Rooney Children Shine in 'Chaotic' New Disney Reality Series, Garnering Mixed Reviews

Coleen and Wayne Rooney's four sons are emerging as the breakout stars of their new Disney reality series, "The Real Rooneys," which offers an intimate, "chaotic" glimpse into the family's life. The series, filmed over the past year and costing an estimated £10 million, features sons Kai, 16, Klay, 13, Kit, 10, and Cass, 8. Eight episodes are currently available, with two more set to be released next month.

Despite Coleen Rooney's past success on reality television, the new series has received a spectrum of critical responses. The Daily Mail's Christopher Stevens delivered a scathing one-star review, expressing offense at the show's omission of Wayne Rooney's past infidelity allegations and struggles with alcohol. Stevens characterized the series as "deceitful" for not addressing these issues and described the portrayal of the family as "vacuous, self-obsessed, intellectually numb, absurdly insulated from reality and just spectacularly tacky."

In contrast, Mark Jefferies from The Mirror lauded the children as the "stars of the show," crediting them with delivering the series' most compelling lines and suggesting the show aims to present Wayne Rooney in a more favorable light as a father. The Mirror awarded the series four stars.

The Guardian's Jack Seale offered a middle-ground, three-star rating, agreeing with some critics that the show presents a curated version of reality. However, Seale found the Rooneys' "self-deprecation" enjoyable and praised Coleen Rooney for coming across as "honest, self-aware and, crucially, someone who doesn’t seamlessly fit into the role she has been given."

Anito Singh of The Telegraph also gave a three-star review, noting that "The Real Rooneys" feels like a production with a significant public relations strategy. Singh found the couple likable and the series an "fun watch," particularly highlighting Wayne Rooney as "sharper and funnier than you’d expect."

Katie Rosseinsky of The Independent viewed the show with a lighter perspective, describing it as "pleasantly chaotic" despite acknowledging its lack of authenticity. She suggested the series presents the Rooneys as a couple who genuinely like each other, positioning them as football's potential "first family" in contrast to other public feuds.

The series prominently features the Rooneys' £20 million mansion in Cheshire, a home Coleen Rooney described as fulfilling a childhood dream. The expansive property, built on 50 acres of farmland and completed in 2022, includes amenities such as a home cinema, indoor swimming pool, underground spa, wine cellar, and a football pitch.

"The Real Rooneys" is now available for streaming on Disney+.