The Alectrix
By Melissa Camacho,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
All-female band spin-off features same catty behavior.
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What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.
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What's the Story?
THE ALECTRIX, a reality spin-off of The Electric Barbarellas, features amateur pop group manager Heather Naylor as she sets out to create another (and hopefully more successful) musical girl group. After The Electric Barbarellas failed to launch successfully despite eight months of work, Heather turns the reigns over to manager Joe Simpson, the father and manager of Jessica and Ashlee Simpson, to help rebuild and relaunch the band. While some members go their separate ways, others like Gynger Fluellen and Chelsea Costa find themselves re-auditioning for a spot along with other hopefuls, like Oakland native Andi Roxx, and Xin, a Chinese native hoping to further her musical career in America. It isn't easy, and with Simpson at the helm, Heather realizes that she must learn to let go of her personal feelings if she wants the group to make it big.
Is It Any Good?
Like the original series, The Alectrix is a mildly entertaining show that offers a look into what goes into making and promoting an all-female band. But this time viewers actually get to see a more legitimate process by which groups are formed and produced to be successful in the industry. Joe Simpson's appearance also ensures the presence of some talented singers in the mix.
Some teens may be interested in watching, but thanks to some former cast members' attempts to rehash old conflicts -- and introduce new ones -- it's still hard to take them seriously. Their behavior also suggests that their goals are more about being reality celebs than actually becoming successful musical performers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about reality show spin-offs. What is it about a specific cast member or theme that makes it interesting enough to get her/his own reality show? Why did these these women get another TV series? Are spin-offs usually better or worse than the original show?
What does it take to become successful music group? Is it just about having a good singing voice? What other skills do you need to have? Do you think this show realistically depicts the process of becoming successful?
Do the women featured here make good role models? Why or why not?
TV Details
- Premiere date: June 4, 2013
- Cast: Gynger Fluellen, Heather Naylor, Joe Simpson
- Network: MTV
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: Music and Sing-Along
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: June 1, 2023
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