Uh oh. I did it. I watched “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo”. But does it still count if I didn’t watch it on premier night, but DVR’ed it to watch later? For those of you who have been on vacation, tending the garden or otherwise just enjoying life this summer, Honey Boo Boo, aka Alana Thompson, is a precocious 6-year-old redneck pageant queen who first made her television debut in TLC’s “Toddlers and Tiaras” in January. Now, TLC has decided to showcase the family in a six part series to follow the family’s quest to get Alana the so-far elusive “Grand Supreme Title”. Of course we all know that if the show continues to bring in the viewers, the 6 part series will just be the tip of the iceberg, but I digress.
The show starts out with a classic American Gothic feel. The whole Thompson clan is lined up in front of the family home, the camera pans down to a picture-perfect family. Then, Momma farts. “Oh Momma!” hollers one of the teenagers in the family. All I can say is it’s a good thing TV doesn’t have smell-O-vision yet!
Here’s a warning for y’all before you watch. Don’t take this family seriously. It’s pretty darn obvious that they don’t take THEMSELVES seriously and they like to have a lot of fun. One thing I realized while watching the show: it is possible to find a family cringe-worthy and lovable at the same time. Who can’t find a family adorable when the Daddy’s nick name is Sugar Bear?
Alana may be touted as the star of the show, but her Momma June is a force to be reckoned with, all 308 pounds of her. Now you may asking me “How do you know, Ms Patty, that Momma Boo Boo is 308 pounds?” Well that’s because Momma Boo Boo weighed herself on camera. On camera, while 6 year old Alana sat on the commode and announced the weight of the various family members. “You’re too big for it to weigh you!” Alana shouts at one point. While Momma June assures the viewer that she embraces her “fatness”, she also laments that she would like to lose 100 pounds. In fact, the family discusses farting as a weigh-loss tool, all the while snacking on pork rinds and cheese balls. Just a few tv moments with Momma June and you know where Alana gets her sassy talk from!
The show certainly has a bounty of “They didn’t just show that, did they?” moments. The Momma in me doesn’t like to see a family getting up at noon then eating cheese puffs for breakfast. On the other hand, I have promised my own kids that we will have pie for breakfast the last day of summer vacation. As a woman, I am not impressed with the whole Pageant lifestyle, but again I can’t help but think of the time my young daughter got a glimpse of a promo for Toddlers and Tiaras and breathlessly said “I would love to play dress up like that”. Maybe it is all just dress up, and it’s the adults that put the dark spin on it.
The family also has a visit to the Redneck Games. I had to quote Momma June herself when my husband told me he had never heard of the Redneck Games. It’s kind of like the Olympics, “but with a lot of missing teeth and a lot of butt crack showing”. There was some pig feet bobbin’, mud belly floppin’, and a swim in the “redneck bathtub” – a river with a big sign saying the water had a large amount of bacteria which is harmful to humans. Yikes! From the safety of shore Honey Boo Boo shouted, “I hope you are all getting that flesh eating disease. I’ll laugh!” We also find out at the
Redneck Games that a redneck hierarchy exists. Momma says “There are a lot of broke-down people out there”, referring to some of the folks at the games. “Please women, who are of a voluptuous size, put some clothes on. All that vajiggle-jaggle is not beautimous.” Wisdom and humor all wrapped into one, not to mention the creative use of the English language.
The second episode of “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” seems to follow the Reality TV machine just a little too closely. The episode featured a visit from an etiquette teacher from Atlanta to teach the girls some proper table manners. I half expected Granny to come out of the kitchen with a pot of vittles, and for Ellie Mae pass it to Jethro with a pool cue at the fancy eatin’ table which was really meant for billiards. Oh Jed Clampett, I miss the innocent days of TV! Come to think of it, Alana’s catch phrase of “Honey Boo Boo Child ” is pretty much the “Whatcha talkin’ about Willis?” of the 21 century.
