Watching Reality TV

Last night I was reading yet another blurb about Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag and it got me thinking who is the biggest reality TV star? I mean Spiedi clearly thinks it is them but I am not sure that is true. Now I am going to do my best to base this analysis on actual facts and not just my opinion, because you all know I can’t stand Spencer and Heidi. Ok so let’s look at some facts. What defines a star, is it the people most in the magazines, or the ones who have made the most money or the ones who are basically a household name. I think it is two things, I think it is who took their 15 minutes of fame and actually made a successful long lasting career. Then I also think it could be who is talked about the most. I of course have answers for both of these categories. I think Jillian Michaels and Elisabeth Hasselbeck. Elisabeth took her role on season two of Survivor and turned it into a show on the Style Metwork which then turned into a hosting gig for the view. Along with that she has also written a book and has her own jewelry line. Jillian although a personal trainer before The Biggest Loser, has launched a ton of DVD’s books, and her own weight loss plan, which are all a huge success. I actually just bought one of Jillian’s DVD’s yesterday in the hopes of getting skinny soon. Those two women in my book have proven they have staying power, now onto what I call the fame whore category. It is basically the reality person or persons who have managed to turn their 15 minutes of fame into well a career of being famous. Clearly this goes to Spiedi. I mean there really is no other reality TV stars who have managed to basically make a life of being famous. They grace covers of magazines, are on talk shows, you know they are everywhere. I may not like them but they know how to work it. Do they have staying power, well that is yet to be determined, personally I think they will always be in the spotlight because that is the only thing they have going for them. Neither of them are talented or could actually make it doing anything else so I am sure they will do everything they can to insure that Spiedi never goes away.
Well there you have my picks let me know your thoughts.

Here are a few things coming to your TV soon.

TLC has a new reality show titled I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant and yes it is exactly what it sounds like. Stories of women who literally didn’t know they were pregnant until they went into labor. I have never been pregnant, but it seems to be it would be really difficult to not know you are pregnant. I will probably tune in to this show just out of curiosity. The show premieres at 9PM EST on July 8th, there will also be a interactive quizzes and puzzles during each episode.

Former Rap duo Salt ‘n’ Pepa re reunited thanks to VH1. The 80’s rap stars will come together for a new reality show set to debut in October. The series will showcase the two coming together to perform again and resolve the issues which ultimately resulted in their break up. Kind of sounds like a familiar premises, oh yeah The Two Corey’s did that. It worked out so well for them. I gotta say I so don’t care about this show or these two has beens, but I am sure there are some people out there who will watch it.

CBS has what they are hoping is their next big summer hit There Goes The Neighborhood set to premiere on August 9th. Eight suburban families from the same neighborhood will be enclosed by a 20-foot wall as they compete in family-friendly games for a grand prize of $250,000. The wall cuts off the neighbors from the outside world, and without the ability to text message, surf the internet or watch television, each family must work together as a team to avoid the weekly elimination. Sounds like Big Brother for families, could have some potential.

And last Sarah Jessica Parker is the latest celeb to jump on the reality show bandwagon, sort of. SJP’s production company will be producing a new show for Bravo being referred to as The Untitled Art Project. The series will focus on thirteen up-and-coming artists who compete for a gallery show, a cash prize and a sponsored national tour. So it is basically Project Runway and Top Chef for artists, very Bravo TV if you ask me. Now if you are an artist who would like to be on the show, Bravo is hosting national casting calls for artists in various cities across the nation starting this month. The first open casting call is July 11-12 in Los Angeles; followed by July 14 in Miami; July 16 in Chicago; and July 18-19 in New York. More information on the series and casting calls can be found at www.BravoTV.com/casting.

Thought you might want to know about some new and some of your favorite shows that are looking for new talent, that means you my faithful readers. Check them out!

BBC is looking for a male host for an untitled phobia show, exploring the world of extreme fears, phobias and the various treatments that are offered. The candidate must have an aggressive personality and be a therapist, counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist who works with clients with phobias. The to be host must also live in the Los Angeles or New York area. Interested candidates should send an email to castingrealtv@gmail.com and include name, professional title and credentials, contact information (phone, email and website), a photo and a short description explaining why you would make a great television host.

