Parents' Guide to

There and Back: Ashley Parker Angel

By Jill Murphy, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Former boy bander grows up; too edgy for kids.

TV MTV Reality TV 2006
There and Back: Ashley Parker Angel Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

See all

There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.

What's the Story?

THERE & BACK: ASHLEY PARKER ANGEL gives the former member of boy band O-Town another chance at fame. Angel claims to be starting from the bottom, but when we first catch up with Angel, he's in the process of recording his new album, he's signed back to his former manager (who previously managed Britney Spears), and he has a meeting with the Blackground Records CEO/President, who almost immediately cuts him a check for $10k. In his personal life, Ashley and his girlfriend, Tiffany, are awaiting the birth of their first child. The couple live with Tiffany's mom in a small apartment, but with Ashley's successful meeting, they're able to get into a house by the end of episode one.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Teens should be aware that shortcuts and MTV exposure are rare and not available to everyone. Since Angel is trying to separate himself from his bubble-gum pop background, the show is trying to be more edgy (which might explain why the producers decided to include footage about Angel's erection and the fact that his girlfriend's mom noticed it). However, the older audience the producers are trying to draw isn't likely to be interested.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why Angel needs to fight the boy band stereotype. Is it realistic to focus on becoming a star when you're broke and have a baby on the way? Do teens think Angel would have a second chance if he didn't have a reality show? How do most struggling musicians get their break?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

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.

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.

See how we rate