By The Wiz
I used to feel morally superior. I used to be above reality shows (unless they were on Bravo, which, for some reason, in my little brain, is COMPLETELY different). I thought that most people who went on reality shows were attention seeking exhibitionisits, and watching them was only encouraging their sheer idiocy.
Then a while ago I took a mental break from my life (which is currently a huge pile of steaming dung) and watched American Idol for the first time ever, and was appalled by Sanjaya, and yet intrigued by Melinda.
And now Melinda’s gone, and it actually DEPRESSED me, and the fact that this reality show affected me emotionally just pissed me off even more, and THIS IS WHY YOU SHOULDN’T WATCH REALITY SHOWS. (Unless, you know, it’s ‘Project Runway.)
Bring on the scripts! I’d rather get invested in the lives of fictional people - which somehow makes me feel better about myself. I need so much therapy.
Wow, that’s a REALLY strong metaphor for your life there. Steaming? really? Hope that gets better.
It’s “harder” to care about real life people than fictional people because there’s a sort of Politically correct set of “rules” that don’t really apply to fictional characters. I think this is indicated by your word choice “appalled” and “intrigued”…. betcha would’ve been less P.C. were you speaking of persons who don’t, in reality, exist.
But if you were going to enter the “morally inferior” realm of reality TV, I guess at least you didn’t choose from the WORST it has to offer….
Comment #1 by EmMay 18th, 2007 at 10:11 pmI like the talent-based reality shows, although I’ve never watched American Idol. I mean, I like them after they’re done with the first few weeks which consists of showing the most embarrassing contestants humiliate themselves.
What do you think of game shows? I like “Deal or No Deal,” mainly because it has no sex, vulgarity or violence except during the commercial breaks. I find it sad that my expectations of television entertainment have bottomed out to just a plea to not sick me out with raunch and gore.
Comment #2 by MelindaMay 18th, 2007 at 11:29 pmGame shows make me want to gouge my ears out with sporks.
*putting soap-box away*
Comment #3 by Tracy MMay 18th, 2007 at 11:37 pmI’m with Tracy on this one, but only for the recent years. I go to the gym & like to watch the old gameshows like Lingo & Cardsharks. I would rather make myself feel more normal and sane by watching the drama on Grey’s Anatomy or the Office. Oh yeah, I still like The Price is Right…
Comment #4 by Natalie S.May 18th, 2007 at 11:59 pmI used to be snobby about reality tv too (except for American Chopper, and the other non-competitive follow-real-people-around-with-cameras shows). Then I got sucked into American Idol. Now I love them all–especially the really bad ones, like Beauty and the Geek and America’s Next Top Model. So awesome.
Comment #5 by Susan MMay 19th, 2007 at 10:42 amMy sister and I had a great time watching “Average Joe” for the two seasons it ran. It was so funny (and sad) that the people invariably went for the gorgeous jerks instead of the average-looking decent people. I decided that’s more a function of the type of people willing to look for love on TV than on people looking for love in general.
Comment #6 by MelindaMay 19th, 2007 at 11:20 amI’m a huge Amazing Race fan. I like that one because you win or lose based on your own choices and skills. Of course teams affect each other, but no one can “vote you off the island” for no reason.
Comment #7 by JustRandiMay 19th, 2007 at 12:31 pmDh and I watch some of the reality shows on A&E, (hanging head is shame) I like Dog the Bounty hunter, can’t really explain it, but I really like it. Dh loves Miami Ink, I’m not super fond of it but I’ll watch it with him sometimes. Oh and we also watch a lot of the home shows on HGTV, like house hunters, buy me, etc. Oh and love, love, love This Old House. My kids are into TOH and New Yankee workshop too, (they are 3 &6). As for American Idol I haven’t ever really watched more than the first one or two episodes of each season. Used to love survior but I can’t watch it anymore.
Comment #8 by moddyMay 19th, 2007 at 12:39 pmAs for non-reality tv, I love CSI, NCIS, and Without A Trace.
Oh and of course I couldn’t ever live without my DVR it is my very best friend.
Is HGTV a reality show?? Because if it is, I’m totally guilty. I’m addicted to HGTV.
And as far as New Yankee or This Old House, I have such a HUGE crush on Norm Abrams… Seriously- I know, weird. But man, the things that guy makes makes me drooooool.