Food Network is set to launch the sixth season of The Next Food Network Star opening in 2010. The national search for professional and amateur chefs to become the network’s newest star begins July 8 in Phoenix, with more auditions happening July 12 in Chicago; July 17 in Austin; July 26 in San Francisco; July 31 in New York City; August 10 in Los Angeles; August 17 in San Diego; and August 24 in Atlanta. Candidates should bring an application, a photograph, along with a resume and/or bio to meet the network’s casting directors. If you are unable to attend an open casting call interested parties can submit a three-minute audition video describing why they should win the competition. Applications, rules and submission guidelines can be found at www.FoodNetwork.com/Star.

A major cable network is looking for homeowners to appear in aan upcoming makeover show about construction nightmares. If you are a homeowner who has had damage caused by terrible contractors, the show will send a qualified team of experts to come and repair the damage for free. To be considered for the show, the homeowner must live in the greater Los Angeles area; had a bad experience with a contractor; have one room in need of repair; be available for one week of filming; and have an outgoing, energetic personality. Send an email to casting_homemakeover@pietown.tv and include a short description of the room’s problem and what your original plans were for the space, along with photos of the room and your family.

Two fabulous new shows kick off tonight, so if you are looking for something new and little different then I suggest one of these great shows.
Let me begin with The National Geographic Channel’s all new series Hooked, which features encounters with rare species. I know cool right. Some of the encounters are a colossal squid that weighs 1,000 pounds and a sting ray that is almost 12 feet long. Holy cow that is insane. I love shows like this because the encounters are so extreme it is amazing. Tonight’s episode follows Dr. Justin Grubich as he sets out to record the dental imprints of the vampire fish and the pacu. Both are very deadly, the pacu is a cousin of the piranha and the vampire fish has two inch fangs, craziness I tell you. Here is a video clip of Hooked, which airs Mondays at 10PM EST.
Hooked Clip
Alright if risky adventure in nature isn’t your thing then how about tuning in to Oxygen’s all new reality show Dance Your Ass Off, featuring Marissa Jaret Winokur as host. It is the first ever dance weight loss competition show. There are 12 contestants paired with professional dancers who will do their best to shed the most pounds by strutting their stuff on the dance floor. Think of the show as a Dancing With The Stars, except the contestants aren’t stars, meets The Biggest Loser. In the end the contestant who loses the most weight will win $100,000, but more importantly a healthier lifestyle. Dance Your Ass Off begins tonight with a super sized 90 minute episode at 10PM EST. I know this is one show I won’t miss, you know I love the dance shows.

Well it is Sunday and I thought I would make today Tid Bit day. There are a few little things happening in the reality world I thought you might want to know about.
Kendra star Kendra Wilkinson wed her beau Hank Baskett yesterday. I know who really cares right, I saw her show and it sucks. That is all I have to say on that subject.
TNT has a new show reality show called Wedding Day, which airs on Thursdays at 8PM EST. The show basically proves that you don’t have to be a Richie Rich to have the wedding of your dreams. With the help of family and friends a new couple each week is given the wedding of their dreams. Along the way viewers will learn what each couples amazing story. Celebrity wedding planner Diann Valentine hosts the show. It is a feel good reality show to say the least.
My favorite thing about Sunday nights is Gene Simmons Family Jewels at 9PM EST on A&E, and tonight there are two al l new episodes. First up is “Economic Simulus”, where Gene rings the bell at the New York Stock Exchange and Shannon gets addicted to late night infomercials. Then we have “Slumber Party” where Shannon falls ill leaving Gene to chaperon Sophie and her five friends at a slumber party. One girl even sneaks out. Nice! Below you will find a clip from Slumber Party, courtesy of my friend Lauren at Fanscape.
Slumber Party
Ok my reality faithful readers enjoy your Sunday!

