Amid Afghani horrors, a popular ‘reality’ series

Reality TV is not just a hit in America, but I was surprised to read that a new reality series has become a huge hit in Afghanistan. Television is becoming more of an everyday pastime there, but there are still strict rules set by the government about what airs.

“Afghan Idol” proved to be a little too provocative, but “Koran-Star” is hitting home and, according to Reality TV World’s Web site, has an 80 percent viewership.

Instead of singing and dancing, contestants must read passages from the Koran, the Islamic holy book. It may sound strange to us in the United States. We’re used to half-naked men and women dancing across our television screens and screaming at each other while locked in a house together for weeks on end. But in Afghanistan, it’s providing much-desired entertainment.

I’m curious to see if there will be another season. If not, what’s next. There’s an audience now that’s craving some more reality.

Stateside, there’s plenty of new reality news to go around but unfortunately I have some sad news. The dog ate my homework.

Yes, it’s true. After a brief scare with our pup Zoey, who got into something she shouldn’t have (that happens when you eat and chew everything in site), I came home one night to discover that she is an even bigger fan of “The Real Housewives of Orange County” than I am and had chewed the DVD case and scratched the preview inside.

I apologize that there is no sneak peak this week of what the new season of the original I’ve become so attached to might have in store, but trust me, I’m much more disappointed than any of you.

Instead, I’ll tell you about another new Bravo reality venture – “First Class All the Way.”

In its tradition of shows that follow people in the celebrity business, Bravo brings us a look at the life of high-end concierge Sara Duffy and her staff, the Star Angels.

Duffy and her team have a mission: to find and create one-of-a-kind vacation experiences for their snooty clients. Not the best premise for a reality show, but if you’re interested in getting another glimpse of how the other half lives, it’s worth checking out.

“First Class All the Way” premieres at 9 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3, on Bravo.

The following week we can all come back to earth, make that the kitchen, on Bravo with a new season of “Top Chef: New York.”

It looks as though the producers have taken a lesson out of Emeril Lagasse’s book and kicked things up a notch with contestants taking on the Big Apple. Be sure to tune in at 10 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12.