Common Sense Media Review
By Jenny Nixon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
LeBron James leads candid convos in a barbershop setting.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Shop
What's the Story?
THE SHOP seeks to emulate the intimate conversational free-for-all that is the traditional African American barbershop experience -- only these conversations are led by basketball legend LeBron James, and the folks hanging around the shop are an array of sports and entertainment superstars like Snoop Dogg, NY Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., the Daily Show's Jon Stewart, and Candace Parker of the LA Sparks. The guests and the barbershops change with each episode, with discussion topics running the gamut from politics and race relations to gender inequality and parenthood.
Is It Any Good?
Eschewing a traditional talk show setup for the casual camaraderie of a barbershop sets the stage for more freewheeling and candid conversations, and you're likely to see a different side to the stars you may know only from their public image. Hearing a cast filled with black males of varying ages, and from various professions, weigh in on the commonality of their shared experiences with discrimination -- despite any perceived "superstar" status they may have -- makes for a powerful viewing experience. Jon Stewart appears in the debut episode as the resident elder comedy statesman, while LA Sparks basketball forward Candace Nelson discusses the societal (and self-imposed) pressures of being a working mom.
While the format of this show isn't exactly new (there have been at least two other reality-based shows that use the barbershop format), so far LeBron's The Shop shows the most potential to be an entertaining, funny, and sometimes poignant look at our culture and the personalities that are helping to shape it.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the way The Shop's casual, "we're just hanging out" atmosphere makes it easier for people to discuss important and sensitive topics. Do you think the guests would speak as freely if the show were formatted in a more traditional "talk show"-type way? Why or why not?
Some people want public figures such as LeBron James to -- as he remarks on the show -- "shut up and dribble" instead of speaking out on various social issues. Is it appropriate for a celebrity like James to discuss controversial issues like race or religion? What do you think makes a celebrity a good role model for a community?
TV Details
- Premiere date : August 28, 2018
- Cast : LeBron James , Snoop Dogg , Jon Stewart
- Network : HBO
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : January 15, 2025
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