Emmy reality: We’ve got a writers strike on our side

Get the popcorn ready because this is going to be a wild reality weekend. That’s right, it’s time for the Emmy Awards, and in past years reality shows have made a fair showing, but this year we’ve got a writer’s strike on our side.

I don’t mean to sound rude, but Lynn Elber from The Associated Press got it right with her piece on the Reality TV World Web site when she notes that the writers strike that occurred earlier this year likely boosted the number of reality show Emmy nominations.

Most nonreality TV shows were forced to take a break without writers to produce material, so reality ran rampant.

The plethora has made for a number of nominations and even the hosts are reality stars.

There’s too much other reality news to talk about to bore you with listing nominations and details here, but tune in Sunday to see if your favorites walk away with a prize.

“American Idol” fans from last season are in for a treat this fall. Winner David Cook will be releasing his new album in November. To be honest, I won’t be running to the record store, but I wish him the best of luck.

And while some of us start packing on our winter insulation this time of year, there’s one group that’s looking to shed its extra baggage. “The Biggest Loser: Families” kicked off this week on NBC and the fact that everyone is related should bring some extra drama to the season.

I thought the first week was a little bland (until you get to know the cast of characters it’s hard to get hooked on a plot you already know), but I’m sure trainer Jillian has some stunts up her sleeve to keep us entertained.

In TV days gone by, fall usually meant all new shows, but that has changed over the last few years since many shows now debut throughout the year. But have no fear; there’s a lengthy fall reality lineup to keep us company as the temperatures begin to dip.

Next week alone you can tune in to one of America’s favorites, “Dancing With the Stars” at 8 p.m. Monday, on ABC. Let’s just hope Cloris Leachman doesn’t break a hip in the first episode.

Then there’s an all-new reality game show where contestants don’t have to leave their homes. Host Ashton Kutcher brings the show to the contestants and it’s played right in their backyard. I was about as impressed with this one as I was “Deal or No Deal” when it first came out. But we all know I’ve had a change of heart for Howie, so maybe Ashton can win me over as well.

Check out “Opportunity Knocks” at 8 p.m. Tuesday, on ABC and let me know what you think at www.bangordailynews.com by clicking on the Reality Bytes blog.