TV Review: Growing Up Twisted

Growing Up Twisted Official Synopsis:

An undeniable presence in the 1980s, Dee Snider is instantly recognizable as the front man of heavy metal band Twisted Sister. But really, he’s just one of six – a regular guy navigating life in the suburbs of New York with his powerhouse wife, Suzette, and their four kids. They are an off-beat but tight-knit family with children who are fiercely independent and strong-willed: Jesse is an aspiring rock musician, husband and new father; Shane is the resident comic; Cody’s a budding filmmaker; and Cheyenne is daddy’s little girl, making the tough transition to teenager. They’re a rock-solid family of unique individuals not afraid to speak their minds. Despite their father’s rock star status, they are just like every other family… only not at all.

When I sat down to watch Dee Snider's new reality show, Growing Up Twisted, I was expecting another Family Jewels or The Osbournes.

What I got instead was a refreshing look into a family that really isn't all that different.  I actually liked these people.  I was fully prepared to hate them, I know that sounds mean but in this day of vapid reality shows filled with completely awful people what can you expect?

The biggest surprise was the emotional connection to the family.  Nothing here seems fake or scripted and to be honest, they're a pretty great family.  There are more than a few touching moments in the two episodes I saw.  Genuine emotion you wouldn't expect from a show of this nature. 

Celeb-reality shows seem to only exist in order to stroke its stars ego or to further the fame of someone who really doesn't deserve it (The Kardashians anyone?)  But that doesn't really seem to be the case here.  They seem so genuine that even if they are starved for fame you can't really tell.  It never feels like they're trying to impress people, it just feels like a normal family who happen to be Dee Snider's family.

As celebrity family reality shows go, this one is top of the heap.

Growing Up Twisted airs Tuesday nights on A&E.  Take a chance and give it a watch.  I think you'll enjoy it.