With that in mind, it's time to embrace the diversity of this underestimated format. Below is a collection of shows debuting soon, to impact or distract, whichever your preference ...
THE GOOD ...
Just in time for the holidays (and New Year's resolutions), we're seeing a surge of feel-good/feel-better shows claiming to improve social consciousness. Whether these shows will realize their best-laid plans remains to be seen: Will inspiring people be as fun to watch as despicable ones?
'TRUE BEAUTY': Attractive contestants -- male and female -- take part in a beauty pageant while actually being judged on morality (shockingly making a cameo appearance in the genre). Executive producers Tyra Banks and Ashton Kutcher intend to show that beauty (and reality TV!) is more than skin deep. Applicants fulfilling only half of the requirements can subsequently apply for a future cycle of 'America's Next Top Model' ... hosted by Vanessa Minnillo. Premieres Monday, January 5 @ 10pm on ABC
'SECRET MILLIONAIRE': Every week, one "secret millionaire" goes undercover to reveal America's greatest natural resource: the human spirit. As they hear stories of courage, survival and charity in some of the most impoverished parts of the country, it will be their challenge to reward those that are most deserving. Premieres Wednesday, December 3 @ 8pm; thereafter Wed. and Thurs. @ 9pm on FOX
MOMMA'S BOY': Trying to create a dating program with a family twist is either a lesson in awkward or the recipe for one entertaining reality show. Placing a very large stake in "Mom knows best," here, bachelors ask their mothers to choose the most appropropriate mates for them. And did I mention the girls, the guys and the mothers are all under one roof? Produced by self-confessed Momma's boy Ryan Seacrest. Premieres Monday, December 16 on NBC
'INTERVENTION': Things in life you don't want to do but do them anyway because they're good for you: eating veggies, exercising and watching this show. Painful, raw, frightening and emotional, 'Intervention' is a real portrait of substance addiction -- no two cases are alike, no struggle is easier than any other. This may just be a "reality TV" show, but it really puts a human face on a condition that brings out the inhuman in its so many of its victims. Returns December 15; Mondays @ 9pm on A&E
THE BAD ...
After all that social awareness, it's good to know some reality shows are not abandoning the alcohol-drenched, fame-seeking, beautiful-people-living-in-one-house origins from which it came. If you prefer guilty pleasures with your eggnog, here are the shows at the top of Santa's "naughty" list:
SNOOP DOGG'S 'FATHERHOOD': Soon in its second silly season, 'Fatherhood' continues to follow Snoop Dogg and family as he balances tour dates with youth-football coaching obligations. Between four rambunctious kids and "boss lady" Shante, Snoop's animated family antics easily fills a half hour, but it's Snoop's connection with them that gives this light-hearted show some depth. It's at times contrived, but at its best makes for an intimate portrait of an artist at home. Returns Sunday, November 30 @ 10:30pm on E!
'A DOUBLE SHOT AT LOVE': MTV reached a new level in reality mayhem (you decide in which direction) with this dating show, which for two seasons featured bisexual bachelorette Tila Tequila. When Tila turned down (or dodged) a third shot at love, MTV refused to let this gem die and found not one but two girls to spearhead another non-gender-biased search for love. Did I mention they're sisters? Blonde twin sisters? Named Rikki and Vikki? (MTV execs are still pinching themselves.) Returns Tuesday, December 9 @ 10pm on MTV
'PARTY MONSTERS: CABO': Nine event planners compete to throw the ultimate A-list bash at LG Villa Cabo party palace; the winner gets a permanent position there. Each week judges will select the best soirée -- and considering they include two celebrity judges who never turn down an invite, P. Diddy and Brody Jenner -- we'll definitely have some expertise. Usually when times are tough the market for escapism is still hot, but this kind of excess just may not be bearable. (When in 'The Hills' ...) Premieres Friday, December 12 @ 10p on E! (Sneak peek after Snoop Dogg's 'Fatherhood' premiere 11/30)
'THE BAD GIRLS CLUB': After last season's unforgettable personalities and catch-phrases (Tenisha turned "Pop off!" into a career path), it will be hard to let a new group of misfits in, but I'm sure after the first catfight they'll be like family to me. And based on the ladies' biographical info, this new season should be labeled "TNT": One of the new bad girls sums up her philosophy on life as "Go F#*! Yourself!" At last, a poster child worthy of the 'Me' Generation. Returns Tuesday, December 2 @ 10pm on Oxygen.
AND THE PARIS ...
Finally, a fond farewell to a show that I have unabashedly enjoyed: 'Paris Hilton: My New BFF.' The winner will be revealed December 2 and although our favorite celebutante will probably forget her new BFF like last week's chihuahua, I won't soon forget this series' crazy cast of characters. For an encore, who needs Paris? My vote is for mascara-wearing imp Onch and Clark Gable's granddaughter Kayley to be the perfect reality TV party pair. (I'm waiting, MTV…)
P.S.
If you thought people who went on reality shows willingly had a screw loose, what about those who believe they are living in their own 'Truman Show' and can’t get out? Yes, it's an actual psychiatric condition and just maybe a sign of the times ...
More tasks for your Tivo next week.
-- Kat Weeks, 365 Blogger
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