Yes you read the title right, both Audrina Patridge and Jessica Simpsons own shows have been picked up. Audrina will stay on her home channel MTV as the network has given the official go ahead for her show that will be produced by reality genius Mark Burnett. The show which is cleverly, not, titled The Audrina Show is apparently in development now, which means Audrina will be leaving The Hills this fall. The concept of the show is basically camera’s following Audrina in her personal and professional life. According to Ms. Patrdige the show will be edgier and older than The Hills. I wonder if it will be more real than the Hills. Anyway filming begins this summer for Audrina’s new show.
Audrina isn’t the only reality star getting her own show, former Newlywed star Jessica Simpson is coming back to reality TV, on VH1. Yep Jessica’s Price of Beauty has been officially picked up by VH1, I think I said that VH1 would probably pick it up, I was right. Jessica will travel the world in the search of different beauty secrets of women of all cultures. The idea for the show came after Jessica was scrutinized for wearing some unflattering jeans. Jessica may even try some of these beauty secrets or treatments herself. I said a lot about this show before so I think that I will refrain from further comment until I actually see the show. There has no official air date for this new show.
Well I for one am very intrigued by both Jessica and Audrina’s shows and can’t wait to see them.

Today’s blog is going to be a little different than my normal ones. Yesterday was a sad day for the entertainment world with the loss of the king of pop. That being said I just didn’t think I could write about fake reality TV today when there is the sad reality of the death of Michael Jackson. What a shocker I tell you. Michael Jackson was truly an icon. Growing up it was all about Michael Jackson from Thriller to Black and White, all his songs hold great memories for me, as I am sure they do for many of you. After learning about MJ’s death one of my friends commented that she felt like a part of her childhood just died and I think that many of us probably feel that way today. Despite the craziness that became his life, MJ was so talented, especially in the height of his career. People are slamming him because of allegations in his personal life, which I am not going to comment on, but I think we all need to remember him for his music. Whether or not you agree with his actions or believe he was guilty or innocent, one thing is for sure his music touched the lives of many. One of my favorite songs is We Are The World and part of the reason I love it so is because of Michael Jackson’s part. Yes it is a sad day for the music industry as one of the all time greats has died before his time. At least we can all be comforted by knowing his music will always live in. So I say take today listen to some old school Michael Jackson and enjoy a nice trip down memory lane.

I am going to start with what everyone is talking about Jon and Kate are done which means that Jon and Kate Plus 8 is now on hiatus. The disastrous reality couple has officially filed for divorce, so what does that mean for the hit show? Well there are currently no more shows in the pipeline so TLC has to now figure out what to do about the show. In the interim that means hiatus. I have heard that the format of the show could be changed for the remaining episodes that both Jon & Kate are contracted to appear in. Like maybe they will be more a special type where they interact with another TLC show or something. Anyway we all knew it was going to happen so I am guessing TLC had a back up plan.
Alright enough about the show that is going under and now on to a show that appears will be living on forever, The Real World. Oh yes the original reality show, well in my book anyway, is back for Season 22 in Cancun. All the hookups, break ups, make ups, fights, etc begins tonight at 10PM EST on MTV. It has been said that last season in Brooklyn was a tad tamer than viewers like, so I have no doubt that Cancun will change all of that. In the premiere episode alone Bronnie makes out with an older woman/cougar, CJ breaks up with his girlfriend, Joey is the first person in the house to have sex and oh so much more that I don’t want to give away. I have actually lost interest in the Real World but this one sounds so good it might just lure me back. In order to get you all in the mood for tonight’s show I have a few sneak peek clips for you. Enjoy!
The House
Bronne Makes Out with Cougar
Joey Sleeping
Ayiiia & Jasmine Prank

