The T.O. Show
By Kari Croop,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Reality series tries to re-brand star athlete's iffy rep.

A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.
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What's the Story?
Just days after being released from his contract with the Dallas Cowboys and re-signing a trial deal with the Buffalo Bills, professional football star Terrell \"T.O.\" Owens sets out to change his image in THE T.O. SHOW, which follows his life during the off season. Setting him on the straight and narrow are his platonic girlfriends/publicists, Mo and Kita -- who try their best to keep him from partying and fix him back up with his ex-fiancee, Felicia -- and his best friend/bodyguard, Pablo.
Is It Any Good?
If you like professional football or admire Owens, you might be able to look past the fact that this reality series is one big, obvious re-branding effort that was likely dreamed up by Owens' publicists to help resurrect his career. After all, while it does seem that their friendship with Owens -- whom they describe as their "biggest client" -- is genuine on some level, most of their conversations with him (and each other) are peppered with predetermined talking points designed to get viewers to change the way they think about him.
The show is slickly produced, with better-than-average photography that's miles ahead in terms of quality than, say, Rock of Love. And some of the athlete's spur-of-the-moment antics smack of premeditation, including his decision to invite his "real estate agent" over shortly after he moves into his new bachelor pad ... and then promptly seduces her in the hot tub. Is it really "reality"? Probably not. But these days, that's what's become of the genre.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether or not they consider Owens a role model. Does watching the series change your mind about what kind of person he is?
Do you think Owens' publicists pitched this show with an eye on cleaning up his image? Why do you think he agreed to do it? And why do you think the publicists appear so prominently in the series?
In terms of physical health and athleticism, do you think Owens takes good care of himself? Is it realistic to expect your own physique to look that way someday?
TV Details
- Premiere date: July 20, 2009
- Cast: Terrell Owens
- Network: VH1
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: February 26, 2023
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