I do have to laugh at some of the reviews that are appearing all over the net. Some reviewers are acting as if they are commenting on a Jacques Cousteau documentary with a “observe the redneck in it’s natural habitat” feel to it. This isn’t Jacques Cousteau honey, it’s reality TV, our nation’s guilty pleasure. One also can’t help but wonder if the film 
crew didn’t sashay down from New York City in their Gucci shoes to film this family. There are several “watch the redneck wash her hair in the sink” kind of moments. Come on, who hasn’t washed their hair in a sink at least once in their lives? Do we really need to see Momma sneeze, in close shot, for 30 seconds (which is an eternity in TV editing time) during an interview, before cutting to the next scene? Come on Mr/Ms Editor, let Momma’s character shine through without unnecessary editing embellishments.
At the end of second show we see the sweet, non-ghetto-talking Alana fixin’ to sleep with her new pet, Glitzy. Glitzy is a teacup pig her Daddy bought to cheer her up after losing at a pageant. As Alana beds down with the pig she says “Night night, Glitzy”, then says sweetly to her Daddy, “Cut the light Sugar Bear!”
All I can say is stay sweet and stay real Thompson family, as you enter the wild wild world of Reality TV.
About the Author:
Patty is a busy Mom of 2 with a background in TV and Film production, and Information Technology. She is a champion of the underdog. She loves good food and to laugh out loud. She still hasn’t decided what she is going to be when she grows up. She’ll let you know when she does. You can reach her at Pattypie@imperfectwomen.com
Great post! One question. Are we going to see a Honey Boo Boo Without Pity blog? I will go grab the URL. 😉
Oh I loved it Pie, you got me smiling with tears in my eyes.
I didn’t sit down and watch the whole show but your post made me want to the next time.
Lol Pam…”Honey Boo Boo Without Pity blog”
Its my guess that as long as they don’t try to better themselves with all that Texas gold (TLC money) they might be safe.
LOL “Some reviewers are acting as if they are commenting on a Jacques Cousteau documentary with a “observe the redneck in it’s natural habitat” feel to it. ”
I think Momma Boo Boos sister was in the check out line in front of me today. I don’t know what she had for lunch but I feel I barely escaped with my life . I’ll need to avoid shows like this until I recover.
Great review, Patty. I didn’t watch the show but I think I will catch the next one!
I didn’t watch the show and I won’t. I honestly don’t think I can see it without making fun of it. And, if all I’m going to do is watch a train wreck so I can feel better about myself, well I should probably being doing something better. My best friend watched it, though, and she said it was fascinating.
I did not watch it, and probably never will. Now that Kate is no longer on TLC, the only program that I watch on TLC is the Little Couple.
I agree if it’s not your thing don’t watch it! It’s the healthiest thing to do.It’s pretty much how the normal world works. My over all impression was it was a little show about a family..nothing earth shattering one way or another. I had a look at Momma June’s face book and she was talking about haters so I am sure they are out in full force with that family. I just can’t understand how people feel good about themselves hating on someone else.
I do not understand the hate either, Pattypie. I am sure everything about this family will be vilified, especially their looks. We are all God’s creatures. Would be a boring world if we all looked and think alike. I hope they smile and dance all the way to the bank.
I didn’t think this would be a show I’d enjoy at all, that’s why I didn’t watch it.
After reading your review, the humorous way you made them come alive I’m going to give the show a look see.
I’m sorry to hear Mama June is already dealing with haters.
I’ve never understood what makes people so angry about what others are offered in life but not them.
Its kinda like winning the lottery and others being bitter about it because they think deserve it more then you.
OK, OK, OK, I watched. I could not resist the temptation. And I must admit that this show is probably pretty damn close to Reality in their neck of the woods. I have seen firsthand “them kinda folk” as I myself am a “Redneck”. However I do consider myself to be more of a “High Class Redneck”, I have all my teeth and would never go throwing myself into a Mud Pit. I am however a little afraid that there may be some distant relatives that might pop up on the show. (I cringe at the thought). The fact is these people are real. And although I would never go “shakin my belly” on National TV. So many people would, if for no other reason but the “Fame and Fortune”. I don’t think this show will be part of my weekly line up. But Hey, to each their own. If they can make money and be happy about doing it. Go for it.
Woah this blog is excellent i love reading your articles. Keep up the good work!
I loved it! That whole family cracks me up!
