A SuperNanny Lawsuit
In August of 2006, a Scottish family began to seek legal advice claiming that the reality television series, Super Nanny, had distorted the image of their family in order to gain higher ratings for the television show.
Super Nanny herself, the British Jo Frost, was called in by the Docherty family to help organize their household, put the family on a daily schedule, and help train their rowdy, out of control children. The episode, like many other episodes, featured the family’s three young boys who kick, swear, punch and spit at their parents. The parents were depicted in a similar fashion in the episode, revealing two out of control people who scream constantly and curse at each other and their young children.
After the show aired, the family claims that their neighborhood and community began shunning them because the reality show had depicted them as a dysfunctional family. The parents claim, like several other parents who have called Jo Frost into their home, that the show was edited to make them look worse than they really were — which is a typical complaint of people who participate in any type of reality program. However, the Dochertys also admit that the family is functioning much better since Jo Frost departed their household.
The lawsuit is likely to be tossed out before it reaches litigation.
Color me blond but this family CALLED SuperNanny - asked to be considered for the show - knowing it’s a show about ‘healing’ dysfunctional families - right?
Why would they be surprised at how they would appear to their community and neighbors?
Seriously PEOPLE, if you’re going to air your dirty laundry on national/global television, don’t you think it’s worth thinking through the aftermath first?
What are your thoughts? Should this family pursue the lawsuit or should it be thrown out?
Methinks these folks should be fined for being so stupid!
More on this story on Reality TV News
Tags: docherty-family, family, jo-frost, lawsuit, Parenting, reality-television, reality-tv, supernannyRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Super Nanny
5 opinions for A SuperNanny Lawsuit
Angela
Jan 8, 2007 at 5:20 pm
Strange as it might seem - I left a comment and it didn’t go through. The weird thing is that my comment went through fairly quickly on the post above this one. I’m not having much luck posting comments today.
denise
Jan 9, 2007 at 8:14 am
My family was on Super Nanny 18 months ago.
Of course, there are huge amounts of editing but that’s what television is all about - viewing figures!! They only show what the public WANT to see - not what the family WANT to be shown (although they do film some lovely footage and kind of lull you into thinking that might be shown!!!!!) However, you’re right, we signed up for it and we have to accept what comes with it. Anyway, now we’re history - anyone remember me!!!!!!!
Gayla
Jan 9, 2007 at 9:57 am
Honestly I didn’t start watching the show until midway through last season - so I can’t say I remember your show.
I do think that people should realize before going into something like this - that dysfunction, trauma and horror are what sales.
If you’re not willing to be portrayed in the worst light in order to make the star look best, you shouldn’t go into it at all.
That’s why those folks earn the big money!
I think Jo Jo does a great job and I think most people would be very lucky to have her on hand to help out.
Carrie
Jan 16, 2007 at 7:19 am
Oh I remember you Denise… how is Meghann?
amy
Jan 23, 2007 at 10:49 am
well think people should know what they are doing before they do any anything…i am a big fan of supernanny i watch her every monday i give all the credit to her you go supernanny keep up the good work!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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