Thursday, November 29, 2007

Some favorites from the vaults...

I thought I'd share a little background of my experiences with reality TV. In other words, here are some of my favorite moments with a bit of explanation...


Project Runway singlehandedly brought Bravo into the reality spotlight. The show takes a handful of designers to New York City and gives them challenges to create various pieces of fashion, all the while eliminating a designer each week. The finale takes place at Fashion Week, where the top three designers showcase an entire collection of clothing. There are always incredible characters on the show; artistic people are known to be--how can I say this gently--a little insane. Santino from season *two was no exception, and he was able to make up for being such a dick by doing an awesome impression of Tim Gunn. I think most of the designers on that season shared my sentiments, as they all join in on the laughter.

Another wildly popular reality show giving a fashion-hopeful the chance of a lifetime is America's Next Top Model, produced, hosted, and judged by the unpredictable Tyra Banks. Each week, the models have photo shoots and are critiqued by some of the biggest names in the business, concluding with the elimination of the one who didn't give enough face, skipped out on a challenge, had ugly skin, or just wasn't fierce enough. At the eliminations, Tyra is always acting her FACE off, often lecturing the girls about why they are going home and why they should probably just give up on their hopes and dreams altogether. During cycle four Tyra really hit the wall, totally GOING OFF on Tiffany upon her elimination (the only double-elimination ever on the show). It's one of those moments where you are watching the TV and thinking, "What is going on?" Tyra is insane. It's all in the clip.

One of my favorite reality shows of all time is American Idol, duh. I have vivid memories of watching the first season with a few of my friends in someone's basement, sipping stolen alcohol out of empty shampoo bottles (don't ask). Though there have been some obvious duds (Ruben Studdard, namely), Idol has produced some fierce champions, but many of my favorites haven't even been in the finales... Check out Jennifer Hudson singing "Weekend in New England" from Barry Manilow night on season three. It's insane, and she looks insane, too. And here's Latoya London, one of my all time favorite contestants, singing "Don't Rain on My Parade" from Big Band night (again from season three, the best season EVER!). Idol was probably the first show to really give its losers a chance in the spotlight, especially William Hung and his awesome rendition of "She Bangs." Want more Idol? Just go to YouTube and search--you'll find years worth of clips, both good and bad.

Some reality shows only have a small following, but this doesn't mean that they don't provide incredible entertainment. A perfect example is Trading Spouses, a show that I've tried to watch since it's inception. Without question, the absolute best "trade" was when The God Warrior spent a week with a Pagan family. Check out her reaction upon her homecoming. It turns me into a God-fearing man, I'll say that.


More to come...

1 comment:

Kimber said...

santino was from season 2 diva.