For those who know him, the fact that the Man on the Couch is a big scrooge comes as no surprise. It’s not Christmas that he hates, it’s the commercialization and greed that really get him. He doesn’t like Christmas music, and he certainly doesn’t like the seasonal… Read More
Family, friends, a roof over our heads, clothes to keep us warm – these are all things to be thankful for this holiday season that many of us often take for granted. In addition to life’s necessities and little pleasures, I have much more to… Read More
The house always wins. At least that’s what they say about Vegas and SciFi’s newest reality show “Estate of Panic.” I’m surprised this one wasn’t out for a Halloween premiere, but then again what do I know about television? I’m a writer and don’t play… Read More
As the weather gets colder and I prepare to put on my winter insulation (aka a few extra pounds to keep me warm), the contestants on “The Biggest Loser” are beginning to shape up. At least physically. Their emotional states don’t appear to be as… Read More
No more debates, no more political ads, no more special broadcasts. It’s time to get back to the reality of TV. Now that we all have witnessed, and, I hope, you all participated in, an event that’s sure to be featured in history books, our… Read More
When I saw that A&E is about to release a new show, “Manhunters,” I had to stop and think for a moment. The name could have a few different meanings, and I was pretty sure the first one that popped into my head wouldn’t be on A&E, but… Read More
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… Read More
What a crazy season of “Project Runway”! J-Lo dropped out as a judge due to injury and Tim Gunn was forced to “make it work” by sitting in on the panel. In the end it all worked out, when Leanne Marshall stepped up to the… Read More
I’m lovin’ “The Locator.” I’m not sure how I ever missed this one before, but Troy Dunn is amazing in WeTV’s reality show, which links long-lost family members and friends. I don’t know how he does it (I’m sure they don’t show the unsuccessful cases),… Read More
Retro is everywhere, and now it’s creeping onto our television screens with more frequency. It used to be that Nick At Night was where you’d find reruns of your old favorites, but it seems that reruns are out and redos are in. They’ve already brought… Read More
Although disrupted by the Olympics earlier this season, NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” is back on track and preparing for next month’s season finale. The final five gave the performances of their lives Wednesday night in hopes of winning the $1 million Las Vegas contract, and I’m prepared to… Read More
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… Read More
As I was leaving Wal-Mart on Wednesday morning with a cart full of groceries and other necessities, I experienced something rare in today’s fast-paced society. A little girl was walking beside her mother’s cart through the parking lot, one hand gripping the side so as not to get… Read More
It finally happened. Howie Mandel crowned the first $1 million winner on Monday’s episode of “Deal or No Deal.” It doesn’t seem like it has been three years since the game show first came to our television screens, but it really has taken that long for someone to… Read More
It’s no secret that I’m not a huge “Survivor” fan, but this time around I’m going to have to at least keep myself updated because there’s a Mainer on the show. Not only is he from Maine, but Portland physics teacher Robert Crowley is the… Read More
Once again I have to give The Donald a pat on the back. Not only is he a businessman, reality TV star, and stinking rich – he’s not afraid to help out the has-beens. The Los Angeles Times recently reported that Donald Trump is going to purchase Ed… Read More
We all know the driving force behind reality TV (and many things) is money, but no one is playing the money game better right now than Jo De La Rosa and Slade Smiley. The Man on the Couch and I saw an ad for their… Read More
Even after I told you I couldn’t stand an hour of screaming, crying and whining on “The Baby Borrowers,” I became interested (not entertained) and have been following the show for the past few weeks. At the end of last night’s finale, in which each… Read More
It’s that time again for the much-anticipated FOX Bangor Eastern Maine Idol competition and I expect to see a huge crowd in anticipation of my first appearance as a judge. That’s right. Yours truly has been requested to be part of the four-person panel of… Read More
While there are many positive aspects to living in the country like the Man on the Couch and I do, there are also drawbacks. When the sky is clear, it looks like you could reach out and touch the stars. My neighbors are far enough away that they… Read More
The Fourth of July is all about freedom, and that’s exactly what TLC is giving a group of single moms in its new “Bachelorette”-like show. As these single moms jump back into the difficult world of dating, the most important part for them is finding… Read More
