The Bussey Bunch

TV review by Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media
The Bussey Bunch Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 14+

Modern-day Brady Bunch wrestles to make it.

TLC Reality TV 2008
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Parents say

not rated for age

Based on 5 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this reality series -- which follows a blended family for whom wrestling is a family business -- includes some language ("damn," "crap," with stronger words bleeped) and underage drinking by a college student. The six children are technically adults, but many of them exhibit immature behavior. There are lots of pro-wrestling scenes in which participants are thrown, slapped, and pinned as part of the performance. Parents may want to remind kids that wrestling stunts should never be attempted without the supervision of a professional.

Community Reviews

pastormatthew
pastormatthew Adult
April 9, 2008
not rated for age
fullhouse
fullhouse Adult
April 9, 2008
not rated for age

I laughed at this fun family!!!!

I think that this family is trying to pursue the American Dream of having their own family business. They all are involved and are trying to make it work, no matter what it takes. As in life no one is perfect and this family seems to be true and genuine. The Bussey family seems to care and truely love eachother, which is the most important thing in life. Wrestling is physical and that is this family's business, so one needs to reiterate that to their kids.
See all 5 parent reviews

What's the Story?

THE BUSSEY BUNCH is a reality series about a rowdy but loving Texas family for whom wrestling isn't just a sport, but a way of life. It centers on Cheryl and Michael Bussey, owners of PCW Wrestling, who each brought three children to the family when they got married. But unlike The Brady Bunch, the Bussey clan is struggling to keep their tight-knit family together while also keeping their business afloat.

Is It Any Good?

While this show isn't the most exciting reality option out there, it does contain some positive messages about the love and commitment of family. But the immaturity exhibited by some of the Busseys' grown children makes the series more annoying than inspirational, especially when they seem oblivious to the fact that their family business is in financial jeopardy. It doesn't help that Cheryl, who isn't a wrestling fan, often feels "left out" by her husband and kids when they're at the gym or living their own lives.

The show has some strong language (words like "ass" and "crap" are frequent, while words like "s--t" are bleeped out) and lots of action-packed wrestling sequences. The latter will appeal to wrestling fans of all ages, while older viewers may also be interested in watching what goes into running a professional wrestling outfit.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the different ways that television has portrayed combined or "blended" families over the years. What's changed since the idealistic Brady Bunch days? What are some of the challenges blended families face when they come together? Families can also discuss professional wrestling. Why do viewers enjoy watching people getting smacked, hit, and thrown down? Did you know that televised wrestling is actually a way of telling a story?

TV Details

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