JustTV Talk
| The
Second Coming of Reality TV
With the huge return of "American Idol" this week practially taking over Fox's line-up (of the 16 half hours so far this week, 7 have been devoted to "AI"), I can safely say that we are officially in the second coming of reality tv. "Survivor" kicked it off two and a half years ago, but that show has since cooled. In between, we've seen series like "Fear Factor," "Meet My Folks," "Dog Eat Dog," "Big Brother," "The Amazing Race" and "The Bachelor/ette" try to carry the torch, but although successful in their own way, they just couldn't reach "Survivor"s heights. Will "American Idol" ? If it grows in viewership like the last installement did, yes, it will take that torch and run. But over the next few months, viewers will be assaulted wigth a hoard of new reality tv series. In this installement of TV Talk, I'm going to try to assess their likelihood of hitting the big time. Survivor 6: Amazon (CBS, Thursday 8pm) Premiere: Thursday, February 13th Concept: Again, do you not know? How will it do? The last edition was the highest rated since the 2nd, but it slipped later on. They last one also tried to shake things up a bit, but it really didn't make the show seem any more exiciting. This one will have to buck the trend if this show is not to go down the toilet. Odds: 1.25 - 1 Are You Hot: The Search for America's Sexiest People (ABC, Thursday 9pm) Premiere: Thursday, February 13th Concept: The name says it all. How will it do? Again, another show that could do very well. But this is one hell of a timeslot, and that will only hurt it. Thank god it costs nothing to make. Odds:
7-1
I'm A Celebrity.... Get Me Out Of Here! (ABC) Premiere: Wednesday, February 19 Concept: A bunch of celebrities (mostly no listers) are stranded in a "Survivor" like situtation. How will it do? It could do extremely well. It's been hyped, it's live, it looks like it could be camp-tastic. But then again, its airing straight over 16 (or so) nights. While that could build momentum, in some of the tougher timeslots, viewer may go elsewhere and not come back Odds: 2-1 The Amazing Race 4 (CBS, Wednesday 9pm) Premiere: Thursday, February 26th Concept: Teams race around the world How will it do? The first three editions have probably been the best received of all reality fare, but so far that hasn't translated into success. That said, the fourth edition is not likely to be an exception to the rule. Odds: 3-1 All American Girl (ABC, Wednesday 10pm) Premiere: Wednesday, March 10th Concept: Instead of searching for America's ugliest people, this time ABC will seek America's best overall "girl" How will it do? AIt will struggle for the first two week, that is until "The Bachelor 3" premieres right before it on Wednesdays. But somehow, I don't think this one has legs. Odds:
10-1
The Bachelor 3 (ABC, Wednesday 9pm) Premiere: Wednesday, March 26th Concept: Like I have to go over it... How will it do? "The Bachelorette" had the best start yet among these shows, and once "American Idol" shrinks back to 8:30pm, it will likely rise again. But will viewers tired of the show? Wait and see. Odds:
Will be a hit.
Extreme Makeover (ABC, Thursday 9pm) Premiere: Thursday, April 3rd Concept: Like the November special, people say their ugly, and if they're ugly enough, they get an "extreme" makeover How will it do? The show did well right after "The Bachelor" last November, but it seems way to Fox to me. And again, this slot? The only advantageit could have is that April is traditionally repeat laden. Odds:
4-1
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