I made the dreadful mistake Wednesday night of watching part of NBC’s latest, “The Baby Borrowers.” In case you’re not familiar, the show takes young couples on a whirlwind journey through life in six short weeks. They start with babies – live ones – that… Read More
Like a couple of nuts, The Man on the Couch and I stayed up late (much too late) Tuesday night because we couldn’t stop watching the season premiere of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” My one complaint is that most of the acts that were passed… Read More
Lucky for Bravo and for us, “The Real Housewives of Orange County” turned out to have some drama entertaining enough to get its own show. I’ve mentioned before that former housewife Jo De La Rosa and her now ex-fiance and manager Slade Smiley would be returning to the… Read More
As if the celebrity world wasn’t enough of a circus, NBC is bringing celebrities to the big top in a new reality show that is set to premiere next week. While “Celebrity Circus” draws some talent from the show and appears to be similar to… Read More
Everybody’s talking about it – well, at least the ladies. That’s right, the “Sex and the City” movie opens tonight. And if you’re wondering what all the hype is about, this is like Jackie Chan or James Bond for women. While I realize that “SATC”… Read More
There aren’t many times in life when you want to pee your pants, but Wednesday night I was hoping and came pretty close a couple of times. The Man on the Couch had to work late Wednesday, so I watched the preview of “The Last… Read More
This week I am the bearer of bad news, and it’s much worse than the fact that Syesha, my final “American Idol” pick, was voted off the show. Unfortunately, Regis Philbin will be host to yet another game show starting next month. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
I’m not usually one to brag (a lot), but this is a special occasion. For the first time in the history of “American Idol” and Reality Bites, my final three picks have made it to the end. Jason Castro was voted out of the “Idol” running this week,… Read More
As if we didn’t already hear enough about Lindsay Lohan, now her mother and the whole Lohan brood is stepping into the spotlight in their own reality show, according to E! Online. The saddest part – I can’t wait. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
Final three picks still in the “Idol” running It was a close one Wednesday night, and my “American Idol” final pick almost had her last moment on stage. Syesha Mercado escaped elimination when Carly Smithson said farewell. Her rendition of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Superstar” wasn’t… Read More
It’s like Christmas in the reality TV realm. Not only did a girl finally win “The Biggest Loser,” but one of my favorites from season one of “The Real Housewives of Orange County” is coming back to Bravo with her own show. That’s right, Bravo… Read More
Apparently you can get there from here, and reality TV has discovered the way. Not only is CBS heading to outer Hammond Street in Bangor on Saturday to hold “Big Brother” auditions (info at Reality Bites at www.bangordaily googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
Some view it as a midlife crisis, while others see it as a chance to spread their wings and try new things. TV Land is giving viewers a glimpse into what some people take on as they turn “The Big 4-0.” Personally, I’m more than… Read More
The Donald is at it again and Ivanka must be helping him with his latest reality endeavor. It was reported last summer in the New York Post that Trump was working on a new show, but Reality TV World confirmed on its Web site Wednesday… Read More
For all of you old enough to remember the ever-popular “Beverly Hills, 90201” and the more tame version, “Saved By the Bell,” reality TV has crossed another line and brought us back to the days of hall passes and home room. With the WB no… Read More
Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to tap your feet with Bravo’s new series, “Step It Up & Dance.” What started with “Dancing With the Stars” has expanded to MTV with “Randy Jackson Presents: America’s Best Dance Crew,” and Fox’s “So You Think… Read More
A fantastic week for reality TV kicked off Sunday night with Oprah Winfrey’s all new “Oprah’s Big Give” on ABC. I was a bit skeptical at first, but admit that now I have to watch every week. The contestants weren’t outstanding the first week and… Read More
Pretty good for a state that normally doesn’t get much attention from national media: Maine is drawing film crews again. Now in its second season, the medical mystery show “Mystery ER” offers a look at what doctors go through as they’re up against the clock… Read More
I finally figured it out! As a reporter, I often run into people while I’m out and about who look familiar, but I can’t place how I know them. Did I write a story about them? Are they some distant relative of the Man on the Couch? Did… Read More
The pain and suffering of watching hours of “American Idol” auditions is almost over and it’s time for the next great star to begin their journey on the stage. After weeks of seeing auditions across the country, Fox’s “American Idol” contest is set to take… Read More
