I’m a Reality TV Junkie
Okay, I’ll admit it. I’m still a total reality TV junkie, long after most TV viewers have moved on to the more action packed shows like Heroes, 24, and Lost. Not me. I’d rather watch real people compete for some kind of end prize. For that, I’m grateful that reality TV shows are still around. 
This past week and a half has been a round of reality TV finales, and most of those shows have met with my approval or satisfaction. Here’s my reality show recap and how I weighed in on each one:
America’s Next Top Model: I love this show. I have from the beginning, and I’m still hooked on all those catty young girls living together and competing for a modeling career. 
I think what mostly hooks me on this show is the photographs these girls take, and how much they transform (or not) throughout the season. In the beginning, I wasn’t very fond of Renee (the short blonde haired girl) because of her bitchy attitude toward the other girls, but somewhere along the way she softened and became “real” for me. By the time she was standing in the top three, I was rooting for her and was so very disappointed that she was eliminated at that point because the panel felt she looked “too old” for modeling – this after she excelled in all the challenges and took AMAZING pictures. 
Sheesh. She was only what, 20? Makes me feel like an old hag in comparison! Anyway, with Renee gone, that left Jaslene and Natasha to strut their stuff on the catwalk for the ultimate win – a modeling contract!
Natasha cracked me up with her Russian accent and her way of turning even the most negative comment into something positive, and she grew as a model from week to week. Jaslene grew on me after time, though with her “slang” talk, she didn’t come across as a great spokes-person. But, ultimately, Jaslene took the prize – and in the end I’m happy for her. She’s the first Latina ANTM, and I love that even though she’d tried out last year for ANTM and didn’t make it, she came back again THIS year and made the cut, and walked away with the grand prize. Good for her! What a great lesson in determination and perseverance! 
The Bachelor: I have to confess that this show is my one guilty pleasure. 
I watch it every single season and I can’t even say why the show is such a draw for me because it really isn’t all that exciting. I even have to admit that this season’s bachelor, Andrew Baldwin, didn’t really do much for me. He seemed like a genuinely nice and sincere guy, but his personality was just so “blah”. But that didn’t stop me from watching from week to week as these women vied for his attention. 
In the finale on Monday, it came down to two women – Bevin and Tessa. Out of the two, I was rooting for Tessa. She was much more reserved than Bevin, but she just struck me as someone who was cautious with her heart, but she also seemed the kind that once she made a commitment, she did her best to make things work. Bevin, on the other hand, seemed too “needy” to me, like she wanted Andrew to be her prince who whisked her away from all the bad stuff in her past. Throughout the weeks of watching the show, I never felt she was as “real” as Tessa – until this final episode. During the two hour finale, she truly convinced me that she’d really fallen in love with The Bachelor. And Tessa, who I thought was rock-solid, seemed very wishy-washy about how she felt for Andrew. In the end, she did say she’d fallen in love with him, but she just didn’t fully convince me of that the way Bevin did. So, when it came time for Andy to give out the final rose, I was really torn – because I was beginning to think that Bevin might be the right woman for him. And when Bevin showed up and he had to tell her she wasn’t the one, the look on her face, the look in her EYES, almost made me cry! I saw this heart-broken and vulnerable woman who really HAD fallen in love with him! I never expected to feel so bad for Bevin, but I did. Ultimately, Tessa got the final rose. I really do like her, and time will tell if they make it for the long haul, or not. I really, truly, hope they do!
Dancing With The Stars: Who did not completely and totally fall in love with Apolo Ohno this season? 
What a cutie! I always liked him as a speed skater, but I LOVE him as a ballroom dancer! From the very beginning, he was the one I was rooting for. I thought Apolo and Julianne made the perfect couple – they were well matched and with Apolo’s athletic background, he was up for anything, not to mention a fierce competitor! I also enjoyed Joey Fatone. He was always doing something to make me laugh, and the judges pegged him correctly as a “showman”. He was definitely that. Then there was Laila Ali, who blew me away with her dancing skills. When it came down to these celebrities being in the final three, I thought it was well deserved for all of them. Every single one of them worked hard, competed hard, and earned those top spots. But from there, I think the winner became a matter of fans calling in and voting for their favorite star. And for me, that favorite was Apolo, and I was so happy that he won. Though it would have been hard to not be happy for Joey if he’d won instead. He was a great dancer, too. All in all, I think this was the best Dancing With The Stars yet, and I can’t wait for next season to start! 
