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'The Real Housewives of New Jersey' - 'Water Under the Table' Recap (Season Premiere)

Jane Boursaw — 2010-05-04T08:50:00+00:00

Filed under: Other Reality Shows, Episode Reviews, Features, Recaps

(S02E01) "You're part of the crazy bunch now." - Caroline to Nicholas, Jacqueline's new baby boy

In the season two premiere of 'The Real Housewives of New Jersey,' tensions are still running extremely high after the big table-turn from last season. On the one hand, it seems like Danielle truly is trying to change and move on. But...

When she nearly crashed Caroline's fundraiser, it's clear that Danielle DOES care that she wasn't invited, even if she says she doesn't. What really bugged me about that little car ride was that she had her kids in tow -- and her kids were the ones with the common sense, telling Danielle not to stop by the event. At least she listened to them, so that's something.

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Caroline Manzo on the Wild Lives of 'The Real Housewives of New Jersey'

Joel Keller — 2010-05-03T11:02:00+00:00

Filed under: Other Reality Shows, Interviews, Features, Celebrity Interviews

The second season of 'The Real Housewives of New Jersey' is upon us. Starting tonight at 10PM ET on Bravo, the five ladies from Franklin Lakes -- sisters Caroline and Dina Manzo, Jacqueline Laurita, table-tosser Teresa Guidice and pot-stirrer Danielle Staub -- return to give audiences more of the family togetherness and interpersonal conflict that made the first season such a big hit.

And if anyone thinks the Manzos have let bygones be bygones with the mysterious Staub, don't worry. There's plenty of new conflict set for the second season, including an incident where Staub accused Laurita's daughter Ashley of pulling out one of her hair extensions. Last week, I spoke to Caroline, the family matriarch who made the phrase "thick as thieves" more popular than ever, about the incident -- which actually went to court -- what her highest and lowest moments of the last year were, and why she thinks reality producers are suddenly in love with the Garden State.

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Want to Party With 'The Real Housewives of New Jersey'? Here's How

Chris Harnick — 2010-04-30T13:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Other Reality Shows, Programming, Features, TV Schedules

Bravo's 'The Real Housewives of New Jersey' (Mon., May 3, 10 PM ET) is about to come roaring back to television and they're throwing a party to celebrate.

That's right, the ladies will be at the Manzo's infamous Brownstone in Paterson, N.J. on Monday starting at 8:30PM ET. Andy Cohen will be on hand to host the social media event. which lasts until 11PM ET. Fans across the country can join the party via a live stream here.

At the party, Cohen will interview the Jersey girls and other Bravo celebrities in attendance. Viewers will also get minute-by-minute reactions to what's happening as the premiere airs. Fans will be able to interact with Cohen and the Housewives via Twitter and Facebook throughout the event.

So, who's excited for the premiere? Don't be ashamed to raise your hand.

ABC Gives 'One Life to Live' A Vote of Confidence

Allison Waldman — 2010-04-29T09:08:00+00:00

Filed under: Other Reality Shows, Industry, Programming, OpEd, Daytime, Cancellations, Ratings, Features, TV Schedules, TV News

It's been a tumultuous few months for ABC's daytime drama 'One Life to Live.' Recently, we reported that Tuc Watkins is returning, and they are bringing in a former scribe to be the associate headwriter, and the gay couple -- Kyle and Oliver -- were dumped. All that hubbub had us speculating about the future of 'One Life to Live' in an era when longtime soaps like 'Guiding Light' have been canceled and another legendary daytimer, 'As the World Turns' is ending it's run in September.

Well, fans are concerned, too, especially after the story emerged last week about ABC Daytime developing a talk show for Tori Spelling. TV Guide went to the Jori Petersen, the head ABC Daytime PR, to ask if the Spelling show might threaten the future of 'One Life.'

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'America's Next Top Model' - 'Welcome to New Zealand' Recap

Michael Pascua — 2010-04-29T08:47:00+00:00

Filed under: Other Reality Shows, OpEd, Episode Reviews, Features, Recaps

(S14E08) The remaining six girls on 'America's Next Top Model' arrive in their foreign destination: New Zealand. My favorite episode of 'ANTM' has to be the go-sees because the show becomes the knock-off 'The Amazing Race' for a few minutes. The same rules apply to having good taxi drivers and never getting out of the taxi to run to your destination.

