Have you ever heard a song and loved it for the beat or melody, but not the lyrics? That’s how I felt when I caught last week’s episode of TLC’s latest reality endeavor, “Trial By Choir.” The title is catchy, but I’m not a big fan of the… Read More
I thought it might happen, but now there’s even reality television for those who live to hunt – and I know several Mainers who should enter. The World Hunting Association is taking casting calls for the latest in reality television. The grand prize, which will… Read More
For some reason, I avoided episodes of TLC’s new show “The Monastery” for as long as possible. Perhaps it was the 10 p.m. air time, or more likely I thought it looked boring. But now that I’ve tuned in, I wish I could rewind. In… Read More
He’s back! Mainer Matthew McNutt has made it back on the ranch in season three of NBC’s “Biggest Loser.” Things worked a little differently this time around with a representative from each state appearing on the premiere. The field then was narrowed down, and McNutt,… Read More
I’m not one for scary movies and easily jump out of my own skin if home alone while watching “CSI” or “Law & Order,” but on Halloween I was trying to fall asleep when “Criss Angel Mindfreak” came on A&E. To be honest, I’m not… Read More
I expected to see something along the lines of “Crossing Over with John Edward,” but that’s not what I got from psychic medium Lisa Williams. Somewhat a skeptic, I didn’t expect to be impressed by her ability to communicate with the dead in her new… Read More
I pity the fool who watches Mr. T’s new reality show, fittingly titled “I Pity the Fool.” The idea is that the “A-Team” star helps regular people with professional and personal problems by prompting them to make changes in their lives. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
There are too many cooks in the kitchen once again on Bravo with the start of season two of “Top Chef.” As with any new reality season, the cast of characters has changed, but the idea behind the show is the same and so is… Read More
It’s reality boot camp for husbands, but you won’t find it on your television screen. Brawny Academy, which can be found at www.brawnyacademy.com, contains episodes of the show and gives visitors the chance to vote for their favorite Brawny man hopeful. The burly lumberjack we’ve… Read More
Are all celebrity hair dressers so tangled up in themselves that the world outside deep conditioners and color treatments ceases to exist? WE’s new show “Hair Trauma” is similar to Bravo’s “Blow Out” with the world-renowned Jonathan Antin, but has its own twist on the… Read More
Ahhh … shopping. A good shopping trip, even if you don’t buy anything, can be the best medicine in the world for many women, including myself. With a plethora of new stores now open in the Bangor Mall area, we’ve seen many changes. One of… Read More
They wanted a reaction, and “Survivor” producers from SEG Inc. and host Jeff Probst seem to be getting just that. The show’s decision to pit ethnic races – Asians, blacks, Hispanics and whites – against one another this season when the 20 contestants are divided… Read More
Couldn’t we all use a little TLC sometimes? You know, someone to pamper us, shower us with attention and make us look and feel our best. That’s exactly what TLC is doing on its new reality show, “Cover Shot.” googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
I know I wasn’t dreaming, but when it came time to write my column, I searched and searched and couldn’t find any information about DIY’s quest to find the next great American handyman. You know, the guy in the neighborhood or family who everyone goes… Read More
We know her from her days on “Beverly Hills 90210” and her previous reality gig “Scare Tactics” on Sci Fi. But now Shannen Doherty is hosting and producing her own show for Oxygen all about ending relationships. The show premiered at 10 p.m. Tuesday, and… Read More
It’s any motorcycle fanatic’s dream – a custom built chopper, and now that I’m legally able to ride the roads on two wheels, I’m hooked. I’ve always enjoyed watching the drama of the Teutuls, better known as Paul Sr., Mikey and Paul Jr., on Discovery’s… Read More
We’ve seen the unimpressive search for the next Coyote Ugly, but this is something in an entirely different league. The CW Network has announced it will be searching for the next Pussycat Doll this season, with a nationwide talent search beginning immediately. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
Reality TV is all about becoming rich and famous overnight, and it seems like more and more shows are searching for “true talent.” But what is true talent and is there really enough of it to fill up all the reality shows that are searching for it?… Read More
It wasn’t exactly what she asked for, but that’s where designers intuition comes in. Perhaps it was his extensive pageant design experience, or just plain luck, but “Project Runway” contestant Kayne had everything right with the gown he designed for Miss USA Tara Conners to wear in last… Read More
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… Read More