American Idol: When it came to the final twelve, there wasn’t any one person who stood out for me – and who could forget the 
whole Sanjaya fiasco when he managed to knock out some good American Idol contenders week after week, until he finally got the boot. Anyway, once the distraction of Sanjaya was gone, I realized that there really was some good singers in the bunch, and I wasn’t surprised when it came down to Melinda, Blake, and Jordin. Melinda has an incredible voice, and despite her being voted off in the final three, I think some recording label will sign her up, and quickly. So, that left us with Blake and Jordin to battle it out for the title of American Idol. Personally, I love Blake because he’s different and original, and I think that will work to his favor (just like the original and different Chris Daughtry last year, who has THE BEST recording career out of all those finalists, including the AI winner Taylor Hicks). If Maroon 5 ever needs a new frontman, Blake proved that he has the vocals to be that man. Then there’s Jordin, who has an amazing voice for someone who is only seventeen. That girl can sing and blows me away with her vocal range!
I was rooting for Blake, mainly because of that “unique” factor, but I’m just as happy that Jordin won! I think they’re both winners!
Now, all my reality TV shows are over for this season, though I did see an advertisement for So You Think You Can Dance, which starts tonight. Of course, I’ll be watching that show, too, and anxiously awaiting next season’s reality TV line-up! 
So, are you a reality TV junkie like I am, or do you prefer the more action-packed series on TV? And if you did watch any of the above reality TV shows this season, who were your picks? Were you happy with the winners, or disappointed, and why?
I have never, ever watched any of those shows.
Hubby watched Idol a few times and I couldn’t stand the way they were treated - when they weren’t good. And you know, some of them really sucked but they still had a dream crushed and I was just too sensitive to watch. I may really suck as a writer too but I hope someone has the decency to tell me that nicely without completely tearing me apart and making me feel like such a complete and utter failure. Like I was an idiot for even thinking I could do this.
And because of the way that left me feeling, I’ve never watched any of the reality shows. LIke the girl you talked about on the Bachelor. I’d have probably been a blubbering idiot on her behalf.
Like I said on Monday, I can’t stand sad or unhappy endings and a lot of times that’s why I don’t watch movies, because there is no guarantee (unless someone who has seen it assures me) that it’s going to be OK.
Jeez, and even then…hubby convinced me to watch “My Girl” because it was “such a great movie!”
It was a great movie but I needed a dish towel to mop up the freakin’ tears! He “forgot about the sad part.” How do you do that when it’s central to the movie?!?
But I’m glad you were satisfied with the outcome of each of those shows. And obviously, there are a lot of people who watch and enjoy them!
Comment by Jodie — May 24, 2007 @ 7:51 am
I am not much into the reality shows, except for Dancing With the Stars…do enjoy that one! I admit I also was cheering for Apolo. I thought Apolo and Julianne were such a cute couple and really gave great performances. I was thrilled when they won.
Comment by Shari C — May 24, 2007 @ 8:24 am
I am so hooked on Reality TV!!!!!!!! From Survivor, I was disappointed that Yau Man didn’t win - even after being stabbed in the back he was a gracious loser. Dancing with the Stars I have been hooked on since the middle of the first season and am very happy with this season’s outcome. America’s next top model (my niece and I watch together every week) Overall this season was not my favorite, and I’m not really sure why - though I am happy Jaslene won. American Idol - I voted 14 times for Jordin. This season of the Aprentice I missed because of the change to Sunday night - and believe it or not - I still can’t operate my VCR correctly so it never got taped. I have also been hooked on Shear Genius (reality show about hair stylists) and Miami Ink (lives of 5 tattoo artists). I also watch Little People Big World on TLC about the Roloff family. I am looking forward to the return of Project Runway and Top Chef and a couple of new shows are starting that I will tune in to - So You Think You Can Dance and Pirate. There’s very few “regular” TV shows I watch - usually crime investigative type. Maybe that’s why I lose myself in the characters of the books I read. I will admit that once I’ve read a book - like it - keep it - then it’s reissued with a new cover that has a person on it that wasn’t originally there and that person does not match my imagination - that bothers me. (How’s that for a run on sentence? But do you understand what I am saying?) So in conclusion - reality tv rules - but fantasy lives through my reading.