I suppose that YouTube videos might be considered the ultimate in reality TV, so I think this counts as column fodder. A recent e-mail from a colleague contained a press release informing me of a new “show” that has been posted on the online video… Read More
The allegedly more hip, more modern Miss America pageant last weekend was more like a Doublemint gum commercial than a breath of fresh air. Much to the disgust of The Man on the Couch, we watched hours of “Miss America Reality Check” on TLC leading… Read More
I know its slogan is that it’s not reality, its actuality, but the former Court TV channel has an interesting show with new episodes coming up next week that may open some eyes. We’ve all heard of check scams, phone scams and people stealing your identity, but I… Read More
Simon surprisingly shows some soul Contrary to popular (my) belief, Simon Cowell appears to have at least a sliver of a heart. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0;… Read More
They say bad things happen in threes, so the crew from A&E’s “Dog the Bounty Hunter” appears to have one more to go. To add to Dog’s recent run-ins with the law and bad publicity after taped conversations of the star using racially unacceptable terminology, his co-star Tim… Read More
It was back to work Wednesday and now I am recovering from a week of rest, relaxation and reality TV. The Man on the Couch and I quickly discovered that during the holidays there isn’t much on TV except reruns, Christmas movies and marathons (of… Read More
The new year is about to bring us a slew of new reality shows and one major network change. Court TV is fittingly changing its name to Tru TV and advertising the switch as “actuality, not reality.” Traditional court coverage will continue during the day… Read More
Like many, I promise myself in October that I’ll start Christmas shopping before Thanksgiving. I even made it out this year for the dreaded Black Friday shopping experience only to wait in long lines in the cold without finding several of the items I was looking for. Read More
‘Tis the season for the fall reality lineup to be announced and there’s plenty to talk about because the Writers Guild strike has called for many shows to be released earlier than expected. Before this season of “The Biggest Loser” even ends, NBC is already… Read More
You have to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth if you want to walk away with the cash on the newest reality show coming to Fox. The ads for the network’s impending show, a spin-off of what has become hot… Read More
They say money can’t buy happiness. I agree that happiness can’t be purchased at Macy’s, but money can make life much easier, which in turn can lead to happiness (aka relief, stability, or security) for some. You may be wondering where the random cash thoughts… Read More
Move over, “Real Housewives” – there are more mommas on the way. WE TV and The CW have two very different shows hitting the tube next month that put moms at the center of attention. On The CW, get ready for some catfights as mother-daughter… Read More
I’d be remiss if I didn’t devote this week’s column to the hottest news in the media world – the Writers Guild of America strike. The best explanation has been created by the guild on YouTube, but I’ll give you a quick rundown. In the… Read More
The Man on the Couch was right. A report on MSNBC’s Web site has confirmed that former “Dancing With the Stars” partners Sabrina Bryan of the Cheetah Girls and Mark Ballas are romantically involved. After seeing them dance the night before the pair surprisingly was… Read More
Get ready. Get set. Go. It’s time for the 12th season of “The Amazing Race,” and this time around it’s going to be a little different. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for… Read More
For now, my reality-TV-watching schedule has been interrupted by Big Papi and the World Series, but there’s still plenty to talk about. A couple of us were a little stunned this week when Marie Osmond collapsed to the floor after her samba performance on “Dancing… Read More
In my book, it’s boring, but for those of you who are car fanatics or just love Burt Reynolds, I’ve got a good one for you. Reynolds is going to reunite with his iconic Trans-Am, Bandit, for a special five-episode series of “Celebrity Rides.” googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
It’s sew good! Bravo’s back with an all-new season of designers looking to make it big on “Project Runway.” I’ll warn you that this time around the cast is even more flamboyant than in the past three seasons, but the characters are bound to produce… Read More
Yeehaw! It’s time to put on your chaps and grab a lasso for WE TV’s latest, “Girl Meets Cowboy.” The show is much like ABC’s “The Bachelor,” but there’s a cheesy comical side to watching city girls experience ranch life that you have to watch at least once. Read More
For those of you who aren’t sentimental, don’t have a romantic bone in your body or are bitter that your man hasn’t committed – skip the next several paragraphs. I will give no apologies, but this week it’s all about me. The Man on the… Read More
