The writers strike that began just a few days ago has led the major TV networks to begin ordering a rash of new reality shows. Come January, when the episodes of the shows already written have been filmed and aired run out, we may be hit with an onslaught of reality shows filling up prime time. Ugh!
The LA Times has an article detailing all of the new shows in production. Read it here.
The ones I’m most excited about, just based on the LA Times description:
“Moment of Truth” (FOX) – A Colombian import, it puts contestants to the test using a polygraph and 21 increasingly personal questions to judge whether or not they are telling the truth for a chance to win $500,000.
I’ve always been fascinated with polygraphs for some reason. This show will be great if they ask the really personal questions.
“Amne$ia” (NBC) – a comedy game show in which contestants are challenged to answer questions from their own lives for money and prizes. Memories will be tested and blasts from the past will be revealed as contestants wrack their brains to answer some of the most challenging questions — often with hilarious results. Dennis Miller is the host.
You’ve got to give any show hosted by Dennis Miller a chance (as long as it’s not Monday Night Football)
“My Dad Is Better Than Your Dad” NBC) – a competition series that will finally prove the familiar schoolyard boast — “My dad is better than your dad!” Dads will be at the forefront of the action competing with their families in a series of unique stunt-driven challenges.
I obviously HAD to choose this one.
And some of the lamer ones:
“American Gladiators” (NBC) – This show will follow four men and four women gladiators as they take on contestants. The contenders are weekend warriors who take pride in their fitness and want to test their physical ability. Hosted by Hulk Hogan.
Hasn’t this been done? I have to admit I loved the original American Gladiators.
“Baby Borrowers” (NBC) – a new alternative series that asks five young couples — ages 16 to 19 — to set up a home and begin fast-tracking on parenthood by becoming caring parents first to a baby, then a toddler, pre-teen and grandparents — all over the course of one month.
It could be interesting, but I doubt it will be. I feel sorry for the poor babies and toddlers that’ll have to be on this show. I hope they don’t end up scarred for life.
“When Women Rule the World” (FOX) – This unscripted series will reveal how women and men react in a world where women are in charge and men are subservient. The participants will be brought to a remote, primitive location where the women will have the opportunity to “rule” as they build a newly formed society — one with no glass ceiling and no need to dress to impress.
I’m sure things will fall apart right away!
Related posts:
#1 by tiff on November 7th, 2007
Ugh it all sounds horrible, because nothing can replace Heroes, HIMYM, 30 Rock, The Office, Friday Night Lights or Lost.
Conversely though, the TV strike will actually give me a life as I’m pretty tied to my television during the week.
#2 by Nanette on November 7th, 2007
I’m looking forward to American Gladiators. I loved the original, and I love the Hulk.
#3 by Sarah on November 7th, 2007
I think every ’80’s sitcom had a “Baby Borrowers” episode. Where their HomeEc teacher would marry them off and give them an egg/baby.
While interesting, these shows will never replace The Office.
#4 by Tara on November 7th, 2007
Just what TV needs…more reality shows. And, who are these parents that are giving up their children for this television show? I’m not a parent, but I can’t imagine letting some 16 year-old couple “borrow” my baby.
#5 by Valley Girl on November 7th, 2007
I hope they go off of their strike soon. Hey btw, I watched The Office last night!
#6 by bc3263827 on November 7th, 2007
NOOOOO – not more reality TV. Just when I thought we might be escaping that stuff. I will admit, there are a select few reality shows that I can tolerate, but with the writers strike the amount of garbage they are going to throw together… it makes me sick just thinking about it.
There is absolutely no substitute for shows like Heroes and The Office.
The only thing I can say is thank God basketball season has started up and I will have something worth watching on TV.
#7 by jennster on November 7th, 2007
i hope they give the writer;s what they want and what they deserve…. the world does not need more “reality” tv shows.
ps- are these jokes, or real? lol
#8 by Daddy Dan on November 7th, 2007
Tiff: Thanks for visiting! Most reality shows suck. The exceptions are The Amazing Race and American Idol (although I’m not really into it)
Nanette: Let’s hope it’s as good as the first one. I doubt it will be. That’s why I put it on the lame list.
Sarah: You’re right, all those shows had episodes like that.
Tara: Those parents are out of their minds. I’ll barely leave the Babito with my parents!
Valley Girl: And……..what’d you think?
BC: Thank God for sports.
Jennster: The writers should get paid more…..and I guess the sticking point is the amount of money they get for the digital sales, like on iTunes. The networks need to stop being so greedy. And YES, these shows are all real. Maybe in one of my next posts I’ll try to come up with some reality shows of my own.
#9 by kay on November 7th, 2007
hi,
not sure if my first post went through…but omg the hubs will be excited to hear that AG is back…
#10 by Daddy Dan on November 7th, 2007
Kay: It was a good show….I was going to post a picture of the original cast, but it was just too frightening!
#11 by Virgilius Sade on November 7th, 2007
Finally there comes a time when a humble writer is no longer a slave to everyone else and Those Idiots Up There will have no choice but to take the drivers’ seat when it comes to writing scripts. It goes to say that an action deserves reaction
#12 by becky on November 8th, 2007
american gladiators? again? wasnt the 1st time painful enough?!
#13 by Daddy Dan on November 9th, 2007
Virgilius: The wink was appropriate.
Becky: Yes, again. What, you didn’t like the original series?