Why We Love 'Wipeout'

Next week, ABC's summer hit 'Wipeout' returns for a third season, and I'm pretty excited. (I think we Canadians have 'Wipeout' on the brain because a Canuck version of the show was announced recently and is in the last few weeks of casting, so it's been all over the entertainment press up here.)

While I was considering putting together an audition tape, I discovered that despite the show's ratings success, a lot of my friends have never even heard of it, despite the fact that I've been singing its praises. Here is a list of reasons to love 'Wipeout':

1. It's Family Friendly

While sitcoms and animated fare have become increasingly R-rated, reality shows have taken over primetime as some of the only shows families can watch together. 'Wipeout' has proven a favorite with kids, with parents reporting that their offspring build obstacle courses in the living room to test their own mettle, and wish fervently for a kids' version. Younger kids miss the saucy commentary for the most part, but the constant references to balls are sure to delight those in the third grade and up.

Even More to Love After the Jump!

2. It's Summer

Summer has become the time for sexy cable shows and second-rate reality competitions, but both of those require a serious time commitment to keep up with each week. 'Wipeout' is there for you when you need it, but you're not exactly going to be confused if you miss a week in favor of a barbecue. Not to mention the weather is always beautiful in the Wipeout Zone.

3. Jill Wagner

I admit I wish 'Wipeout' would give course-side host Jill Wagner more to do, but she does a lot with the few minutes of airtime she gets. She's clearly got a sense of humor, and sometimes she acts as the laugh track -- I start giggling when she does. I get the feeling Jill is smart and up for anything, even though we don't get to spend much time with her. I would really love to see her go through the course one of these days -- maybe competing against the Johns.

4. The Contestants

Whoever handles the casting of contestants on 'Wipeout' does a great job. They are delightfully eccentric without crossing too far into weird, they are cheerful, and even though they are in on the joke, many of them seem determined to actually succeed in beating the course. A large part of the humor of the show comes from the fact that while the audience knows each and every one of them is going to end up in the drink, the contestants still seem somewhat surprised about it.

5. John & John

Some critics think commentators John Anderson and John Henson are the weak link in this show, with their forced smiles and sometimes-stiff delivery. But the occasional awkwardness in the booth just adds to the quirky fun, if you ask me. One of my favourite forms of comedy is when real sportscasters make lame jokes during live coverage and the poor co-host is left speechless by the inanity. When the Johns do this, there's a joke-within-a-joke feeling that makes me laugh even harder.

6. The Word "Balls"

'Wipeout' knew it had a good thing going with the four big red balls that form part of the initial obstacle course. Every good show needs a catchphrase, and 'big balls' has become 'Wipeout's' calling card. Even the contestants have caught on and add to the joke by addressing the big balls as they approach them. I remember once finding myself at a cocktail party with several other first-time homeowners a few years ago, and we had a conversation about caulk that lasted about 40 minutes and had us all crying with laughter. We are a sophisticated bunch. I bet they all watch 'Wipeout' too.

7. It's not 'MXC'

As soon as 'Wipeout' debuted, connoisseurs noted the show's resemblance to many Japanese game shows, and in particular to 'Most Extreme Elimination Challenge' ('MXC'), the cult-comedy show which features overdubbed commentary of old episodes of Japan's 'Takeshi's Castle'. The showrunners noticed too, and launched a copyright infringement lawsuit that's been stalled for a year. Whatever the verdict, the truth is 'MXC' is too spicy for network TV -- the commentary is definitely funnier, but not cool for kids.

8. Puns

Not since 'Sex and the City' packed its bags for the big screen have so many double entendres and puns littered the airwaves. Some say puns are the lowest form of humor, but if it's good enough for Shakespeare, it's good enough for me. Just when I think I can't possibly enjoy watching another face plant, one of the Johns will come out with a line about auditioning for the Cirque de Some Pain, and I'm back in.

'Wipeout' returns for a third season on June 22 at 8PM ET/PT on ABC/Global.
'Wipeout Canada' will air on TVTropolis in Spring 2011.

Why do YOU love 'Wipeout'? Let us know in the comments below!