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Parents' Guide to

The Wendy Williams Experience

By Lucy Maher, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

NYC shock jock brings trashy talk show to TV.

TV VH1 Reality TV 2006
The Wendy Williams Experience Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 18+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Elena M.
Elena M. Adult
November 22, 2017
age 17+

Superficial

aeiou
aeiou Parent of 14 and 16-year-old
September 26, 2011
age 18+

Junk TV at it's finest

The small bit I've seen I don't like. To make matters worse, for some reason, the parental block I have set for this show doesn't work as the station does not appear to be sending the parental info. Comes on just as my 13 year old daughter comes home from school when I am not there. This is a program for after 10 PM. Junk TV at it's finest.
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In THE WENDY WILLIAMS EXPERIENCE, the loud-mouthed Manhattan radio talk show host brings her controversial, confrontational segments to TV. In each episode, which also airs on New York City radio station WBLS, the brash Williams interviews celebrity guests who have upcoming projects to pitch, stakes out stars as they walk the week's red carpets, and takes calls from viewers with personal problems to solve. The central theme of all of it is sex, which Williams and her crew can't seem to stop talking about.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (3 ):

Avid listeners of Williams' radio show will undoubtedly enjoy seeing the host interact with her guests, rather than just imagining it. But those expecting a celebrity-focused gossip show will be sorely disappointed. Williams' shtick is often too crude to be funny, and the constant sex talk means that this is definitely one for mature viewers only.

Need examples? Here's a rundown of part of just one episode: First, Williams talked to rapper Ice-T and his wife, Coco, who was promoting her new semi-nude calendar. As Williams flipped through the pictures, her sidekick, Charlemagne, commented "I would masturbate to that." Later on, a male caller who'd been sleeping with his stepfather asked Williams what he should do about the situation, and another listener called to say that she was contemplating cheating on her boyfriend because, as Williams put it, he had a "puny penis." In the last segment, Williams introduced Phat Farm designer Russell Simmons, who's separated from his wife but still sees her regularly, and asked him if they're still having sex.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about shock radio. What is it about DJs like Williams and Howard Stern that listeners find so funny? Are the radio segments as funny/shocking when they're aired on TV? Why or why not? Why do you think celebrities, callers, and other guests submit themselves to shows like Williams'? What do they get out of their appearances? Do you think they know what they're in for?

TV Details

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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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