The Willis Family

TV review by Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media
The Willis Family Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 8+

Big, wholesome musical family spreads message through song.

TLC Reality TV 2015
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Parents say

age 6+

Based on 2 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 The Willis Family is a reality show about a big musical family who gained popularity as contestants on America's Got Talent. The Willis Clan, who sing Irish-inspired Christian music, send positive messages about family and music as they perform and go about their lives. Past family tragedies including car accidents, house fires, and a death are discussed in nonthreatening ways. Outside of this, there's nothing much to worry about here. The overall series is a promotional vehicle for the Willis Clan's music.

Community Reviews

thefritz
thefritz Adult
March 29, 2016
age 5+

Sweet show!

I'll come clean. I've been a fan of The Willis Clan for over 4 years. I've seen them perform many times and have met the entire family. It is so refreshing to see a TV show that promotes the kind of values that we all should be striving for. If you don't care for the positive things they are all about at least be in awe of a family that has taken advantage of the glorious blessings bestowed upon them. Brenda and Toby, the parents, chose a very unique path for their kids. While homeschooling, no television in the house, high expectations and personal responsibility for everything you do might be too much to ask for most American families these days, it has served this family wonderfully. For parents of young children or parents to be---you could learn a lot from this show.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Kprice8733
Kprice8733 Adult
March 22, 2016
age 6+

Akwardly Unentertaining

The Willis family has great morals an values... they all seem like great people. However, this show is terrible. Don't get me wrong, I love my "corny" reality shows, however, this one bites big time! There really aren't any life lessons to be learned from the cast, except how to be like the Von Traps. All of the singing that goes on during the show, even during "practice" is clearly edited, and almost auto tuned! Their personal interactions with one another- among the eldest children, and parents are always so awkward ... id almost rather watch the youngest kids speak the whole episode! Jer especially, has been created to be a very antisocial, introvert, who hates people and dogs. I'm very disappointed in this show. I thought it had some potential. Whenever I turn the TV on, and give it yet another, chance, I end up changing the channel. The show seems to be very staged - like the Willis family is just out for fame. (I'm sure that's not the case, but that's exactly how i perceive it.) I usually LOVE TLC's silly family shows ( The Duggar's being on my top 5 shows) - However, the Willis Family is clearly just an air time filler in the meantime for TLC. Sorry Willis Family!

This title has:

Great role models
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What's the Story?

THE WILLIS FAMILY is a reality series about a big musical family's rise to fame. After receiving national attention as finalists in America's Got Talent, the Willis Clan -- 21-year-old Jessica and her younger siblings Jeremiah, Jenny, Jeanette, Jackson, Jedi, Jasmine, Juliette, Jamie, Joy Anna, Jaeger, and Jada -- are traveling around the country performing their Irish and Christian-infused music while working on their new album. Luckily, mom Brenda and dad Toby are there to help manage the family band while still keeping their home life balanced. From horseback riding and wrestling at home to performing at the Grand Ole Opry, they use their music to connect with people and with each other.

Is It Any Good?

From home schooling and disciplining to managing the family performance schedule, the series showcases what life is like for the Nashville-based Willis family both at home and on the road. It also highlights the values that define their family life, as well as some of the major challenges they've faced over the years, including a massive home fire and the well-publicized accidental death of Toby Willis' much younger siblings years ago.

Despite the fact that the family comes from a conservative religious background, it's their music that remains central to the show. But outside of their many featured performances, much of what is featured here is the same kind of wholesome-but-mundane family activities featured on other TLC shows such as 19 Kids And Counting and Sister Wives. The result is a show that offers some sweet, entertaining music in between some rather low-key reality moments.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the reasons viewers find families featured on reality shows interesting. Is it their religious background? Or do their sheer numbers make them entertaining to watch?

  • Are there activities that you like to do as a family? What do you think working with your brothers and sisters would be like?

TV Details

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