My friend loves it. I have only seen her on T&T once or twice while i was trying to see her on netflix. But the review is awesome
haha, nice review 🙂
#HoneyBooBoo
The review IS awesome- I completely agree. I absolutely avoided this show because of a preview I saw, and I admit, the farting and belly-shaking isn’t my cup of tea, but I may have to watch just to read along with your reviews, Patty. There will be another review won’t there?
#HoneyBooBoo
I am so glad you shared your daughter’s impression of T&T, too. My daughter is 18 and she feels the same way- why didn’t WE enter her in beauty pageants when she was little? She thinks it makes more sense than pageants for women in their 20s.
I watched both episodes and thought it was cute and redneckie. I don’t see anything wrong with showcasing their family.
I think there is a difference between “Redneck” and just plain old “White Trash “
I caught part of the show, didn’t think it would be my cup of tea either. Only if pattypie continues to blog about will I make an effort to watch it.
BH, ROTF!!!!!!!!!!
Good review, Pattypie! I saw the previews, but didn’t think I would be up to watching it. However, after reading this, I just might check it out!!!
I enjoyed it. Boo Boo has such an outgoing personality. The show is funny.
I watched just a few minutes. I’m not a fan. It just seems really annoying.
I liked it..
That whole family is nasty
Roozerdo…LOL You will have to keep your eyes out for a relative and maybe you can get us an exclusive interview! 🙂
I think we all are just a little bit redneck aren’t we?
Will do Pattypie. Funny, I was watching the Show “Country Fried Sting” one time and saw my cousin. I nearly choked. You just never know..
My 4 year old loves the previews, but we missed it!
I have watched T&T, but this show is not for me. Wow, they are really pushing the redneck angle.
I have never seen an auction that included day old food, etc. I was surprised by that.
The little girl seemed like any other pageant girl. Oh, but it was cute when she was sitting on the wall telling others “good job.” And pageant juice? Why not just give them a cup of coffee? There would be less sugar than Mountain Dew or Pixie stix.
Lol, PP & Ann, My little one was interested (in awe of) pageants for about 5 minutes. As soon as she saw the hair and makeup procedure, she said “no way.
Okay reading this about another reality show make me glad I do not have a television.
Great post! I have to admit, it sounds hilarious and amusing at the same time. I’m not sure if I would watch it, having worked with people in poor communities in poverty. This feels more like what people believe ‘red neck is’. Red neck to me is more teenagers have tractor races. LOL!
I love tlc but that show is garbage.
Here is where it all starts to get ridiculous! On the show June refereed to lady parts as a “biscuit” The director (whom I am sure was trying to capitalize on the moment) decided to ask June why she call lady parts a biscuit. June started explaining how lady parts looked like a “really good biscuit” like one from “Arby’s”. There is a new facebook page where in a effort to have the show removed – they are writing to Arby’s saying they will never eat there again if they don’t do something about June calling lady parts a biscuit.
Oh good grief!
I think that Bojangles has better biscuits. Never think of Arby’s and biscuits together.
I wonder if June has ever been to Bojangles.
That is certainly no worse that what has been said on Two and a Half Men and Two Broke Girls, etc. (I no longer watch either one; or, for that matter any show like them)
I am about this show, and I am others. You have a remote and/or a channel button.
I haven’t watched the show and I probably won’t but from what I’ve seen of this family on previews, I like them. I much prefer a family like this finding success in reality TV than the Kardashians. I hope their show is so successful they can also brand themselves and sell redneck products like their own beer or redneck perfume or a line of pageant clothes styled by Honey Boo Boo. I would be happy for them.
LOL Rosemary! Oh no BISCUITS WARS! Tonight at 7 on TLC! LOL
So do I Teresa E. #34
It might not be a show on my line-up but I wish them the best.
Pattypie #32
Well butter my buns and call me a biscuit!
😉
Add in mine “Oh good grief.” w/#32
How come it’s okay for a kid to say “weiner”
Lol, I think that’s all I have to say about that.
I have mixed feelings about this show. While I hope the show helps the family improve their lives, I can’t help but wonder why we celebrate uncouth behavior, uncouth talk and manner-less actions. People will be the way they want to be I get that. But I don’t think celebrating ill mannered behavior is right. THe other day I was “lecturing” my son about manners and he said “nobody cares about manners anymore, MOm”. I was shocked. Talk and act that way in your own home, but please have some couth and manners in public.
