'Supernanny' saves the day
''Supernanny" is the kind of program you watch as you dig your nails into your palms.
The new ABC reality show, which debuts tonight at 10 on WCVB-TV (Channel 5), stars real-life British nanny Jo Frost, whose assignment each week is to help American parents tame their out-of-control children.
Predictably, the kids selected act like animals. It's embarrassing to watch, especially when Frost concludes that the family of the week needs discipline and organization. No kidding.
It's a sad statement about this country if viewers feel they need to watch this for anything but comic relief.
In the pilot episode, David and Barbara Jeans all but admit that they are scared of their 4-year-old daughter, who bosses her parents around and beats up her 3-year-old twin sisters.
''Andra tends to set the tone in our house," Barbara concedes. ''She can be aggressive. She hits her sisters a lot."
Indeed, we'll all get to see Andra in action as she hides from her mother at the grocery store, demands to eat chips for breakfast, and has a fit because her father won't bring her a book.
The parents just ignore her as the tantrum goes on, and on. Apparently, it's never even occurred to them to tell Andra to stop. Fascinating.
''Children don't come with an instruction book," a voice intones as the brat pack is introduced.
Frost will put a ''moratorium on mayhem," the voice promises. Her biggest tool? A ''naughty stool" kids sit on during a time out. Do we really need to fly Frost in from Britain to help the Jeans?
Certainly, she has the resume for the job. After working for 15 years as a nanny in Britain, she's seen her share of tantrums. She was cast in a British version of this program, which aired last summer. Her book ''Supernanny" hits stores this month.
Frost's funky glasses and amusing glances at the camera are sure to go over well. Pointing her finger as she declares, with an accent, ''Your behavior is very naughty!" has a sort of Mary Poppins appeal.
It's the parents who are sickening. Tonight, Frost will literally sit Barbara down and teach her how to say with authority, ''No, stop that," and ''Behave yourself!"
The good news about tonight's show is that the kids' behavior does improve. The bad news is that Frost goes home, leaving Barbara and David to fend for themselves.
No doubt Andra can't wait.
Suzanne Ryan can be reached at sryan@globe.com
Harley attacked on 'Guiding Light'
All My Children: Zach warned Maria she would regret it if she reconciles with Edmund. Ethan learned from DNA test results that he really is Zach's son.
As the World Turns: Katie hopes Mike will get jealous and stop her from marrying Henry. Lily arrived at the cabin looking for Holden just as Holden and Julia were making love.
The Bold and the Beautiful: Bridget told Ridge that Nick helped her get over her crush on Ridge. Wrongly suspecting something was going on, Amber took a photo when she saw Ridge and Bridget embrace.
Days of Our Lives: Kate got proof that John has been injecting himself with painkillers. Belle reluctantly agreed to help Shawn, who wants to regain his memory.
General Hospital: Alexis worried that Kristina is getting too close to Sonny and his sons. Courtney was upset to realize Jason and Sam are committed to raising baby Hope together.
Guiding Light: Harley was attacked while looking in a trash bin for a red-stained dress that could prove Beth guilty of Phillip's murder. A video Jonathan made of Cassie trying to seduce him (after he drugged her) caused a rift between Reva and Cassie.
One Life to Live: Antonio kept a close eye on Jessica after it appeared someone is stalking her.
Passions: Eve was jailed when she couldn't disprove that she tried to poison Liz. Theresa refused to drop murder charges against Gwen. Martin stopped Alistair from raping Katherine.
The Young and the Restless: Malcolm was surprised to realize Adrienne is Damon's ex-wife, and Damon was surprised to learn Adrienne is dating Malcolm.
United Feature Syndicate
Radio highlights
9 a.m. WCRB-FM (102.5) -- Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante in E-flat; Elgar's Wand of Youth Suite No. 1; Mendelssohn's Piano Concerto No. 2.
7 p.m. WUMB-FM (91.9) -- ''American Routes." Guest: Albert Murray, scholar, critic, and hepcat.