Comment by Barbara-Jo — May 24, 2007 @ 9:01 am
I really enjoy reality tv. I only watched Idol this year, but I have watched The Bachelor, The Apprentice, and Survivor in the past. I also loved the Treasure Hunter show on NBC last summer. I hope they bring it back again. I knew when Idol cut Melinda last week that Jordin would win. I love Blake too, but Jordin is younger and she can be controlled. Blake is going to be a big hit, much like Chris Daughtry from last year. But Blake’s sound won’t appeal to everyone. He was the best entertainer from this year, but I did agree that Jordin’s vocals were much better on Tuesday night. I never saw So You Think You Can Dance last year, but might give it a shot tonight. I am looking forward to Hell’s Kitchen…I think it starts next week, but not sure.
I also enjoy the more action packed shows too. I love 24 and am going to try Heros out now that it will be in reruns. Alias was my fav every but even with my brother pushing for it, I never got into Lost. Seems like a good show, but it is all over the place.
Comment by Liza — May 24, 2007 @ 9:01 am
Hi Janelle,
I’m sure I’d like reality TV if we could get it here.
We get one channel and it’s so snowy and shhhhsy sounding
that it drives one mad for more than the news.
We could get direct tv here but or the few days a month
we are here it hardly seems worth it.
When at home I work long days and head to bed when I get home.
No need for TV there either.
So I read and read. I love to read thanks to you,
the Plotmonkeys and other good romance authors.
Okay enough of the gushy stuff.
I watch Regis and Kelly when I can
I would say that the remote controller
(not me)
Likes History channel, DIY and anything pbs woodworking.
I’ve noticed he watches Desparate Housewives
and the CSI’s, numbers, lost and gericho.
They’re on so late I am reading in bed ready to sleep.
I guess I’m boring
I can retire in two years and then it will be
HAve a great day everyone!
Comment by jeannie — May 24, 2007 @ 9:35 am
I love ANTM…I actually got hubby and a few friends to watch (I used to do a weekly update, but I got so busy!). This season, there wasn’t really a ’stand out’, except for Whitney. My husband loved her. Natasha’s lips drove me crazy. I totally agree that neither Jaslene NOR Natasha would be a good spokesperson (the only two from the WHOLE top lot who would have were Renee and Whitney), but then do any of them? Has any one seen those segments….BAD! I love makeover day…..I can imagine during the first season that the gals would be complaining about getting a makeover, but now, I sit there and chuckle…have they NOT seen the show? DUH, Tyra’s going to make you over and chop off your hair!
DWTS: Love this show. I didn’t watch the first season and my mom told me I HAD to watch it the next. LOVE IT! The cool thing about it is that it’s just FUN! Loved Joey and Apolo (I tried to vote for both of them the last time!). Leila was great, too, but I think her knee gave out towards the end. I think that Ian did amazing considering where he started! I know Apolo won, but I have to watch this week’s shows, still.
Bachelor: I don’t know why I watch this, either. His mouth annoyed me the WHOLE season. He talked funny. I think I kept watching because I couldn’t figure out if it was the way he held his mouth or his accent. Why Bevin was in the final two, I have no clue (she seemed to be ‘in it to win it’ as opposed to finding true love, if you know what I mean). I loved Danelle and Tessa for the final two.
Idol: I hate (and I don’t use that word) the first few weeks of the ‘dumb’ auditions. Frankly, I think they are demeaning. I especially didn’t like it that they used a young man in Seattle who, obviously, had autism. He didn’t understand when they were putting him down. Frankly, I sent a nasty letter (as did my mom) to Fox because I think that using obviously someone with a disability to make fun of is so WRONG! That goes for other contestants, also. Why, do we as a society, think it is funny to make fun of someone else, is beyond me.
We all have disabilities of some sort…
Survivor: I usually get into this because hubby loves it. I HATE the food challenges. Loved Yau, though. He’s a classy guy.
Apprentice: Hubby and I watch it together (he’s a business man). Why these highly business savvy people ‘don’t get it’ is beyond me. Even me, without any business degree could do a better job than at least half of those people.
There aren’t any more shows for me for the rest of the summer
Guess, I will have to catch up on movies…sorry this got so long! Have a sunshiny day, everyone!
