Television Review: Cribs
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this show is a commercial for all
the fancy things celebrities own. Celebs flaunt their big toys,
fancy cars, and custom features (in-home movie theaters,
waterslides, hot tubs, and indoor basketball courts). Cristal
champagne is common in most homes. Some of the celebs (such as
Lil Bow Wow) are still in their teens.
Families can talk about the importance and emphasis of material
goods. Why is having these things so important to these people?
Is this something your child might aspire to? Do fancy cars and
cool gadgets bring happiness?
CRIBS is a modern version of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. Hollywood starlets, comedians, pop stars, rockers, and athletes allow MTV cameras into their homes for a chance to show off what being a celebrity has earned them. The star offers a personal tour and points out their favorite places to curl up with a book, write music, do yoga, or even take a bath. Celebs often go on about how much they love to take bubble baths (Mariah Carey actually got into the tub with a towel over her) or brag that their bedroom is "where all the magic happens." It's also common practice to open up the fridge to reveal a bottle of Cristal, a high-priced champagne popular with the hip-hop crowd.
Hundreds of celebs have let Cribs tour their home, including Carey, Kathy Griffin, Shaquille O'Neal, Lil' Jon, Tony Hawk, Ludacris, and Wayne Newton. In addition to being massive in size, the featured homes are full of luxury. Celebs highlight items that they've had customized, including TVs that come out of the floor, gold paint made with real gold, walk-in closets, cars with monogrammed leather seats, and a certified Starbucks coffee bar.
Tweens and teens will be interested in taking an inside look at the rooms of some of their favorite celebs. The show is fun, but a follow-up conversation on money, lavish living, material goods, and living within your means is worth parents' time.
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