Years Before Next Gen NYC, MTV Had Its Own Nepo Baby Reality Show

Long before nepo-baby reality TV became a cultural talking point, MTV experimented with the format. The network’s early-aughts show Rock the Cradle put children of 1980s and ’90s music stars into a competition modeled after American Idol’s structure. It aired just six episodes before being canceled for low ratings, despite being initially slated for eight. Parents of contestants included MC Hammer, Bobby Brown, the late Olivia Newton-John and Dee Snider. Crosby Loggins, son of Kenny Loggins, won. For some, MTV’s behind-the-scenes packages backfired, including backlash tied to Chloe Lattanzi’s childhood memories.