I saw a bit about their family and after seeing that little bit, I do not want to see a show of it. I wish them luck, but hope to never see their show or commercials for it again to be honest.
Momma Boo Boo is a coupon user, she said it’s better than having sex. OMG, what’s next from her? LOL.
Couponing is better than sex? I don’t think Momma boo boo as been having the right kind of sex.
just sayin’
It’s pretty sad that they’re exploiting such a horrible example of parenting. The whole thing makes me sick. They sure did a great job of raising an obnoxious child.. but what do I know? I’m not the one with a tv show.
I’m beginning to think it’s some sort of secret competition to make the most disgusting/annoying TV show out there…And TLC is like..”MTV you think you had us with 16 and Pregnant, Oh hell no, BAM “
Megan
Yup, Momma is taking the millions to the bank, and she is laughing right back at her haters. Man, to think a show like this would fly!
Love your review, Patty, and your thoughts are close to my own.
I watched most of both episodes. I really like how the family appears so close and enjoy each other’s company. I like that they are themselves and don’t make apologies for it. Clearly, they laugh a lot and hopefully that (partly) makes up for a less than healthy diet! I know one thing – people who go around angry and judgmental of others aren’t doing their own health any favors.
I do have to agree with Kmom – the lack of manners – especially regarding bodily functions does turn me off, but big picture I see a lot to like with this family.
I do have a question. Isn’t June supposed to be 32? And her oldest daughter is 17? I read that “Sugar Bear” is the father of all the kids and he is 40? Obviously doing the math on that leads to other questions. I wonder if we will meet June’s parents and get more of her story? Hmmm.
Pattypie.
I can just tell you one thing, her coupons must be better than mine, and that’s all I’m saying. LOL.
When I was a child we referred to a vagina as a biscuit and a penis as a hotdog. My parents were from the south. I wonder does that have anything to do with it? lol
Ms: G2Shoes. I was born and reared in the south (North Carolina), and I have been around a lot of plain speaking people, and I have never heard those body parts referred to as biscuits and hotdogs.
I did not watch but after reading here I set the tivo to catch it the next time. I’m not a big reality show viewer BUT do watch a few. I’m a so called redneck-lets say a conservative redneck I sit back and wished at times I had the courage to try things others do. Yes, I do have relatives that you silently pray they don’t pop up at my home when some people are visiting. But wind up having a good time in the end. We all have relatives like that.
As long as the show doesn’t put others down,being rude and crude -have at it because if al lot of us really look deep inside ourselves we are asking did these families have a fly on the wall and saw us?
p.s. other shows I look at – The Kardashieans-I wonder what their childhood was like by what they do now-and they weren’t raised in the south because I can’t believe speaking to my mother the way they do with the language I would not have any teeth.
Gene Simmon’s Family-They may be rich but they are real kids worry about what parents would think and how geniune Gene Simmons is with others(feed the children, etc..) and the predicaments they get in are real and how they handle it
sorry for the length
Great review Ms Patty Pie! Now I’ll have to watch.
They’ll give just about anyone a show these days. You don’t have to be a movie star, but c’mon-lets not continue to corrupt the innocence that is left in this world (The other children that might just have some manners lingering in their family). I think that acting like this AND publicly broadcasting it to millions of viewers for entertainment is disgusting. I won’t support the show, nor anyone who supports it. I also want to say “Shame on you” to the parents of this family. How dare you strut your rude/shameful parenting skills and children around for the world to laugh at. I would be absolutely ashamed of myself if I were in their shoes. I used to like TLC…..but lately, its become really piss poor judgement on their part as to what to air-and nothing but garbage.
Ann..I LOVE Gene Simmons and his family!
Great review pie! I haven’t watched this show yet but plan to catch it next time it’s on.
To all those complaining – find your remote & change the channel.
I watched this show one time and if that were my family I would be embarassed! That child is in a family that allows her to be spoiled and teachers her the worst way to eat. Only in America would we give a show to a family that is over weight and shows how to eat wrong. I will not be watching this show again.
I’ve only seen the previews and I think TLC should change it’s name to TUC ( The Unlearning Channel). They have completely disgusted me now.
