"The Osbournes," which premiered on MTV in 2002, wasn't just a reality show; it was a cultural reset that transformed Ozzy Osbourne's image and reshaped the landscape of reality television. Before the show, Ozzy was largely known as the "Prince of Darkness," the controversial frontman of Black Sabbath, infamous for his wild antics, including biting the head off a bat. Clergy condemned him, and parents sued him. But "The Osbournes" revealed a different side of the metal icon: a funny, curious, and surprisingly endearing family man.
The show's premise was simple: cameras followed Ozzy, his wife Sharon, and their children, Jack and Kelly, in their Beverly Hills home. Eldest daughter Aimee chose not to participate. The series captured their everyday lives, from mundane tasks to family squabbles, revealing a dynamic that was both bizarre and relatable. Ozzy struggled with the remote control, the kids fought, and Sharon dealt with noisy neighbors. Despite the family's rock-star status, viewers saw reflections of their own lives in the Osbournes' chaotic yet loving household.
"The Osbournes" became an instant hit, drawing millions of viewers and becoming MTV's highest-rated series. The show's success catapulted the family to new levels of fame. Sharon became a talk show host, and Kelly launched a music career. More importantly, it transformed Ozzy's public image. Danny Deraney, Ozzy's publicist, noted that the show revealed the "real" Ozzy, the affable and funny guy that metal fans already knew. The show made him more accessible and relatable to a broader audience.
"The Osbournes" also revolutionized reality television. Before "The Osbournes," reality shows like "Survivor" focused on competition and heightened drama. "The Osbournes" demonstrated that audiences were equally captivated by the everyday lives of celebrities. The show's success paved the way for a new wave of celebrity reality shows, including "Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica" and "Keeping Up with the Kardashians". Critics have noted that "The Baldwins" reality show is explicitly modeled on "The Osbournes". Jess Cagle told Sharon Osbourne in 2019, "Without you, you realize, there would be no Kardashians".
The show's impact wasn't without its challenges. The family has expressed mixed feelings about the experience, with Jack Osbourne discussing the impact it had on his mental health, and Kelly noting how unprepared they were for it all. Ozzy himself admitted that he was "stoned the whole time" during filming. In 2020, Ozzy told NME that the "level of success that TV show got us was too much,". Despite these difficulties, "The Osbournes" remains a groundbreaking series that redefined celebrity, reality television, and the public perception of one of rock's most iconic figures. The show demonstrated the appeal of authenticity and paved the way for future generations of reality TV stars.
Ozzy Osbourne's death on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76, marks the end of an era. He is remembered not only for his contributions to music but also for his unexpected role as a reality television pioneer. "The Osbournes" allowed viewers to see beyond the "Prince of Darkness" persona and connect with Ozzy as a husband, father, and ordinary man.