Superman may have returned to the big screen, but he’d hang up his cape out of embarrassment if he knew what was on SciFi. The station has partnered with Stan Lee, comic book writer and creator of “Spiderman,” “The Hulk,” and “The X-Men,” to find… Read More
As I’ve said before, there are those who have what it takes and should keep auditioning until they make it big, while others should realize they just aren’t funny, they can’t sing and they can’t dance. When I was little, I used to dream of… Read More
Make it early, make it accurate, and beat The Post. That’s the motto of New York’s Daily News. No matter how slow of a news day it is, or how big the story is, newspapers work on deadlines and when 10:30 p.m. rolls around, reporters… Read More
I admit I was tired at the beginning, but I was all but snoring by the end of the premiere of Bravo’s newest reality show “Work Out.” Jackie Warner’s gym, Sky Sport and Spa, is in Beverly Hills, Calif. – a place where you are… Read More
We have a lot to talk about this week. It’s that time again when stations launch new shows along with new seasons of our favorites and not-so-favorites. While I can’t reveal all the details, and the premiere episode copy I received isn’t supposed to be… Read More
Everyone deserves the chance to find a love like Drew Barrymore’s in “Never Been Kissed.” The kind that makes you kick up your heel during that first smooch and embrace – and keeps you kicking up that heel for years to come. Now, four single… Read More
What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas – unless the fab five from “Queer Eye” have anything to do with it. To start off the fourth season, “Queer Eye” takes on three straight guys from the strip starting with Max Clever, a fire-eating magician whose… Read More
Why do people who can’t sing, laugh or tell a joke feel the need to audition for reality TV shows that require them to do so? In their own mind do they think they have talent? Did their parents feed them false information when they… Read More
I watched MTV in agony last week as 16-year-old Katrina competed to become the next Miss Michigan Teen Galaxy and lost. I’m hoping now that my pain won’t have come without a purpose and that my experience can save all of you from watching MTV’s… Read More
HGTV – One-stop shopping for home renovation and garden designs – takes on a whole new meaning when you become a homeowner. Gone are the days of calling the landlord to fix a broken pipe or leaky faucet. The days when you lived with peeling… Read More
It’s Ghandi-does-reality-TV when Rabbi Shmuley Boteach comes on board to help families work through their problems in TLC’s new “Shalom in the Home.” Trust me, the show is just as cheesy as its name. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
The cream didn’t rise to the top and NBC made a wise decision to pull its attempt at creating a reality television cooking show before the season is over. Apparently “Celebrity Cooking Showdown” left a bad taste in everyone’s mouths, not just mine, and the… Read More
If you want to make money, it seems that real estate is the market to be in right now. Reality TV didn’t want to get left behind, and with HGTV already running shows all day about buying, selling and fixing homes, Bravo now has jumped on the real… Read More
Reality television is taking the Miss America Pageant to a new level and allowing viewers to choose nearly half of the final 15 contestants, according to the Miss America organization. My question: Is this really necessary? googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
For the first time since “The Apprentice” began on NBC, the playing field appears to be level and it’s difficult to choose who will end up in the final four, let alone who’s likely to take it all. In a sneak preview of the show… Read More
We all have that show – the one we don’t watch on a regular basis but find ourselves glued to the television screen when we happen upon it while flipping through channels. For me, there are quite a few, but most recently it’s been this… Read More
While some only dream of tiaras, Prada, mansions and fancy cars, others can’t imagine living without such luxuries. But is that what life’s really about? It’s a question that seven rich kids are getting the chance to explore in the WB’s newest reality series “Survival… Read More
I’ve written about them before. They’re SciFi’s alternative reality duo who head up the Atlantic Paranormal Society and are grown-up “Ghostbusters.” And they’re back. Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson, who first appeared in “Ghost Hunters” last October, are back with new episodes of the show… Read More
It’s one thing for a grown man to be in touch with his feelings. It’s another to watch him cry at nearly every step of his life. I realize Jonathan Antin has had two very successful seasons of “Blow Out,” but after watching the preview… Read More
America, what are you thinking? “Deal or No Deal,” which started its second weeklong run after receiving successful ratings in its December U.S. debut, will now be a weekly staple on NBC. It will settle into its new time slot at 8 p.m. Monday, March… Read More
