Parents' Guide to

Suave Says

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

'90s icon mixes spirituality, mature themes, stereotypes.

TV VH1 Reality TV 2014
Suave Says Poster Image

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What's the Story?

SUAVE SAYS is a reality series featuring '90s singer and one-hit-wonder Gerardo Mejía as he works to rebuild his marriage and family. After 20 years of marriage plagued by his infidelity and other family problems, the former singer-turned-recording exec and lay preacher is now committed to living a better life with his wife Kathy, and his children, Bianca, Nadia, and Jaden. His intrusive mother Myrtha also lives close by. From publicly talking about his former transgressions during prayer gatherings, to getting a handle on the fact that his children are growing up, Mejia has faith in the healing process, and believes that it is bringing them closer together.

Is It Any Good?

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

The voyeuristic series focuses on how the former singer is attempting to assert his position as the family patriarch, which he believes is a part of his Latino heritage. He also uses this platform to discuss his former womanizing ways, and, more subtly, how finding God has helped him change. This is all offered within the context of trying to be a better person, building a stronger relationship with his wife and children, and love.

Mejía's desire to speak publicly in church and in the media about his past transgressions, regardless of how it negatively impacts his wife and children, makes him seem narcissistic and self-centered. Using his culture as a way of defending his sexist behavior doesn't send great messages, either. Watching this just leaves you with the sense that Gerardo is desperately trying to make himself relevant again.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk the reasons why people may choose to air their problems on a reality show. Is it for the attention? Money? Fame? Can your problems really get better if you talk about them so publicly?

  • Is it ever appropriate to use stereotypes as a way of defending your behavior or the behavior of others? Why? What if the generalization seems to have a hint of truth to it?

TV Details

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