Comment by katie — May 24, 2007 @ 9:47 am
When the people I rooted for last year didn’t win (Joey on DWTS and Ula on Project Runway) I stopped watching. I mean…Jeffrey??? Jeffrey? You’ve got to be f*ing kidding me! Anyway, I swore off reality tv, and have stuck only with HEROES, which btw, had an AWESOME final episode. The only Real TV (sort of) that I watch a bit of now is Deal or No Deal, Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader (which btw, I’m not in most cases) and the other one where you have to pick out who is who? I can’t remember the name…oh darn.
I love ANTM, I just didn’t watch it this year. I just love Tyra Banks.
Comment by Julie Leto — May 24, 2007 @ 10:09 am
For me, the reality show toppers are Survivor (poor Yau,:cry: I love you:love2
And Big Brother. I’m not into the music shows, because I don’t know good from bad. I used to watch the bachelor, but it comes on too late these days.
Janelle, I was surprised to learn this about you. I don’t know why but I was. Hmmmm….what other secrets are you hiding?
Yesterday, I tried to p[ost three different times but kept getting called away each time…It was a very rough day. Only 10 more days of middle school kiddos!!!!!!! I do believe I have gotten more grey hairs in the past few days than all year. Our dean’s office is jsut hoppin’.
I know this was off subject, but I just needed to get it off my chest–I am so stressed lately and the fact that I could not enjoy this yesterday just made me crazy-
–thanks for reading and you sympathy I know you are all feeling right now–not to mention the relief that you are not dealing with 1500 pubecent (sp?) teenagers.
Have a great day.
Comment by Debbie — May 24, 2007 @ 10:12 am
Big Brother!!!!!!!!! How could I forget Big Brother!!!!!!!! something else to look forward to!!!
Comment by Barbara-Jo — May 24, 2007 @ 10:47 am
I’m glad I’m not the only one hooked on reality TV. I really miss Fear Factor and wish they’d bring that one back!
Jodie — You’re a softie and there’s nuttin’ wrong with that!
I, too, hate when the contestants are criticized harshly. Constructive criticism is one thing, but when it’s harsh and uncalled for (i.e. Simon), it’s just wrong!
Same goes for demeaning people on TV, as Katie said — especially people with disabilities. Those people still have emotions and it’s wrong to put them down because they don’t really understand what’s going on.
Debbie — why are you surprised that I’m a reality TV junkie?
Hang in there with those middle school kids — only a few more weeks to go and you’re off for the summer! 
Comment by Janelle — May 24, 2007 @ 11:08 am
I love reality TV! I watch DWTS, Project Runway, Top Chef, Amazing Race, Big Brother, Survivor (I :love2: Yau), So You Think You Can Dance, American Idol, Shear Genius and Hell’s Kitchen. Pirate Master looks interesting and is suppose to make Survivor seem like a cake walk!
Comment by Susan — May 24, 2007 @ 11:29 am
I forgot Are you smarter than a fifth grader!!! Love that show, but didn’t always get to see it. I never watch Idol until they get to the top 12. I can’t stand that they put so many people on who can’t sing. I know several people who have tried out and never get face time so they can talk ugly to a few bad singers. I see no reason for them to put people on just for others to laugh. If as Simon says “this is a singing competition” make it one from the start.
Comment by Liza — May 24, 2007 @ 11:45 am
Janelle–
I have no idea why I am surprised, but i was. Maybe I thought it would be phelbian (sp?) for your exotic taste (insert humor filled smile here).
Or maybe, I was just didn’t have my wheaties today.
Comment by Debbie — May 24, 2007 @ 12:49 pm
Debbie…hang in there….we have a month more of school and I have a TON of stuff to do (hubby is off next week and I actually had to ’schedule’ things every day he is off so I can do what I need to do and he can pick up the kids). YIKERS!
Comment by katie — May 24, 2007 @ 1:16 pm
Oh absolutely a reality tv junkie. So much so that the girls at work are getting tired of me talking about it. Although I didn’t watch the Top Model, I watched Dancing with the Stars, American Idol, Bachelor, Amazing Race, Survivor, Big Brother, So You Think You Can Dance, America’s Got Talent. Need I go on. I was hoping for Jordin to win over Blake. And I wanted Tessa although I thought for sure he was picking Bevin.
Comment by Michelle — May 24, 2007 @ 1:21 pm
I don’t watch the entertainment reality shows–i.e. Dancing/idol. But I am a total Big Brother addict. I was even glued to the message boards of that stupid show last summer and was so furious at the way it ended (again!) that i vowed never to watch it again.