There seems to be a never-ending list of reality-show firsts and new seasons of the ones we love coming up. As The Man on the Couch pointed out earlier this week, Spike TV will premiere a new show featuring average Joes, only this time nobody’s… Read More
One of our very own will have a chance to become a contestant on this fall’s sixth season of “The Apprentice.” NBC is making a weak cross-marketing attempt between the showing of the 2006 Olympic Winter Games and promoting the fall premiere of “The Apprentice… Read More
Following in the tire tracks of “Overhaulin’,” “Pimp My Ride,” “American Chopper,” and “Monster Garage,” CMT’s new “Trick My Truck” is taking big rigs from rags to riches. While most of us can’t imagine living life out of a truck cab, for millions of truck… Read More
Don’t get me wrong. I trust my mother and I’ve found myself flipping through the channels and pausing on a dating show or two in my time. Who hasn’t seen at least one episode of “elimiDATE,” “Blind Date,” “Cheaters,” or “Dismissed”? But would I want… Read More
“The Flavor of Love” is enough to put a bad taste in anyone’s mouth. As if we hadn’t heard enough from reality rapper Flavor Flav in “The Surreal Life 3” and “Strange Love,” he’s back with his own version of “The Bachelor” on VH1. I’d… Read More
It’s not bad in small doses. Bravo’s new “Project Jay,” a spinoff of “Project Runway,” isn’t quite what I expected, but I should know better than to try and expect anything with unpredictable designer Jay McCarroll. His family describes him as a country boy from… Read More
In the land of Botox and fake breasts, property goes for $1 million an acre and the homes, or rather the mansions, sell for $1.8 million to $2.2 million. Bravo’s taking all us average Joes into a lifestyle many of us will only dream about… Read More
Twelve chefs are looking to claim the culinary title of “Top Chef” in Bravo’s new reality series that has both aspiring and professional cooks battling it out in the kitchen. While foodies in the audience may enjoy the battle of the cutting boards, I didn’t… Read More
The new year will ring in new seasons of some reality shows, and I’ve found one that’s already hooked me with the preview DVD. If you didn’t watch the first season of “Beauty and the Geek” and you find your brain needing a rest after… Read More
It’s a black and white issue. FX is bringing a new reality documentary to the screen that explores racism in today’s society. Two families – one black and one white – see what it’s like to literally live in each other’s skin during the six-part… Read More
The City of Lights and Love will be the setting for this season’s “The Bachelor” as the show ventures out of the United States for the first time ever. Dubbed “Dr. McDreamy,” 33-year-old Travis Stork is looking for some “me” time to meet some amazing… Read More
It’s only four nights – I think we’ll survive. Howie Mandel’s new “Deal or No Deal” is a high-stakes version of the internationally popular game show. It might be a hit overseas, but I can’t imagine it making much of a run in the U.S. Read More
The verdict is in, and I wish INXS had more than one lead singer so CBS could run another season of “Rock Star: INXS, The Series.” The Man on the Couch (who was nice enough to give me the couch and take the chair) and… Read More
You might still be eating leftover turkey sandwiches, but it’s time to start thinking about holiday shopping. To help find the perfect gift for the reality television fan in your life, I’ve put together a list of some of the hottest holiday finds in the… Read More
Before the show started, who would have imagined people saying they want to be “The Biggest Loser,” but it appears that some believers are eating carbs again and have vacated South Beach to join The Biggest Loser Club. NBC’s hit show has sparked a new… Read More
I won’t be surprised if the CD doesn’t fly off the music store shelves, but I’m interested to hear what Donald Trump’s appearance on “The Regis Philbin Christmas Album” sounds like. Much like his Emmy Awards appearance with Megan Mullally of “Will & Grace” earlier… Read More
Something old, something new, and they won’t let anyone forget the something borrowed or blue as “Queer Eye” starts a new season with wedding bells. We’ve seen them clean up the boy next door a hundred times, but I was a bit skeptical that Bravo’s… Read More
Before the premiere even hits television screens, there are some shows that are destined to flop. Bravo’s new “Party/Party” is one of them. In the new eight-part, one-hour reality series, Bravo follows 16 families as they plan the party of a lifetime, and money doesn’t… Read More
Sleet and snow may not be the perfect conditions for stilettos, but that doesn’t mean Mainers are oblivious to the fashion world. For those of us who crave a taste of what’s coming to the catwalk, this season of “Project Runway” is worth checking out. Read More
