Beverly Hills Nannies: Is the New Series Worth Watching?

This evening, ABC unveils a new docu-series that may be better described as a reality show. Beverly Hills Nannies follows those who work for the high-powered families that live in one of the country’s most expensive and exclusive areas.

Is this new TV series worth your time or does it deserve to be cancelled from your DVR list? Here’s what some of the critics are saying:

LA Times: “As a show using the word ‘reality’ or any shorthand of the word ‘documentary,’ Beverly Hills Nannies may be the falsest of the genre – certainly anyone looking for a truly good nanny would have ‘does not want to be star of reality show about nannying’ on top of the old checklist. But as a reflection of the art form, of our need to sit in judgment of those whose lives differ from ours while secretly wishing we were them, it’s right on the money.”

Variety: “Despite the shortcomings, many issues and situations ought to resonate with the network’s targeted young-female audience, from pervy dads (discussed, not seen, during the staged gatherings) to the underlying notion of how much crap one must endure to retain one of these jobs. ‘I am not a big fan of icky things,’ the poop-phobic Ariane deadpans in the second episode, seemingly oblivious to the fact for the purposes of Beverly Hills Nannies, she helps provide the ‘ick’ factor for all those reality-TV viewers who are.”

Daily Mail: “Beverly Hills Nannies, premiering on ABC Family, reveals how these nannies are just as narcissistic as their employers. Demanding $40 an hour, but complaining when they have to walk the dog, the good-looking nannies quickly show their nasty streak: ‘Pretty nannies are threatening to mothers in this neighborhood. I don’t want to call Amanda ugly. I think she is a beautiful person inside and out. Maybe. Maybe not,’ says one.”

South Coast Today: “Instead of postponing their careers to have what we used to call ‘a life,’ these young people choose to dwell in the lap of ersatz luxury. For all the zircon splendor of the nannies’ surroundings, they’re still answering to an adult and bound by chores. In essence, they’re not terribly removed from the fate of many 20-somethings who are fresh out of college with too many loans and too few prospects — living with their parents. This puts Nannies in a league with HBO’s acclaimed new series Girls, a comedy that takes a bleaker view of the post-collegiate experience. But the two shows feature young adults who desire to live far beyond their means and station in life.”

What do you think? Have you seen the Beverly Hills Nannies series? If so, will you watch again?