The episode was filled with a lot of quotable quotes ranging from Nigel calling sheep "Horny Beasts," Krista wondering if the sheep will nibble on her arm or her being called a "teenage Bambi." The real standout was the unnecessary club walk that Angelea attempted to impress the judges with. It reminded me of a drunk Jade from Cycle 6 but without the repeated phrase of "Wonderful, Fabulous."

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'Downtown Girls' Trailer: Meet the Ladies

Chris Harnick — 2010-04-28T20:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Other Reality Shows, Video, Features

What do you get when you mix 'The Hills' with 'Sex and the City' and water it down? Pretty much MTV's 'Downtown Girls' (Tue., June 1, 11PM ET).

The latest reality offering from MTV follows Shallon Lester (pictured), a blogger for Glamour.com, and her friends, Nikki, Gurj, Klo and Victoria. Each girl has her reality show role. There's Nikki, the rich girl and boutique owner, Gurj, a digital marketer at Atlantic Records, Klo, the bride-to-be and "wiser one," Victoria, the "ditzy one" and aspiring lawyer, and Shallon, the leader of the pack, the Carrie Bradshaw if you will.

Check out the trailer below. However, this is fair warning: your brain may hurt afterward.

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Legitimate Lesbians in Los Angeles: A Look at 'The Real L Word'

Jo Garfein — 2010-04-28T18:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Other Reality Shows, Video, Features

Just about 40 miles up the road from the real housewives in Orange County are the real lesbians of Los Angeles, and Showtime is presenting a slice of their life in the new reality series 'The Real L Word.'

The response by the gay community to the portrayals of bisexuals and lesbians in the original series 'The L Word' was equally divided between delighted and offended, and from a marketing standpoint -- 'The Real L Word' is poised to be just as controversial.

Take a peek behind-the-scenes; just be warned that the content is rather racy and not necessarily safe to view at work.

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Ashton Kutcher Getting 'Exposed' for TruTV

Jason Hughes — 2010-04-28T12:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Other Reality Shows, Programming, Pickups and Renewals, Features, TV Schedules, TV News

After achieving the highest ratings in its short history, TruTV has announced an aggressive slate of eight new reality programs and the return of 13 existing series, including 'Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura,' according to the Hollywood Reporter. Joining the former governor is the hidden-camera series 'Exposed' from Ashton Kutcher, which is being described as a "social experiment."

Meanwhile, TruTV has lined up another hidden-camera series: 'Rogue Soiety,' which will "expose bigots and scam artists though various pranks." (They should have gotten Kutcher involved on that one as well, as he knows a thing or two about prank shows.)

Also on tap: 'Ma's Roadhouse,' which will take viewers inside a Texas saloon, 'Limo Bob,' about owner of a fleet of limos in Chicago, and 'The Naked Office,' which follows a business that raises office worker spirits through an unorthodox method of group therapy.

And, of course, you can't get into reality TV without a restaurant series ('America's Toughest Boss') and one exploring supernatural phenomenon ('Disclosure').

No word yet on when these series will hit the airwaves.

Jerry Bruckheimer Teams With ABC For New Reality Series

TV Squad Editors — 2010-04-27T13:36:00+00:00

Filed under: Other Reality Shows, Pickups and Renewals, Features, TV News

Jerry Bruckheimer and Bert van Munster, producers of Emmy-winning 'Amazing Race,' have just struck a deal to create a new series with ABC. The show is being teased as a "heart-stopping reality competition."

According to The Wrap, the new reality series is tentatively called 'Catch Me,' and is set to contain several of the action elements that made 'Amazing Race' a hit. Producers are reportedly looking to cast teams of two in the project, with contestants who "have an adventurous streak and a poker face." Player recruitment will begin in Chicago.

For more, check out Inside TV.

'The Hills' and 'The City': New Season Previews (VIDEO)

Jane Boursaw — 2010-04-26T10:28:00+00:00

Filed under: Other Reality Shows, Programming, Features, TV Schedules

'The Hills' and 'The City' are gearing up for new seasons, and there's plenty of romances, break-ups, partying, new betrayals and new alliances ahead.

