ABC’s new reality soap ‘One Ocean View’ has potential

It has the potential to be great, but things need to get a little hotter on Fire Island before I’m sold on ABC’s “One Ocean View.”

The reality show is pitched by ABC as a show about “people old enough to have real jobs, issues and baggage, but still young enough to leave all that behind and have a great time.”

While all of this is true, the preview left me wanting to see more drama.

Eleven single New Yorkers, most of whom are carrying some heavy emotional baggage, travel to Fire Island each weekend in search of laughs, love and romance.

I have a feeling that once they get acquainted, these city slickers will provide plenty of excitement, but the beginning is rather slow going.

If you do tune in, there are some situations to keep an eye on when “One Ocean View” premieres at 10 p.m. Monday, July 31.

First of all, I can’t stand Usman – the cocky corporate lawyer who’s more concerned about his hair than anyone’s feelings. He’s like a spoiled rich kid in an egotistical man’s body.

Then there’s Zack and Lauren, an on-again, off-again couple who are not sure if they’re ready to move on. Jealousy has the potential to heat things up with these two.

If you’re looking for something a bit more intellectual, check out the second season of “30 Days” that premieres at 10 p.m. Wednesday, July 26, on FX.

The show features a diverse group of participants who are given the opportunity to experience the world in a way that is contrary to their own lives.

The first episode this season features Frank George, a member of the Minutemen volunteer group that patrols the country’s borders. George has firm anti-illegal immigration views that are challenged as he lives and works side-by-side with a Mexican family with members who have mixed immigration status.

“30 Days” provides insight into a variety of life experiences that are both interesting and entertaining to watch.

And one more thing before I go. I must admit that, although I’ve been waiting for more than a year for “The Contender” to make it back to TV, I missed the first episode.

The show was a flop on NBC last spring, but I’m hoping it will land a good punch in its revised version on ESPN. Check it out at 10 p.m. Tuesdays, and I’ll make sure the DVR is set to record this time.