Breaking Bonaduce

Watch Breaking Bonaduce

  • 2005
  • 2 Seasons
  • 5.3  (104)

Breaking Bonaduce was a reality TV show that aired on VH1 from 2005 to 2006, starring Danny Bonaduce, the former child star of The Partridge Family. The show followed Bonaduce's attempt to straighten out his life and overcome a slew of personal issues, including substance abuse, marital problems, and anger management.

The premise of the show was to document Bonaduce's struggle to get his life back on track while being constantly monitored by a team of experts, including a personal trainer, a therapist, and a sober coach. Each episode would focus on a different aspect of Bonaduce's life as he tried to improve himself, with the ultimate goal of getting his family back together.

The show was labeled as a "docudrama" since it blended elements of documentary and drama to showcase the volatile and unpredictable nature of Bonaduce's life. It was shot in a reality TV style, with cameras following Bonaduce's every move, from his workouts and therapy sessions to his emotional breakdowns and confrontations with his wife and friends.

The show was a crossover hit, appealing to both fans of reality TV and those who remembered Bonaduce from his Partridge Family days. It was praised for its honest portrayal of addiction and fame and was also criticized for exploiting Bonaduce's personal struggles for entertainment value.

Despite the show's critical and commercial success, Bonaduce's life remained tumultuous even after Breaking Bonaduce concluded its run. He continued to battle substance abuse and had several high-profile run-ins with the law, which sparked controversy and debate about the ethics of exploiting someone's personal demons for TV ratings.

Overall, Breaking Bonaduce was a harrowing and raw look at the life of a former child star struggling to rebuild his life. The show explored themes of addiction, fame, and personal growth in a way that was both honest and thought-provoking. It was a captivating watch for those interested in reality TV and a sobering reminder of the pitfalls of Hollywood stardom.

Breaking Bonaduce
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Seasons
Cross Road
8. Cross Road
December 17, 2006
Danny is convinced that the only thing that can save him is God so he dives head first into the church, leaving all his friends and loved ones to wonder, is this real, or is this desperation.
The Mother of All Daddies
7. The Mother of All Daddies
December 10, 2006
Danny tries to come to terms with his father's abusive behavior by visiting his dad's grave and then a psychic.
Stir Crazy For You
6. Stir Crazy For You
November 26, 2006
Danny's not happy living in the guest room, but he continues his parental duties, even babysitting while Gretchen goes out with her girlfriends.
Anti Chamber
5. Anti Chamber
November 19, 2006
Gretchen allows Danny back in the house on a probationary basis, but he has to stay in the guest room. Meanwhile, Isabella accuses him of being soft, so Danny gets in the boxing ring with a heavyweight contender to prove her wrong.
Prescription Strength
4. Prescription Strength
November 12, 2006
Back in Los Angeles, Danny is as frightened as he's ever been that he's going to lose his family because of his behavior. This sobering thought leads him back to his MD Psychiatrist to get his medication levels checked and updated. But even with Danny's attempts to manage his bi-polar episodes_4-18, Gretchen is still one step from filing divorce papers. Danny decides his only option is to work his way back into her good graces by easing her parental duties, and spending some much needed time with his children.
Honorary Degrees of Separation
3. Honorary Degrees of Separation
November 5, 2006
Danny has been out of the house for a while when he gets the news that he's been awarded 'Harvard Lampoon's Man of the Year'. Ironically enough, Valentine's Day is his first opportunity to ask Gretchen to come with him to Boston despite' the troubles they've been having. Gretchen has mixed emotions, but eventually agrees. Initially, things are going well at Harvard. In fact, the Bonaduces' appear to be on a course for reconciliation. That is until Gretchen refuses to sleep with Danny the night he accepts his award. This sends him into a tirade that leaves Gretchen feeling like her only option is to file for divorce.
Aching Bonaduce
2. Aching Bonaduce
October 29, 2006
In Mexico, Danny spirals downward after viewing an episode from last season. Soon, Gretchen kicks him out of the house and his AA group stages an intervention.
El Gringo Loco
1. El Gringo Loco
October 22, 2006
Danny is seven months sober but still surly. In addition, he's doing a promotional tour for the show in Mexico.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    September 11, 2005
  • IMDB Rating
    5.3  (104)