Reality TV a home for d-list celebs
You see dozens of these shows on your television every day; a former celebrity or small name celebrity has their own show or is a part of a reality show highlighting the life of a minor celebrity and through that they find a new lease on fame. There’s Paula Abdul and her show “Hey, Paula” on Bravo and let’s not forget “Scott Baio is 45… and Single!” over on VH1. There’s also “The Two Coreys” which debuted on Sunday on A&E and features former 80’s teen idols Corey Haim and Corey Feldman (yeah, I’ll admit, I’d kinda like to see that one). We also have “Hogan Knows Best” featuring former wrestling star Hulk Hogan on VH1 and “My Life on the D-List” on Bravo with Kathy Griffin. So why are these shows so popular? I’m thinking it’s the glimpse into the life of a celebrity, no matter how minor, that we find so fascinating. As the article over at MSNBC.com says, we’re lured in by promises that everything we see is real and authentic, even when that’s not always entirely the case. Just like any reality show, things are dramatized and situations are manipulated for added drama. Still, even knowing this, it’s hard to stay away. I can attest that Scott Baio’s show is particularly addictive. I doubt his conceit is entirely manufactured.

August 2nd, 2007 at 4:39 pm
Surely one day they are going to run out of “fascinating” people to do these shows with….