We’ve watched some of our favorite TV stars to see if they can dance, “But Can They Sing?” VH1 is premiering its new “American Idol”-like show Oct. 30, where an odd group of celebrities is scheduled to compete using their vocal chords. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
Martha, Martha, Martha. Despite her flaws and sometimes snotty disposition, I’m a fan of her but haven’t been sold on the show. Apparently, I’m not alone. Perhaps because her catchphrase isn’t quite as dynamic as The Donald’s, or possibly because the new NBC show just… Read More
Down with a cold and not feeling well after attending a daylong meeting in Augusta, I felt wonderful curling up in my overstuffed chair Tuesday night for an evening of nothing but reality TV. With pints of Ben and Jerry’s in hand, the Man on… Read More
Farm living most certainly isn’t what comes to mind when you hear the name Donald Trump, but The Donald won hearts when he appeared onstage at the Emmy Awards show outfitted in overalls and a straw hat with pitchfork in hand to sing the “Green Acres” theme. Read More
Admitting to one’s mistakes can be one of the most difficult things to do – especially when you have to own up to thousands of readers that you may have been too quick to judge. While I’m not willing to say that NBC’s “Three Wishes” is anything but… Read More
Imagine being the person who designed Post-It notes or the combination spoon/fork, more commonly known as the spork, at Kentucky Fried Chicken. Who hasn’t dreamed of coming up with the best new invention and making millions? For one lucky inventor, USA Network is helping to… Read More
Can you feel the burn? The second season of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” might not keep you on the edge of your seat quite like “Survivor,” but it will hook you with the emotional and physical roller coaster that its 14 contestants must go through… Read More
I’m all for higher education, but must we watch Tommy Lee ogle the assets of his pre-med, sorority girl tutor? In his new reality show, “Tommy Lee Goes to College,” the rocker attends the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he takes on a tough class schedule… Read More
They’re not trained actors or actresses. Most of them aren’t celebrity-bred. And yet we can’t get enough of them – even the irritating ones. Reality TV stars have come into our homes, entertained us and sometimes annoyed us, but we keep watching. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
Reality television isn’t all about finding your perfect mate, facing your fears, or trading spouses. Despite the argument I’ve heard many times that reality shows are all rubbish, I’ve found a perfect example to prove otherwise. The real estate business is quickly becoming today’s stock… Read More
While many reality shows offer viewer interaction, CBS’ “Big Brother” has kicked it up a notch and is giving viewers numerous opportunities to feel like a member of the household. America already has been given the chance to vote for their favorite “American Idol,” they’ve… Read More
Feel-good reality TV is coming to NBC, and bringing with it a Grammy-winning artist we haven’t seen in a long time. Amy Grant, like so many other has-beens, appears to be using this reality blunder as an attempt to revive her career. While the former… Read More
While part of me wants to say, “It’s about time dads realize just how hard moms work every day,” I realize there are a lot of men out here who are quite familiar with runny noses, carpools and housework. The new NBC reality series, “Meet… Read More
They say after you get one, you’re addicted. And although I’m too much of a wimp to know firsthand, the world of tattoo art is coming to TLC. The station’s new show, “Miami Ink,” will be similar to its already popular “American Chopper” series that… Read More
What ever happened to saying “please” and “thank you,” respecting your elders, sharing your toys, and keeping your hands to yourself? We’ve all seen and heard about it – children throwing tantrums in a store because they don’t get the snack they want, teens who… Read More
The culinary queen is out of the pen and reports have it that Martha Stewart’s jumping on the reality television bandwagon by following in the footsteps of none other than Donald Trump. Her new show, which even bears a version of “The Apprentice” title, is… Read More
Although hyped as a new hit comedy series, Pauly Shore’s latest effort just isn’t that funny. Some comedians aren’t meant to make a comeback, and Shore is one of them. His new show, “Minding the Store,” is scheduled to premiere on TBS at 10 p.m. Read More
Reality TV producers are cooking up a new mix of shows this summer, some with more spice than others. The pace is fast and tempers often get hot in “Hell’s Kitchen,” run by head chef Gordon Ramsay. The host has been deemed the Simon Cowell… Read More
Reality television not only has made notables out of “Average Joes” and “Survivors,” but is adding to the wealth and notoriety of the already rich and famous. This season, a number of recognizable high-society personalities are making an appearance on reality shows across the board,… Read More