What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this "celebreality" show features
party scenes with women in tight clothes who virtually fall
over themselves to be noticed by legendary rock star Gene
Simmons. Alcohol is prevalent, some mild cursing is common, and
the show serves as evidence of our fame-obsessed culture. But
the Simmons family members also clearly care deeply about one
another, and both parents make efforts to communicate with
their kids, acknowledge their concerns, and be involved in
their lives.
Families can talk about being a celebrity. How would fame
affect your life? What would you enjoy or dislike about it? Why
does our society have such an obsession with famous
entertainers? Why aren't leaders in science or education
treated the same way? Families can also talk about how Gene and
Shannon parent their kids. Do you think they're effective
parents? How can you tell? What about their methods seems to
work? What doesn't? How is the Simmons family different from
and similar to your own family?
You might not recognize him at first without his black-and-white make-up and trademark tongue-wagging, but it really is KISS lead man Gene Simmons fumbling with that vacuum cleaner in A&E's GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS. Gene lives in a Beverly Hills mansion with his long-time partner, actress and former Playboy Playmate of the Year Shannon Tweed. The couple have been together for 23 years and have two kids, 17-year-old Nick and 13-year-old Sophie. Despite their obvious mutual adoration, Gene and Shannon have never married, a fact that she occasionally drops into conversations for some good-natured nagging.
Overall, Family Jewels is an enjoyable glimpse into the lives of surprisingly candid, down-to-earth celebrities, and much of the family-related subject matter will resonate with viewers. Fans may be surprised to find that in the company of his family, Gene's ego takes a back seat to his pride in his kids. It's only in scenes that find him among adoring female fans that he turns on the charm and welcomes flirtatious advances.
While mature tones and some strong language rule this one out for general family TV viewing, it might be one parents (after a quick preview) can enjoy with their teens. If so, why not dust off some KISS albums and see if musical taste can cross the age divide, too?
The OsbournesHogan Knows Best
Run's House.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
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