Both shows premiere April 27 on MTV, and the love lives and careers of Heidi, Spencer, Brody, Audrina, Justin, Whitney, Roxy, Olivia and Erin will continue to dominate the new seasons.

More previews and videos after the jump.

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Which British Reality Shows Should the CW Re-Air?

Allison Waldman — 2010-04-24T17:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Other Reality Shows, Programming, OpEd, British TV, Features, TV Schedules

Some of the best reality shows on American television are based on ideas from other countries. That's not big news; it's a fact. This, however, is news: The CW is thinking about broadcasting a couple of British reality shows this summer instead of new programming. As Deadline.com reports, the network is not looking to do their version of the UK shows. They're simply going to re-run the shows as they aired in England.

For a network that's struggling for ratings, like the CW has all year long, this is a wise idea. And if they're smart enough to pick the right Brit shows, they could turn a tidy profit -- which is the point for the bean counters after all. From our point of view, there are at least six excellent British imports CW could re-air without altering a thing. Here are our choices:

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'Rock of Love' Star Bret Michaels in Critical Condition

TV Squad Editors — 2010-04-23T17:35:00+00:00

Filed under: Other Reality Shows, Celebreality, Features

'Rock of Love' and 'Celebrity Apprentice' star Bret Michaels is reportedly in critical condition after suffering a "massive subarachnoid hemorrhage," PEOPLE is reporting.

"After several CAT scans, MRIs and an angiogram, [doctors] decided to keep Michaels in the ICU and are running several tests to determine the cause. [It] will be touch and go for the next few days while he is under intense observation," a source said.

The news comes only a few days after Michaels, 47, had an emergency appendectomy in San Antonio, Texas. Michaels is also a type-1 diabetic, though no word on whether his brain hemorrhage was related to his diabetes or appendectomy.

For more on this breaking story, visit PopEater.com

'Project Runway' - 'Finale, Part II' Recap

Michael Pascua — 2010-04-23T00:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Other Reality Shows, OpEd, Project Runway, Episode Reviews, Features, Recaps

(S07E14) It's the final episode of 'Project Runway' Season 7 and I'm more excited this season than last season. The collections of Irina, Carol Hannah, and Althea pale in comparison to this season, which actually had some original colors, shapes, and concepts. This season was apparently more important because they sacrificed an episode of 'Models of the Runway' for a reunion episode that didn't say much.

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John Goodman to Narrate 'Best Food Ever'

Nick Zaino — 2010-04-22T18:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Other Reality Shows, Programming, Features, TV Schedules

TLC is cooking up a new series to be narrated by actor John Goodman.

According to Variety, the series, titled 'Best Food Ever,' will travel the country to uncover some of its most-popular dishes and restaurants. (We'll eat to that!)

'Best Food Ever' premieres Mon., May 3 at 10PM.

TLC is already home to a number of cooking-related shows, including 'BBQ Pitmasters,' 'Cake Boss,' 'Little Chocolatiers,' 'Home Made Simple,' and 'Ultimate Cake Off.'

Meanwhile, Goodman, best known for his Emmy-nominated portrayal of Dan Conner on the longrunning ABC comedy 'Roseanne,' currently co-stars on 'Treme,' airing Sundays at 10PM on HBO.

'River Monsters' Host Jeremy Wade Talks Killer Fish

Kelly Woo — 2010-04-22T16:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Other Reality Shows, Interviews, Documentary, Features, Celebrity Interviews

Something fishy is going on at Animal Planet. Something killer fishy.

In the second season of 'River Monsters' premieres Sun., April 25 at 10PM ET, host Jeremy Wade continues his search for the world's largest, weirdest and most dangerous fish.

The extreme angler and biologist travels across the globe, from Texas to the Congo, and wrestles with monsters like the ferocious Goliath tigerfish, the venemous freshwater stingray and the predatory giant snakehead.

Wade stopped by AOL TV's office to chat about his killer fish adventures and where he'd like to go next.

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'Wicked Summah' Headed to TruTV?