All I can say is if someone is tuning into Boo Boo to get parenting or nutritional tips they have bigger problems then TLC airing Honey Boo Boo!
this show looks like a waste of tv just like lots of tlc shows.Will not watch this dumb show ever.
I watched it out of sheer curiosity, it makes me glad my family isn’t like that. Why do they purposely make tv so awful? These can’t be the people they want us to look up to. I miss the good ol’ days of TLC with Trading Spaces with Paige …. actually I miss old tv in general. :/
The commercial alone is annoying, i won’t waste my time watching this show.
While I totally respect her parents right to choose to air the show, I am not into it and wont watch. It teeters on that fine line of exploitation that I think for instance Kate Gosselin doesn’t cross in my view. They are mostly about the kids doing activities or going on vacations. Will she grow up embarrassed by it, the title alone makes me uncomfortable, but then again her parents know her a lot better than I do so I just have to pray that they have her best interests at heart. I see other shows teetering on that edge too like Sister Wives, Wife Swap and Teen Mom. I do have a tendency to get a little attached to some of the families in these shows like the Gosselins and the Duggars. I want to see good things happening for them and feel for them when they struggle. I agree that there isn’t a lot of learning going on from TLC or the History Channel for that matter. Instead of researched documentaries, they play Ice Road Trucker and Swamp People. Its much cheaper for them to produce and it will stay on the air because even as we have issues with it, we still watch.
Brandy, I agree with you about the History channel. There are too many reality TV shows on the History channel than historical documentaries. I want to see new ‘Modern Marvels’ episodes.
Anya all your questions were answered last night Sugar Bear and June have been together for 8 years and he is Alana’s Daddy. June said “The other girls daddys are not in the picture” June is scared of the M word.
June also said “All you girl think a boy is going to love you forever, what they really want is just a piece of your biscuit” Too funny.
I don’t really think this is a show I will keep watching but man they are certainly rolling all the reality shows into one. June weighed herself last night. She has lost 5 pounds I think. The teen daughter is pregnant. She went couponing and they were preparing for a pageant. Why watch 3 shows when you get it all rolled into one? It’s pretty one stop reality show shopping
I heard on one of the news channels that the ratings were pretty high for this show.
I watched the show last night and truly wish I hadn’t. The family is being exploited in a cruel manner. I think June and Sugar Bear feel people are laughing with them, not at them.
.
They appear to be guileless folks that genuinely believe having children at 16,with every child having a different father, is the norm. TLC is probably paying them next to nothing for opening their family to ridicule. They have stooped to a new low in taking advantage of the weak and less fortunate.
CJ I agree it seems cruel rather than funny at times. Like the whole neck rash stuff. I found the first shows to be not as bad as this weeks. I do get the feeling they are pretty comfortable in their own skin. Like I said in my review I think Momma is funny on her own without the editing embellishments.
The show held strong in the ratings – with close to 2 million after a 2.2 million for the first shows.
When I saw Sugar bear “chewing” I was reminded of some of my Dad’s old time friends who indulged in the chew…i had no idea people still did that. I found it GROSS as a kid, I still think it’s GROSS.
I don’t’ think that the family thinks of itself as less fortunate but that’s just my guess but man they have got to be cringing at some of the editing. I hope they are getting paid well and I hope getting some counselling as to how to deal with the new money.
I don’t know if anyone has seen the video of Honey Boo Boo titled “Holla for a Dolla”, but in it, Honey Boo Boo is dancing on table in a bar for dollar bills. Although she keeps her clothes on, the dancing more closely resembles a stripper than Shirley Temple.
.
Her mother, June, said it was okay because it was a college bar, not a stripper bar. The video caused an investigation by social services in March 2012.
.
While other mothers have tried to catapult their young daughters from the toddler pageant circuit to celebrity, I’ve never heard of any of them putting their child on a table in bar to dance for money. Call me crazy, but I think a serious line has been crossed.
.
Given the TV appearances they’ve done, June and Sugar Bear clearly are enjoying their new found celebrity status, but at what price for their six year old child?
Wow Cj I havent seen that video. I saw the promos and thought it would make an interesting article for IW. That’s all I know 🙁
Well I googled the dancing for dollars video. Seems Alana was asked to make a personal appearance at the bar for a fan meet and greet and Momma said yes. I couldn’t see and dollars on the bar but apparently she was saying the hollar for a dollar phrase.