The cameras have been turned off and volunteers are back to their daily routines, but the experience of ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” coming to Milbridge is something that will be remembered for a long time. You might be tired of hearing and reading about… Read More
I have to admit that I’m shocked and perhaps more naive than I thought. The last time I checked, Maine was a place we prided for its people. We are described by ourselves and outsiders as hardworking, stubborn (sometimes to a fault), caring, and most important, neighborly. Read More
They’re not “The Biggest Losers” in my book. The Man on the Couch and I spent part of Tuesday night watching the “Loser” reunion and I must say I’m impressed. For the most part, the contestants have kept the weight off and then some. After… Read More
Even though it’s not set to premiere until Sept. 19, a new reality show already is causing quite a stir. I have yet to receive a preview, but the commercials, blogs and Web hype have piqued my interest about “Kid Nation.” googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
It’s no secret that I’m a fan of “Project Runway,” but I’m also partial to Tim Gunn and his dry, witty, sarcastic style. While we don’t always agree when it comes to fashion, I thoroughly enjoyed the first two episodes of his new show –… Read More
Just days after The Man on the Couch said there should be more reality shows where contestants can win a starring role in a TV show or big screen production, I received the preview for the fourth season of SOAPnet’s “I Wanna Be a Soap Star.”… Read More
I have some bad news. I was very excited to watch and share with you SOAPnet’s new reality show “The Fashionista Diaries,” but due to technical difficulties, I couldn’t get the rough cut to do anything but spin in circles in my DVD player and display an error… Read More
In the past, I’ve tried to like science fiction and fantasy. I’ve read books, watched movies and television shows, but it’s just not for me. As a little girl, I read “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.” When “Harry Potter” hit the shelves, I gave it a… Read More
I’m back from sunny California just in time for more rain, thunder, lightning and humidity, but it’s wonderful to be home. It was kind of like a week of detox, because I didn’t watch any reality TV while I was away. The 500-plus e-mails in… Read More
As a child, summer vacation was just that – a vacation from school, homework and, most importantly, from thinking too hard. Now vacation has a totally different meaning and I understand the stressed looks my parents used to get before we took off on an extended family outing. Read More
Yet another celeb is getting a piece of the reality TV pie, but for Shaquille O’Neal it’s not about him being in the spotlight. A four-time NBA champ, Shaq knows the importance of exercise and eating right – it’s made him a millionaire. More recently,… Read More
“Hey, Paula,” I’m not sold on your new show. I love Paula Abdul on “American Idol” and admit that I used to dance around my room as a teenager singing songs such as “Straight Up” dreaming I was a big pop star, but her newest reality endeavor just… Read More
If Tuesday’s two-hour premiere of “America’s Got Talent” is any clue of what’s to come I’m frightened, and perhaps the show’s name should be changed. Everything’s supposedly bigger in Texas, and Tuesday night that meant bigger losers. But was it really necessary for judge Piers… Read More
NASCAR racing has a special place in the hearts of many Mainers, with most fans having their own racing traditions, lucky numbers, favorite drivers and cars that often are passed down from generation to generation. And now, there’s a reality show just for the racing-inclined on ABC. Read More
They may have redesigned “Hell’s Kitchen,” but the new feng shui didn’t do anything to improve Chef Gordon Ramsay’s attitude. To work in his kitchen you have to be tough, and this season is no different. I think I’ve seen fewer tears at a funeral… Read More
And the winner is … scheduled to be announced May 22. With three contestants left, ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars” will crown the king and queen of dance during Tuesday night’s finale. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes =… Read More
Whether game shows such as “Deal or No Deal” qualify as reality television has been a topic of conversation, but I’m sure ABC’s latest fits the bill and it’s lots of fun. “National Bingo Night” is bound to be the next hit game show and… Read More
She did it. Kathy Griffin has elevated herself off the D-List and into the world she makes fun of while continuing to rise with season three of “Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List.” For many, divorce is a time of sorrow, anger and adjustment. Read More
“Wife Swap” wants to come to Maine and the show’s casting producer is looking for local families to feature on upcoming episodes of the ABC hit. Each week, two families with very different values are chosen to take part in a two-week long challenge in… Read More
