Summer Preview
- May 29
In last week’s column, I
gave you what the major networks and syndicated
offerings were doing. In this week’s edition, those
people who can’t get enough of reality show and game
show offerings have a lot to look forward to. Here are
what the TV executives want you to watch instead of
going out and enjoying yourself:
–"On the Lot"–
Fox’s newest entry into the reality show genre had a
major pedigree with both Steven Spielberg and Mark
Burnett attached to it. However, the ratings didn’t
belay that fact, and with those two names...it looks
like every reality show before it. Challenges, votes,
and a million dollar film deal are what is at stake
this time. Could be that the only people who are
watching were the same people who watched "Project
Greenlight".
–"So You Think You Can
Dance"– American Idol fans(and those who like to
watch Cat Deeley) and people who can’t get enough of
the dancing rejoice as this show comes back for Season
3. We get the requisite American Idol formula...auditions(both
good and bad), cuts, and then voting rounds. With a
successful tour and successful ratings watch for this
to be another summer hit.
–"Pirate Master" -
To sate the fans of "Survivor" and "Pirates of the
Caribbean", Mark Burnett has another big budget
extravaganza on his hand. 16 "pirates" search for Gold
and become "Captain of the Ship". To me, this could be
a lookalike and something could be really wrong here.
-"The Next Food Network
Star"–One of my favorite reality shows on the air
is back for another season. The show that made Guy
Fieri and Dan and Steve tv stars makes another run at
the big time. And with Marc Summers producing, this is
one of my top shows I am looking forward to.
--"World Series of
Blackjack" -- GSN returns for Season 4 of the
competitive blackjack show. Much better than Ultimate
Blackjack Tour, GSN will continue to garner the high
ratings as they continue to produce high quality
gambling show. And it will give players a fix until
the new season of "High Stakes Poker".
--"America's Got
Talent" - Season 2 brings a ton of changes to
last year's breakout summer hit. New host(Jerry
Springer), new judge(Sharon Osbourne, replacing Brandy
who is boiling in legal hot water), and the Hoff
returns hopefully sober. Can the show that launched
Bianca Ryan and Leonid the Magnificent do it again?
Time will tell, but I am not so sure.
--"American
Inventor" How this got a 2nd season, I don't
know. Not even George Foreman can save this dog...did
you buy the 1st product that won? Or do you even
remember what won? Don't worry, I didn't either.
--"Yo Momma
Atlanta" -- Season 1 was LA, Season 2 was NY,
and now the South has its chance to show who is the
best trash talker in the land. Wilder Valderrama comes
back as jokemeister. This is ok fun, but it wears thin
after a few viewings.
--"Hell's Kitchen"
-- Gordon Ramsay comes back to belittle and
broil a new set of potential chefs. People seem to eat
this up, but I don't. While "Next Food Network Star"
emphasizes the cooking, this shows the drama. Not my
thing, but if you want to watch, be my guest.
--"Last Comic
Standing 5"-- Bill Bellamy takes over the
hosting duties over this show, the reality show that
just wont die. Let's hope we actually talented comics
that are not friends of the producers and actually
good unsigned talent. Not holding my breath.
--"Without
Prejudice"-- This is my most anticipated show
of the summer. GSN has either a huge hit or a press
nightmare on their hands. I hope the former. Take 5
contestants and a panel of judges and through looks,
videos and beliefs determine who wins $25,000. Watch
out for this show in July.
--"Who Wants to Be
A Superhero" - The cult hit returns for
Season 2 with more zany fun. Watch Stan Lee try to
determine which person deserves their own comic book.
--"Camouflage" -
GSN gets a chance for more original games as
Roger Lodge hosts this hidden word trivia/quizzer. I
hope this show gets good ratings as GSN continues to
try and throw everything at the wall and see it stick.
Throw in Big Brother 8,
and you have enough to last you to the fall. Hope you
enjoy the summer.
You agree or disagree? Fire me off a letter at jb.regis@verizon.net. |
