Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Positive messages about motherhood, plus publicity stunts.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
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Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 1 parent review
What's the Story?
The reality series BRISTOL PALIN: LIFE'S A TRIPP stars Bristol Palin as she spends a few months living in Southern California with her son Tripp. The 21-year old single mother and Dancing With the Stars finalist moves to Los Angeles with her son and younger sister Willow to volunteer with the Help the Children Foundation, and to expose her son to another part of the country. But adapting to life in the City of Angels without her big, supportive family and her friends isn't easy, especially when she comes face-to-face with people who are angry about her mother's conservative politics. Coping with the tabloid media can also be challenging. But luckily Sarah Palin is only a phone call away to give her advice when she needs it.
Is It Any Good?
The series offers a voyeuristic look into the unique life of a young woman whose private life became national news as a result of her mother's political career. Much of the focus is on the challenges she faces as a young, single mother, and the cultural differences that exist between her Alaskan upbringing and the value systems of other people in a different -- and less conservative -- part of the country. Ironically, it also shows how she struggles with the media attention.
The series paints a sympathetic and very family-oriented picture of the Palins, which, regardless of whether it is accurate or not, makes the show feel like a publicity stunt. Scenes of Sarah Palin in action and references to Tripp's father, Levi Johnston, and his alleged inappropriate behaviors only adds to this. As a result, while the show sends a positive message about family and motherhood, one is left wondering about the real reasons why Bristol has opted to willingly place herself and her son in the reality limelight.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the reasons why people agree to appear on reality television. Is it for publicity? Money? Or the need to be in the limelight? What are some of the drawbacks of allowing cameras to show your private life to the world?
Is it fair to criticize the media for violating people's privacy when people are allowing the media to come into their homes?
TV Details
- Premiere date: June 19, 2012
- Cast: Bristol Palin , Sarah Palin , Willow Palin
- Network: Lifetime Television
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: February 25, 2022
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