The Spin Crowd
Common Sense says
- E!
- Reality TV
- 2010
Parents say
Kids say
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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 the "star" of this workplace-set reality show about a celebrity-oriented public relations firm is a boss with a cringe-inducing management style. Among other things, he pressures his employees to dress in designer clothes for success and get cosmetic surgeries they don't need and also tells one point-blank that she's "homely." In addition to the show's iffy messages, there's some bleeped swearing ("f--k" and "s--t") and audible use of words like "ass" and "screw," as well as a bit of social drinking on the job. The show also functions as a longform commercial for the PR firm and touts the names of several brands it represents.
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User Reviews
- Parents say
- Kids say
Toxic show and very bad message
One of the Best Shows on E!
What's the story?
Training its cameras on Hollywood-based public relations firm Command PR, THE SPIN CROWD is a workplace-driven reality series about the highs and lows of keeping clients satisfied. At the center of the action is owner Jonathan Cheban, but he isn't the only one to watch. His motley crew of co-workers includes vice presidents Simon and Summer, and associates Katie, Lauren, and Erika.
Is it any good?
The Spin Crowd is a spin-off of a spin-off -- and that should tell you something right there. (Specifically, something like, "Quick, change the channel.") But if that's not enough to sway you, know this: Cheban may look familiar because you've seen him before on Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami, and Kim Kardashian (of Keeping Up with the Kardashians, the show that started it all) is one of the show's executive producers.
Those things alone don't add up to an automatic misfire. But the show digs its own grave right from the first episode, when Cheban's newest employee proves her dedication to the firm by getting her lips injected against her will, all because her boss told her she looked "homely." (Not that it matters, but, for the record, she's already beautiful.) With tears streaming down her face, she agrees to alter her appearance for her job ... and in that moment, we lose all respect.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about the level of "reality" they see in this reality show. Are cameras truly capturing a typical day at the office, or do episodes seem staged? How can you tell? Is there any reality TV that's actually real anymore?
How do you rate Jonathan as a boss and entrepreneur? Does the show portray him as a serious businessman? Does it surprise you that his firm is successful, based on what you see?
Is a show like this one a win for Jonathan's firm, or are there some risks involved in showing the "reality" of the business? Why would Jonathan agree to do a reality show about his company? Do you think the show helps or hurts his image?
TV details
- Premiere date: August 22, 2010
- Cast: Jonathan Cheban, Simon Huck
- Network: E!
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: September 20, 2019
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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
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