I agree it was poor judgement on Momma’s part. Maybe with the show and regular income from it, she will be less prone to making these bad decisions. Who knows.
Honey Boo Boo appeared at the Rum Runners Bar in Statesboro, Georgia for their St. Patricks Day party. Their ad said it was going to be their wildest party ever and “the Honey Boo Boo child Alana is ready to show us how to party…with $2 Go Go Juice Bombs….Between little Alana partying….there is no telling what is going to happen.”
.
Don’t know who described it as a meet and greet, but it got CNN’s attention. Just my opinion, but the ad is like sending an engraved invite to pedophiles.
.
The event got enough attention and was disturbing enough to cause an investigation by social services. Hopefully, they are monitoring the situation and helping June with parenting skills.
I watched the show also last night,that’s it for me. Seems like TLC has sunk to a new low, unwed teenagers, a small child knowing things at 6 that she shouldn’t be involved in , and no accountability for the way they are exploting this family. While I think the money will be a huge help for them in life, it will also promote the same way of living they have always known, but on a higher level. The new Amish and Huderites (sp) programs might be more interesting for the fall line ups on TV. I look for Sister Wives to be a total trainwreck on this family this year. 🙁
Yup like I said bad judgement to participate in that for sure. It was just as bad to offer it as it was to accept it IMO. I was just glad to see it wasn’t done for the show.
WTF??????
My family and I are watching this for the first time….and I’ll say it again…WTF????
Stu,
In Patty’s Interesting Things I found On The Internet post https://imperfectwomen.com/interesting-stuff-we-found-on-the-internet-volume-2/ there is a Honey Boo Boo name generator. Or a link to it.
You put in your name and it tells you what Honey Boo Boo would nickname you. Mine is
Peppermint Boo Boo
Lol Pam,
Honey Boo Boo named me Divine La-di-da
Stu just so you know – the show isn’t a how to video. 🙂
Just sayin’
LMAO I put Stu’s name in and it comes up “Sweetness Ziggy”.
How are you today, Sweetness?
I put snickers in: Starlight came up! I may have some light in my life, but no star here. LOL.
Eeek…’HON-BUN’
OK where’s my fan club!!
LOL…mine was “Kennedy”…..that’s just wrong on so many levels, I can’t tell you!
Kind of fun, Stu will forever more be known as Sweetness Ziggy. HB, I have never ever thought of you as a “Hon Bun” , LMAO.
Kennedy is actually a cool name, Kmom2. Snickers….not feeling Starlight for you either.
How can i ever have a serious conversation.
Sweetness,
You had serious conversations before? 😉
Sweetness,
You have to be nice to all the gals now. 🙂
This hurts.
Wow new name…whole new level of sensitivity. I like.
From now on any cantankerous members must adopt a Honey Boo Boo name. 🙂
What do you say Pam?
Stu will from this day forward be known as Sweetness Ziggy at Imperfect Women. I think I will just keep it short and sweet and call him Sweetness. And Sweetness, you can just call me Peppermint. No need to be formal here 😉
Stu,
I just put Stu in and got Sugar Bear Cub. Different name for me too. Hmm, now you have a big decision, is it Sugar Bear Cub or Sweetness Ziggy? Or, you could combine parts of the name, how does Sugar Bear Ziggy sound?
Sweetness,
Since Starlight doesn’t really fit me, I’ll let you change mine. Now be nice. 🙂
Sweet Bear??
Stu,
Sweet Bear sounds good. But, we don’t want your wife gettin’ mad at us gals for calling you Sweet Bear. LOL
Shhhhh…….we won’t tell her.
well my name came up as ……Apple Bear -& –read more of the comments and opinions-when have we become such a stick in the mud? I once more wish I had the nerve one time just have fun and not give a hoot on what others would say–heck the majority of us love the comedian Jeff Foxworthy and his routine about “rednecks, his and his wife’s family”live . Honey Boo Boo’s family is just a visual aid to some of his jokes. I’m visualizing Piggly wiggly bags and clothes hanging out on a Disney World Hotel porch
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