Comment #9 by Tracy MMay 19th, 2007 at 1:45 pmYou know I never watched reality shows either. But this year I got totally hooked on American Idol and Project Runway. I find it embarassing to even admit I watch Idol. But I am addicted. I was shocked when Melinda went, but must confess that being from AZ, I am rooting for Jordin. So now you know my dirty little secret!
Comment #10 by pollyMay 19th, 2007 at 2:09 pmTracy, Norm is my hero. This fan letter sums it up rather well:
http://www.newyankee.com/fanmail/popfanmail.php3?message_cd=444
Comment #11 by Susan MMay 19th, 2007 at 2:32 pmThat’s awesome, Susan!
Comment #12 by Tracy MMay 19th, 2007 at 4:06 pmTracy, I don’t know if they are considered reality tv but I’m not sure what to really call them. Have you watched the new HGTV show with the mother/daughter realtor team from the Designed to Sell show, it’s pretty good. Oh and I like Moving up from TLC. My son calls New Yankee workshop the builder show. I think that I like it so much because my grandfather was a carpernter and I remember spending a lot of time with him in his workshop, even though it was nothing like Norm’s shop, Norm’s shop makes my husband drool. Oh and DIY has TOH every night!
Comment #13 by moddyMay 19th, 2007 at 5:55 pmI looooooooove the Amazing Race. And Survivor. Can’t stand Extreme Home Makeover, though.
Comment #14 by SallyGirlMay 19th, 2007 at 11:57 pmLove, Love, Love “What Not To Wear” on TLC. I so need every ounce of fashion advice I can get!
Comment #15 by lizMay 20th, 2007 at 5:21 pmAmerican Idol is dead to me. Jorbacca has already won.
Comment #16 by GifflesTheMoogMay 21st, 2007 at 2:09 pmEveryone has their lapses. I temporarily fell off the wagon of non-reality TV superiority for the first season of The Apprentice. But its been a few seasons now and I’m staying strong with wonderful shows like Lost, The Office, Ugly Betty and 30 Rock
Comment #17 by RachelMay 21st, 2007 at 4:58 pm“Jorbacca”?
What’s wrong with being tall? And pretty? And a good singer?
As an American Idol “expert” (does watching all 6 seasons religiously count as an expert?), I guessed Jordan would win back when there was 24 of ‘em. If Blake wins, I will feel slightly irritated at my inability to prophesy. My favorite singer was Malinda, although I knew she wouldn’t win.
Amazing Race is my other favorite. I’m still trying to convince the husband to go on the show with me!!
All the other reality shows irritate me…
Comment #18 by cherylMay 21st, 2007 at 8:04 pmI haven’t been very impressed with TV shows for a long time. Well, except maybe Ghost Whisperer and Medium. And not so much impressed, but just total empty escapism.
Now you know my dirty little secret.
Comment #19 by Tammy and ParkerMay 21st, 2007 at 10:49 pmI mourned the passing of Gilmore Girls last week. Mourned. Over a show. Holy moly. I realized that my relationship with Lorelai and Rory had just gotten a little out of hand for me to be getting weepy over fictional characters.
Comment #20 by BridgetMay 22nd, 2007 at 1:06 amTall is OK. Pretty is OK, but debatable. A good singer? Ha.
Come back to me, Melinda. All is forgiven.
Comment #21 by GifflestheMoogMay 22nd, 2007 at 11:09 amMelinda has no neck.
Comment #22 by popchickMay 22nd, 2007 at 11:53 amYeah, but who needs a neck?
Comment #23 by GifflesTheMoogMay 22nd, 2007 at 4:27 pmMy vote is for Jordan. That girl can sing!
But yeah, my hubby and I enjoy Alias (we just finished the DVD), 24, and The Office. I dream a lot and recently was dreaming Alias (I was Sydney Bristow and dh was Michael Vaughn) when all of a sudden Dwight Shroot from The Office pops in the scene, guns blazing, and saves the world! (If any of you have seen The Office, you’ll know exactly how ridiculous that is!) When I woke up from that dream, I decided I needed to cut back on TV!
Comment #24 by CheckersMay 22nd, 2007 at 10:04 pm