Brad Trechak — 2010-04-22T09:15:00+00:00

Filed under: Other Reality Shows, Programming, OpEd, Pickups and Renewals, Features, TV Schedules, TV News

Get ready for a 'Wicked Summah' on TruTV.

According to Broadcasting & Cable, 'Summah,' which is being described as an unofficial spinoff of MTV's runaway hit, 'Jersey Shore,' is in the "very early stages of development" at TruTV, according to a network spokesperson.

Filming will be set on Cape Cod, though no word on when the series will actually hit the airwaves.

Doron Ofir Casting, the company behind 'Shore,' is casting the show. (For a taste of who might wind up on the show, check out its casting website.)

And speaking of 'Jersey Shore,' MTV recently announced that the show, which will be filming in Miami and Jersey, will return for a second season on Jul. 29.

'Next Food Network Star' Goes Hollywood

Laura Prudom — 2010-04-22T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Other Reality Shows, Food/Home/DIY, Programming, Features, TV Schedules

Set your tastebuds to tingle, food fans: The latest season of 'The Next Food Network Star' is almost upon us, and it promises to be blockbuster big.

According to a press release, season 6 of the reality talent search will be based in Tinseltown itself, which means there will be plenty of Hollywood-style twists, turns and guest stars to spice up the proceedings, including Rachael Ray and Eva Longoria Parker.

Premiering on Jun. 6, the series will feature 12 new contestants battling it out in the hopes of winning their own Food Network show under the mentorship of Giada De Laurentiis, with Bobby Flay once again playing host.

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Is VH1 Actually Getting Classy?

Joel Keller — 2010-04-19T20:05:00+00:00

Filed under: Other Reality Shows, OpEd, Watercooler Talk, Features

It takes a big network to admit that it's been bad. And when VH1 decided to blow up most of its schedule and announce 44 new shows earlier today, that's exactly what they did.

Pretty much all the shows that have been part of the VH1 lineup over the last few years -- shows like 'Flavor of Love,' 'Rock of Love,' 'Tool Academy' and other high art -- are going to fade away in favor of more documentary-style shows. And, shocker of all shocks, music is coming back, with more music-video-centric shows and the revival of 'Behind The Music.'

Even the network's president, Tom Calderone, seems to think that its high time for the network to ditch its recent tawdry past. "(O)ur audience was getting a little fatigued by all those manufactured reality shows," he told The Hollywood Reporter. "They want more authenticity in their reality, which isn't to say that it can't be comedic and light."

But is fatigue the real reason why VH1 is classing it up? And are they really classing things up at all? A closer examination makes both answers a little less obvious.

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Three Key Factors in the Success of 'Undercover Boss'

Allison Waldman — 2010-04-16T17:02:00+00:00

Filed under: Other Reality Shows, Programming, OpEd, Pickups and Renewals, Ratings, TV Squad Lists, Features, TV Schedules, TV News

Since landing the cushy debut time slot after the Super Bowl to launch its run, CBS's 'Undercover Boss' has been an unqualified success for the network. In fact, in nearly every Sunday since its premiere -- with or without the lead in of a sporting event -- 'Undercover Boss' has showed well in the ratings.

The season finale on April 11 was the number one program in the 18-49 rating, the one that TV execs covet the most. Therefore, you can understand why 'Undercover Boss' easily earned a second season renewal. It won't be a mid-season drop in, either. You watch, it's going to be on the CBS upfront schedule for the fall.

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Oh, No: They're Making a Boston Version of 'Jersey Shore!'

Bob Sassone — 2010-04-16T15:08:00+00:00

Filed under: Other Reality Shows, OpEd, TV Squad Lists, Features

I have no interest in watching MTV's 'Jersey Shore,' for approximately 75 reasons. But I think it can be boiled down into one sentence: why in God's name would I want to watch 'Jersey Shore?'

But here's the deal: they're making a Boston version. I live in the Boston area, born and raised, so of course I have to at least check out the first episode, right? It scares me a bit though. What are they going to get wrong? What are they going to get too right? Will the show make me want to hide the fact that I'm a Bostonian from people and start talking about how much I like the Lakers, making sure I pronounce my "r" in Lakers with more emphasis?

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