Wow tonight is jam packed full of great Reality TV for you and I am here to give you the low down on some shows I don’t think you should miss.
You have to check out Superstars on ABC at 8PM EST. It is the show that puts celebrities and sports stars on the same team. Basically one celebrity and one sports star will be a team. There are eight teams total who are vying for the title of The Superstars. The competition will consist of different sport type events. Who doesn’t like to see a bunch of big egos competing against each other, I know I do.
It’s back, America’s Got Talent returns for season four tonight on NBC at 9PM EST. There is a new host again. Mariah Carey’s husband Nick Cannon joins the show as the latest host. Sharon, Piers and The Hoff are all back to judge the show that has become quite the phenomenon. There has been so much craziness surrounding the British version of this show due to Susan Boyle, you all know you are wondering if we have an American version of Susan Boyle in our midst?
And finally Bravo is on fire tonight. They have they The Real Housewives of New Jersey reunion show Part 1 at 9PM EST and the premiere of NYC Prep at 10PM EST. So much drama what is a girl to do. I for one can not wait for the show that I will forever be calling the Reality version of Gossip Girl, NYC Prep. I have no doubt will be so bad it is good.
Ok I think I have covered all of the important stuff. Enjoy!

Unless you have been living under a rock you probably know that things are well touchy to say the least in Iran right now. Sorry folks I am not a political person so if my comments seem lighthearted well they are, but that does not mean I don’t understand the severity of the current situation in Iran. Politics just isn’t my thing. Anyway all that aside, Iran is a hot topic right now and The National Geographic Channel is giving us all a little bit of a history lesson tonight with Iran and The West at 9PM EST. This is truly a landmark special that will give viewers a look inside top secret meetings and declarations that shaped the past three decades of this extremely complex relationship. To give you a better understanding of this special here are four video excerpts from the show.
Birth of Hezbollah
Confusion Over Iran
Iran and Diplomacy
Albright in the U.N
The program looks great so if this is your type of thing you should definitely tune in.
Now if you are looking for something a little bit lighter to entertain you tonight, then I suggest tuning in to Reality Check Radio for an all new interview with the most current Amazing Race winners, Tammy and Victor. The siblings, who are both lawyers from California will be discussing their experience on the show and probably taking questions from fans too. The show begins at 11PM EST and can be found at www.blogtalkradio.com/reality_check. You all know I love Reality Check Radio, and even though I did not rooting for Tammy and Victor to win, I will be tuning in to see what they have to say. In case you have forgotten let me remind you that Reality Check Radio is an online BlogTalkRadio show which highlights and discusses current reality television.

A&E has a great Sunday night line up pairing Gene Simmons Family Jewels with Hammertime and I just happen to have a couple video clips regarding each of these shows that I thought you might be interested in.
Lets start with Gene Simmons Family Jewels, this week is a special one hour episode in which Gene and Shannon head to New Jersey because they are the godparents of a friends grandson. Well let’s just say that Shannon pretty much puts all the wives in an uproar when she doesn’t fall into line with tradition. Oh Shannon that is why we love you. Well I told you I have a clip, and it is actually a preview of tonight’s episode “Godfather Gene” which airs at 8PM EST, so click here for you sneak peek.
Once you get done watching Gene stay tuned for MC Hammer’s new show Hammertime.
Now I don’t have a clip of tonight’s Hammertime but what I do have is a video of Hammer Dance Pants, which is apparently all the rage. Click here to watch the clip before you continue reading my blog. Alright so assuming you watched the video I have to say Hammer Dance Pants is cool and weird all at the same time. I laughed so hard at video but was also like what the heck. I could see this happening in like the early 90’s when he was uber popular but not now. Anyway the show is good so defiantly tune in tonight to see what Hammer and his family are up to.

The number of reality television shows that focus on children is growing and I just can’t help but wonder what kind of affect being on TV is having on these young kids. Take the Bravo show NYC Prep, which begins this Tuesday for example. These kids will be thrust into the public eye, that can’t be easy to deal with. Granted I am sure most them want some sort of career in the entertainment industry otherwise they wouldn’t be doing the show, but does that mean all your personal business needs to be put on TV. I mean look at what happened to the cast of The Hills they were all in their late teens when that show started and look how messed up most of them are. They are insecure, have body image issues, have become media whores, and basically lead double lives. It is crazy. At least eh kids of NYC Prep know what they are getting themselves into, what about the young kids, like the Gosselin kids, or the Duggers, these kids didn’t ask to be put on TV. I would think they could end up with similar issues to some of The Hills cast members. If I had a camera in my face all the time as a child I am pretty sure I would not be the person I am today. Anyway my point here is I get why these kids are on TV, it makes for great television, but I do believe that being on a Reality show will have a lasting affect on them. I would say in most cases the affect would not be good. Kids and Reality TV I am not so sure they mix, but hey that is just my opinion.

