Throwback Thursday: Gene Simmons Family Jewels (2006-2012)

The “celebrity reality show” is an interesting subgenre within reality television. It can show that the subjects are just like the average person. It can also show how they are not like the average person.

Gene Simmons Family Jewels aired on A&E from 2006 to 2012. This reality show followed the daily activities of musician Gene Simmons and his family (a la The Osbournes).

It was an interesting and quirky look at a man whose reputation (depending on the viewer) may only be known by his out-there stage antics and his claim about how many women he has taken to bed. His family-man aesthetic is a 180 that I don’t think that many people saw coming.

Do I recommend it? Yes.

P.S. His exploration of being Jewish and the son of a Holocaust survivor I find to be touching, human, and very refreshing.

Advertisement

Flashback Friday: Chrisley Knows Best (2014-Present)

There is something curious about reality television. We know that the term “reality” is a misnomer. For all it claims of being true to life, it is just as scripted as any fictional program. But yet, we leave our skepticism at the door, expecting everything that occurs on screen to be released to the public as it was filmed.

Chrisley Knows Best has been on the air since 2014. The series follows wealthy businessman Todd Chrisley and his family as they go about their business. If his wife, his children, and his mother were to ask about his worse qualities, they would say that he is controlling, quick to get upset, and unwilling to see another’s perspective.

A play off of the 1950’s sitcom, Father Knows Best, this show is best described as a low rent version of The Osbournes. Within the parameters of “reality shows“, this program is the worst of the worst. It is brainless, foolish, and I personally find that there is nothing entertaining about this family. It has been on the air for quite a few years, so obviously, there is an audience for it. But I am not part of that audience.

Do I recommend it? No.

Throwback Thursday-The Osbournes (2002-2005)

One of the more fascinating things about the human species is that we are extremely curious in regards to how the other half lives. Especially those who are famous and wealthy.

One of the mini genres of the overall reality television genre are the reality shows based around the lives of celebrities. From 2002-2005, The Osbournes gave audiences a glimpse of the inner workings of their family and their world. The show centered on Ozzy, the former front man of Black Sabbath,  his wife Sharon and their younger children, Kelly and Jack. Ozzy was the mumbling, bumbling father. Sharon was the no-nonsense mother. Kelly and Jack were simply teenagers.

During its heyday, it was the most popular show on MTV. What made it so popular is that despite the money and the fame, The Osbournes were an ordinary family dealing with ordinary problems.

I recommend it.