Reality TV 2001
A conversation with a buddy tonight brought up the really bizarre ads we had seen for some Reality TV shows coming up in the Spring. Well, after trying to find more information about Temptation Island, I realized that there were a ton of these that needed explanation and recommendation. So fear not, I have looked high and low for the information on the shows offered in the coming months so you can know which ones are worth seeing and which ones will destroy careers. I tried to attach links to as many as I could, but many are still in development.
I know some most of you couldn't give a crap about the genre known as "Reality TV" but I live and die for it, which I guess in some ways could be a sad commentary on the quality of my life. I like to think of it as a sign of my appreciation of Television and for the form of well-made, people-pleasing TV shows. The difference between "well-made" and "worth-watching" is a slight one and one that I love to ponder.
Your guide to Reality TV 2001:
The defending champion of Reality TV returns on Superbowl Sunday! Woo-hoo! Bring it on!! I can't wait! Survivor was one of my favorite shows over the summer. (I won't go into exactly how great I thought it was or why, no need for that fight to start back up.) I have high hopes for this one. These producers learned from the first one and I think will make a better product this time around. This will be some great TV. (CBS)
A new show featuring "four unmarried but seriously committed couples at a crossroads in their relationship and 30 singles that are looking for love, who travel to an exotic location to test the waters of temptation." Oh hell...this could get UGLY. I can't wait for this one! This will RULE!! What a bad idea for these couples, what a good idea for a TV show! (FOX)
Manhunt:
Co-produced by the World Wrestling Federation, this show will feature contestants who try to avoid capture by "wrestler-type characters." In a predator vs. prey relationship, players try to escape capture in Hawaii, where ''Manhunt'' will be filmed. The predators will use non-violent laser guns and traps to nab the contestants.
Um...hello?...Running Man? That is kinda cool, but also kinda creepy. I will surely be watching this. It just screams out to me, like a busload of XFL Cheerleaders in a spelling bee. I think this one is the best bet for ratings from viewers of the WWF and computer nerds...obviously, I will soon become a rabid fan. I must say it has potential. (UPN)
(The) Runner(s):
There are quite a few different versions of this concept popping around the networks right now, including one proposed by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Basically, "runners" are trying to last as long as they can and avoid capture...sounds like Running Man right? Almost, the kicker is that the ones hunting them are the viewers of the show! Woo-hoo!!
Viewers are asked to email or phone when they have spotted the contestants. Contestants will receive survival training. The longer they stay hidden the more prize money they win, but the bounty on their heads also increases. This one might be GREAT. I would LOVE to watch this one. It's like playing "T.A.G." nationwide! Hell yeah! I hope it happens, but no official release on a network that I have seen yet. The only one that looks really solid is the version for the BBC.
I like the idea of this one, except for a few small things. The idea is that 10 people have to do a series of challenges etc. all the while, one of them is a saboteur. The contestants attempt to figure out who the saboteur is and every few days they answer questions about who it might be. The one who knows the least about the Mole gets kicked off. When they get down to two, the Mole is revealed and the other guy gets a million dollars.
The problem is: How do you keep the suspense? Answering questions about the Mole surely makes it easier to figure out as you go along, which is the complete opposite of suspense! I just don't think it will work. With Survivor tension builds as you get closer to the end because you are guessing who will win, but with this you are probably going to be able to figure it out pretty well before the end. But, it might be fun. We'll see. (ABC)
Destination Mir:
Looks like this one ain't gonna make it off the ground. NBC is begging the Russians to keep Mir functional for them, but the Russians really just want to trash that giant-space-trailer. I'm not so sure that getting to spend time in Mir is such a prize anyway. I think getting a trip into space would be cool enough. Maybe a space-walk, that's all you really need. I say ditch the Mir aspect and just launch the winner into orbit. (NBC)
Jailbreak: (This is the UK show's site.)
It follows 10 prisoners trapped in a "prison" that is surrounded by a maze of challenges they have to get through to escape in order to win the game and a cash prize. This one might be cool. Depends on how crafty and interesting the challenges and the prison are. I might like this, but then I am predisposed to liking this sort of crap. It looks a bit like Survivor, but with more of a goal attached. I think it could be cool. (ABC)
1900 House:
They are going to send more families to live on the "American prairie" to face conditions of the late 19th-century. Um...hahahaha!!! There is NO PRIZE worth that! That's not Reality TV, that's HORROR. No electricity or modern tools or interaction with other people. Oh hell no. Also, it looks very boring. (PBS)
Popstars: (This is the Canadian version's site, can't find the US one yet.)
A multi-week series that chronicles the behind the scenes auditions for a female pop band. It's like "Making the Band" but for a girl band. Oh boy. That should be canceled rather quickly...unless one or more of the girls are EXCEPTIONALLY hot. (WB)
Trading Places:
A show in which two completely different families switch lives. What a bad idea, but maybe it is better in practice than concept...The demo tape for the series had a family that works at the Salvation Army...getting sleepy... trading places with a family of motorcycle riders. The bikers had to...snore...collect donations and the other family had to...zzzzz...run a garage. No air date has been set, and we can only hope that it never will. (WB)
Chains of Love:
Each episode features a woman (or man) ''chained'' to four strangers of the opposite sex. Nobody moves without the other four as they eat, sleep and exist together. Each day those in the link vote to eliminate someone. The final couple gets whisked away to an exotic vacation. Wow, this could be really bad, but it holds a slight glimmer of hope for some possible fun. (UPN)
Big Brother II:
For the love of GOD...WHY?!! Nobody liked the first one. It was boring. Even when they had George going nuts, it sucked. It was slow, lame, dull and slow. Nothing happened. They just sat around. The only interesting characters were the first ones to get voted off. That is why you shouldn't allow the public to choose what they want...they don't know! They want to take out the character that pisses them off. But once that character is gone, they lose interest.
If they do make a Big Brother II, I hope that the producers have the sense to rig the damn vote and keep the show interesting. Also, they should encourage more nudity and sex. That's why the European ones were so popular...lots of nudity and plenty of sex. (CBS)
Lost:
C4 will take two-person teams and drop them somewhere in the world. This will be a remote area where people don't speak English. They will be given a small amount of provisions and a little money and they have to get back to London as soon as possible. Could be good. If it works expect a US rip-off to quickly follow. (Channel 4)
Who Wants to Date a Hooters Girl?:
I'm serious. No network is attached as far as I can find, but I gotta tell ya, this one looks like it will really happen. Oh please, no. I am not sure what the criteria are for being a contestant, but I hope they are loose with the standards. Letting anybody who has ever eaten in a Hooters to sign up. Those poor girls, if you felt bad for them before... The only potential good from this would be watching the girl squirm as the meat-fisted winner runs over for his victory kiss.
1-08-01