Reality TV Binge

I've been devouring reality TV recently.  It all began with a certain boy of the house asked if I was interested in watching The Amazing Race, which sounded like it might be interesting, so we checked it out.

Oh my god, I'm hooked.  I've hardly gone a day without watching any Reality TV, and for a while it was a few hours each day until I caught up a bit.

Here's what we're watching/have watched in the past few weeks:

Source: Wikipedia

The Amazing Race (Seasons 12, 13, and currently 14)

In a nutshell, approximately 14 pairs of people are selected to be on the show.  You have all kinds of pairs -- mothers and sons, siblings, old couples, new couples, whatever.  Really, it's a relationship show.  You get to know the teams a lot.  The premise of the show is that the pairs are given clues which take them around the world, and they have to do tasks in the various countries.  The tasks vary from bungee jumping to milking a camel.  Depending on the task, only one person may be allowed/required to do it, or both people may have to complete it.  Throughout the entire race (the whole season) the pair must stay close to each other.  

I would love this show more if they teams had more freedom with their racing, but I understand from an insurance point of view that it's not really feasible.  It makes for some entertaining viewing and is my favorite reality TV show at the moment!

Source: wikipedia

Survivor: Tocantins

I watched the very first season of Survivor way back when I was in high school.  I can't believe it.  In any case, the show is much more interesting to me now.  Back then I was bothered by the fact that it didn't really seem like they had to survive.  Everything seemed too perfect and planned.  I also hated the fact that the challenges were disgusting.  

In the current season, 14 or so people are split into two teams, and they are given a minute to raid a truck to get any supplies they can.  They follow that with a 4 hour march to their camp, which is not more than a "tent" and a clear spot of land.  Every few days or so, the teams compete in challenges.  At some challenges, they win prizes (like fishing gear or a trip to the Charmin cafe where they can gorge on pastries).  At some challenges they have to kick out a member of their team when they lose.  So far the challenges have been based on physical and strategical ability.  In the beginning, players who are stronger are more beneficial to the team, but as you go on, they become a threat and you want to vote them out.  It makes for interesting viewing.  I'll continue to give Survivor a shot as long as they don't require contestants to eat bugs for any challenges.  Honestly, that's not what we're watching for.

Source: wikipedia

Make Me a Supermodel (Season 1 and currently 2)

I really randomly came across this show, and honestly expected to turn it off before I finished the first episode, but I kinda fell in love with the contestants and really have enjoyed watching the show.  14 or so contestants are selected out of thousands to compete to win a $100,000 dollar modeling contract and a spread in Elle magazine. Basically, it will put them into the real world of modeling.  Contestants all live together in a house in New York, so you get the fun of house drama, but the show mostly focuses on the photography shoots that they do for competitions. Photo shoots are fun, especially for me since I like to watch the photographers too, and they include some really crazy posing, ranging from posing with a snake in a water tank, to posing in a clear box hanging above New York.  

Later in the week they have to do a runway walk, and in the first season, they made a big mistake and allowed America to choose which 2 of the lowest 3 contestants would stay.  Unfortunately, American often chose the most entertaining to stay, rather than the ones who deserved it, but in the end I was excited who won anyway. Thank god in Season 2 they seem to have done away with that and the judges can choose properly.

Source: wikipedia

Project Runway USA5

Yep, there's still more.  Project Runway is a pretty straightforward show.  Up and coming designers are asked to design a different outfit each week based on a different challenge.  Challenges vary a lot.  In one episode they had to choose materials from a grocery store (tablecloths lack originality, guys) to make a cocktail dress.  In another, they are asked to work with drag queens and design a fabulous outfit for them.  In the end, 3 of the designers make it to a New York fashion show and show off a collection of 10 outfits they make especially for the show, and the final winner wins $100,000 to jumpstart their business, as well as get their design published in a magazine.  It's a very fun show to watch, and seems relatively fair as to who gets selected.  It also makes me really want to step up my fashion.

Gosh, are there really only four shows?  I can't believe it.  Well, if I think of more you know I'll write about it.  Any of you watching these shows and think they're as fun as I do?  I never thought I'd be this excited about reality TV.

Oh, and for the record, I tried watching Hell's Kitchen and Project Catwalk and couldn't take it.  Sorry, the shouting at people is too much for me.  I know it's acting, but yeah.