting the air out of these larger-than-life figures.

Is It Any Good?

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

Entirely watchable for its combination of claymation and celeb skewering alone, Starveillance also reminds us how silly our fascination with Hollywood and its spawn really is. Why are we interested in these people? Why is it so hard to turn away? Why are celebs so much fun to tease? What does this say about us?

Parents may prefer that their kids avoid this type of stinging humor -- but if you feel like a challenge, consider using the show as a platform for discussing celebrity culture and our society's fascination with Hollywood figures' highs and lows.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about celebrity culture. What's so fascinating about celebs and their lives? How do you think celebrities influence our own lives and decisions? Do you think you're immune to their influence? How do you see others being influenced by our culture's fascination with the rich and famous? Do you think this is an American phenomenon, or do other cultures engage in celebrity worship as well? How do the media contribute to and shape our obsession with stars? Does this show reinforce that obsession or undermine it?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

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