One moment in reality television that I would have loved to have seen, and I missed it. No, I’m not a fan of the “Flavor of Love” spin-off “I Love New York,” but when I read on Reality TV World’s Web site that Tango withdrew… Read More
Refreshing comic relief. That’s the only way to describe NBC’s newest reality show “The Real Wedding Crashers.” I was doubtful at first. After all, isn’t your wedding day supposed to be perfect? The perfect dress, flowers, cake, reception – and oh yeah, the perfect man,… Read More
Bravo’s “Top Design” might be coming to an end, but producers who want to make sure that the Wednesday time slot isn’t left empty are ready to air another new show. Unfortunately, “Shear Genius” doesn’t have any qualities that make it a cut above the… Read More
For once, I’m speechless. After watching the first elimination on Tuesday night’s “Dancing With the Stars,” I found myself unable to change the channel, yet shocked that what I was watching really had made it to ABC. The Man on the Couch also was troubled,… Read More
Enough is enough and I can’t keep my mouth shut any longer. What happened to “American Idol”? The Man on the Couch has declared this season the “Biggest Loser” of “Idol” and we both shake our heads in disbelief every “(Worst) American Idol” night that… Read More
Make sure you don’t forget to stretch and get ready to feel the burn. Bravo’s back with season two of its original series “Work Out” starting at 11 p.m. Tuesday, March 20. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes =… Read More
Bruce Lee fans, this one’s for you. I had never heard of “Ninja Warrior” until a press release from G4 network made its way to my inbox, but apparently the show and the competition have been around for a while. Starting at 6:30 p.m. Monday,… Read More
Painful and provocative are the two words that come to mind when trying to describe The CW’s search for the next Pussycat Doll. I will say I get a kick out of the show’s host, Robin Antin, who has a real-life brother in the reality… Read More
A round of applause is necessary for this season’s cast of “America’s Next Top Model.” While a few too-skinny girls are still vying for the title, it appears the ultra-thin model dilemma that is plaguing the runways has played a part in casting this season. Read More
Warm up your keyboard and get your typing fingers ready because I have good news. As the Bangor Daily News works to enhance its Web site, we’re adding some new features. Bangor Daily rocker Emily Burnham and bargain shopper extraordinaire Kristen Andresen already have their… Read More
Reality television and politics aren’t two words likely to appear in the same sentence, but while watching CNN last week I got a surprise. “On the Road in America” is geared to a Middle East audience to improve Arabs’ image of the United States by… Read More
It’s Super Bowl weekend and we all know what that means – food, football, and more food. This time, reality TV is going to have a piece of the action when Food Network’s super cake maker, Duff Goldman, designs the cake for the National Football… Read More
America, what were you thinking? It was so frustrating to watch Dustin Wilkes be voted off “Nashville Star” that I may have lost faith in the voting TV public. Wilkes may not have won in the end, but I think his time to get booted… Read More
I always wondered what purpose television marathons serve, but now I know. They are for people like me to become desperate and curious enough to be sucked in to hour after hour of reruns, only to become hooked on a show and anxious for the next episode. Read More
A lifelong hunter in Brewer needs some help in his quest to become a contestant on The World Hunting Association’s newest reality show. You may recall I was excited when WHA announced the new show and encouraged hunting-savvy Mainers to apply. Well, Benjamin Umel of… Read More
Since when does reality television have to be so repulsive? “The Bad Girls Club,” a new reality series that began last month on Oxygen, is even more over-the-top drama than I can handle. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
They might be one of the fastest growing networks on TV, but since G4 launched in 2002, it hasn’t entered the realm of reality – until now. With the start of a new year, the network is gearing up to premiere its first-ever original reality… Read More
Happy holidays everyone! While on vacation this week, I had time to catch up on some reality TV in between trimming the tree, shopping and wrapping gifts. You’ll be pleased to know that there’s a little something for everyone coming up next month. I won’t… Read More
The saying goes that all the good men are taken or gay. Now, it’s up to one woman to decide if it’s true and pick Mr. Right. A new Lifetime twist on traditional dating shows such as the classic “The Dating Game” has one eligible… Read More
So, apparently I’m one of the few people who didn’t know that VH1 was in our backyard this summer shooting not one, but two, episodes of “Celebrity Paranormal Project,” even though some locals were called to work on the show. “They did a pretty good… Read More