The Hills drama continues even though the show is on hiatus and let me tell you it is good. I have to start with what I am sure everyone is talking about, Lauren Conrad’s appearance on The View yesterday. If you didn’t see it I suggest you go to abc.com and watch it ASAP.
The biggest news to come out of the interview is confirmation that The Hills is so fake. Yep L.C. confirmed that Spencer never actually apologized to her, she wasn’t even on the other end of the call. In fact there was no one on the call basically Spencer apologized to his phone. Oh nice job Hills producers. L.C. said her reactions were filmed but that basically it was all staged. Not only does this confirm The Hills fakery, but that Spencer really is a total and complete jerk. I personally think it is awesome that Lauren came clean about the whole situation and really in a sense about the show. What does she care, she isn’t on it any more. It isn’t like people didn’t already know the show was staged. And if that wasn’t enough Stephanie Pratt is on the cover of US Weekly this week, yes there is a blog coming about US Weekly & reality TV stars, talking about how being on The Hills made her bulimic. That is right Stephanie claims that after shooting scenes with L.C. she realized she needed to lose weight. Pratt states that even though the producers never put pressure on the girls to lose weight, she felt too big next to he costars, which resulted in a 5,000 calorie a day binge and purge session.
So lets recount, The Hills is fake and being on the show has given one of its “stars’ an eating disorder, oh the drama, Love It!

It looks like Jessica Simpson is going back to her roots, well sort of. The former Newlywed star is venturing back into the Reality TV world. As you all know Jessica recently came under fire for some not so flattering pictures which made her look a little more fuller figured than she has in the past. Well she is now taking that exact issue and attempting to turn it into a Reality show. I know some of this may be old news to you but stay with me because I do have a point. So anyway basically she wants to do a show about how women and their bodies are scrutinized in today’s society. Jess and a pal will go on a road trip to find out what people think is beautiful and why, plus what crazy things women do to make themselves beautiful. Supposedly Jessica might even try some of these shocking beauty regiments. Although the show has been pitched to numerous networks but it is not officially a go. I would guess that maybe TLC, Lifetime, WEtv or even MTV might pick up the show. It definitely fits the new craze that is accepting yourself, losing weight, becoming a better you, all that kind of positive stuff. Apparently Jessica has decided to go back to what actual made her a star, Reality TV, yes I know she was a signer before, but we all know she and Nick made it big because of Newlyweds. Hey who can blame her, go back to what you do best. I personally think this show could have potential. There are certainly far worse shows on television now. Only time will tell if the Price of Beauty, tentative title, becomes a reality or not. I for one am kind of rooting for Jessica to be back on Reality TV because oh how she made me laugh on Newlyweds.

I keep hearing all this buzz about how Katie Holmes is going to be on So You Think You Can Dance. Apparently Tom Cruise’s wife has been working with choreographer Tyce Diorio for quite a while in order for her to make an appearance on the July 8th episode. Although the people behind SYTYCD I am sure wanted to keep this on the down low the rumor has been rapidly spreading this week. Due to the rapid spreading of this news, sources are speculating that Holmes dancing debut could actually be sometime this week as opposed to the original July 8th date, which would coincide with the shows 100th episode. I highly doubt her appearance will be this week, given the fact that the powers that be at So You Think You Can Dance haven’t even confirmed that Holmes will actually be on the show. So basically there is a lot of rumors and speculation going on, the only thing known for sure is that Holmes is working with Tyce Diorio for sure. The whole thing seems really odd to me, it is just kind of a weird combination. It surprises me that Holmes would do the show, nothing against SYTYCD, I love that show, but it so does not seem like her thing. But hey what the heck do I know, other than I will definitely be keeping my eyes and ears open so that I do not miss Holmes on the show. Here is hoping that this is one rumor that actually comes true. Alright so I know you have them, tell me your thoughts on Katie Holmes maybe appearance on SYTYCD!