When you think about the "reality TV" genre, it often conjures images of "trash TV" or the lowest common denominator of television programming. It is not a genre I partake in all that often. But in "The Family Stallone", the producers hit upon a tried-and-true formula: center the entire project around Sylvester Stallone--both his physical presence and his aura. When watched from that angle, "The Family Stallone" can be interpreted as a rousing success!
Of course, this season isn't exclusively about Sly Stallone. In terms of screen-time, wife Jennifer, daughters Sophia, Sistine, & Scarlet, and even brother Frank are prominently featured. Though only invoking this in terms of structure--not overall quality--it has a sort of "Keeping up with the Kardashians" vibe to it, what with scenes of the family lounging around at home or following each individual out-and-about.
But make no mistake: the most prominent--and emotionally affecting--themes in "The Family Stallone" follow the family patriarch--Sly--wherever he goes or whatever he says. This isn't to say that he is "more important" than his family members, but rather that the producers realize the Stallone last name (largely built upon Sly's acting & writing accomplishments) is why most viewers are tuning in. As such, there is a nice balance between the escapades of his family while always tying it back to Sylvester himself.
I'm not sure if it is a pre-requisite, but it also helps to have a bit of background on Stallone himself while watching "The Family Stallone". This is mainly because the Stallone clan has a very unique sense of humor that can easily be misinterpret as oddball or flat-out "dumb". But if you sort of know how that family (again, taking their cues from the big man himself) rolls, it will put a smile on your face.
Overall, I very much enjoyed "The Family Stallone" despite being a pretty avowed reality-TV abstainer. I'm interested to see what a second season brings now that the general formula has been established.
Of course, this season isn't exclusively about Sly Stallone. In terms of screen-time, wife Jennifer, daughters Sophia, Sistine, & Scarlet, and even brother Frank are prominently featured. Though only invoking this in terms of structure--not overall quality--it has a sort of "Keeping up with the Kardashians" vibe to it, what with scenes of the family lounging around at home or following each individual out-and-about.
But make no mistake: the most prominent--and emotionally affecting--themes in "The Family Stallone" follow the family patriarch--Sly--wherever he goes or whatever he says. This isn't to say that he is "more important" than his family members, but rather that the producers realize the Stallone last name (largely built upon Sly's acting & writing accomplishments) is why most viewers are tuning in. As such, there is a nice balance between the escapades of his family while always tying it back to Sylvester himself.
I'm not sure if it is a pre-requisite, but it also helps to have a bit of background on Stallone himself while watching "The Family Stallone". This is mainly because the Stallone clan has a very unique sense of humor that can easily be misinterpret as oddball or flat-out "dumb". But if you sort of know how that family (again, taking their cues from the big man himself) rolls, it will put a smile on your face.
Overall, I very much enjoyed "The Family Stallone" despite being a pretty avowed reality-TV abstainer. I'm interested to see what a second season brings now that the general formula has been established.