But I’m a sucker…I know I will!
Okay, who saw Lost last night? Totally cool, huh? (Though I figured out what was really going on pretty early.)
Comment by Leslie — May 24, 2007 @ 1:43 pm
I do like some of the reality shows but don’t watch them all. I still like my sitcoms and dramas.
I think I will be in deep depression until Survivor returns as I have never missed an eposide.
I think that all three finalist on AI will have a career. Especially Melinda who is from around my area, Nashville. There is no doubt in my mind that she will be hit by dozen of recording studios when she returns, if not already.
Comment by Tina Byrd — May 24, 2007 @ 2:11 pm
I love Celebrity Fit Club…This season they have Marsha, Marsha. I also like the MTV show Made. My 8 year old loves the Nanny show….she feels so much better watching bad kids on tv.
Comment by flip — May 24, 2007 @ 3:37 pm
I see we have the same guilty pleasure. And our chosen favorites are the same too! I’ll be watching SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE also.
Comment by Patricia W — May 24, 2007 @ 3:55 pm
I LOVE reality TV
this season I watched AI and hands down Jordin was my favorite. I was so happy that she won. ANTM I have to say I didn’t really like this season so I didn’t pick a girl I wanted to win. In the end i was happy Jaslene won. I don’t watch the Bachelor or DWTS. My guilty pleasure MTV reality shows 
Comment by erin — May 24, 2007 @ 4:06 pm
We just aren’t huge TV watchers, period, so we haven’t watched much reality TV recently. We have watched several seasons of The Amazing Race and a couple of American Idol–mostly enjoy it, but there just aren’t enough hours in the day if I also want to be able to read
Comment by Fedora — May 24, 2007 @ 4:31 pm
I am a REALITY TV JUNKIE also
So You Think You Can Dance starts tonight
I did watch AMTM I was rooting for Natasha.
American Idol ok with Jordin wining since I was rooting for Melinda or Lakeisha.
I was bummed Danielle got the boot from Andy on The Bachelor since she was from my State Connecticut. Hopefully Tess and Andy stay together.
Dancing With The Stars glad that Apollo won.
I can’t wait for Big Brother.
I also watch Amazing Race and Survivor.
I think Hell’s Kitchen starts first week of June.
Comment by Cherylann — May 24, 2007 @ 6:30 pm
I am totally addicted to reality TV! Survivor is one of my favorites and I still think that the Australia and All Stars season was the best. I have been fairly happy with the the way most of them have ended this time.
American Idol - This is the first season that I didn’t get so wrapped up in the show. I don’t know why but it didn’t seem as exciting to me as the other seasons. Last year I was obsessed with the show since Taylor Hicks is from Alabama. I really wanted Melinda to win but I wasn’t suprised that Jordin won.
The Amazing Race - I loved them doing an all star season and I was so excited that Rob and Amber were on it and I was not happy when they were eliminated. I hated Rob in his season of Survivor but I started liking him in the all star season and thought he and Amber were hilarious on Amazing Race. But in the end I was really happy that Eric and Danielle won since the other teams were getting on my nerves and they were yielded twice and managed to come back and win.
Survivor - I didn’t think this season was that exciting and I never even picked a favorite like I usually do. I thought that Yau Man should have won but I was happy with Earl winning. As long as it wasn’t Dreamz!
DWTS - I have loved this show since the first season and it seems to improve every season. I loved Apolo from the first episode and was so happy that he won!
The Bachelor - I have watched every season of The Bachelor except for the one with the prince. I was impressed with this bachelor because he seemed to figure out the ones who were causing problems and got rid of them. The past bachelors always seemed to keep around at least one trouble maker. I wanted him to choose Tessa so I was happy with the outcome.
Nashville Star - This show has been over for a while and I don’t know why I watch it. It’s the country music version of American Idol. The singers are ok but they never seem to go anywhere after the show is over. This last season the final two were brother and sister so that was interesting. Angela ended up winning it and that would have been my pick. The only person that has really done anything since being on the show is Miranda Lambert and she didn’t even win. But I think Chris Young, who won the season before this one, is going to do good. His first album is really good.
I am looking foward to So You Think You Can Dance starting tonight. I, also, love Big Brother and am ready for it to start.
Comment by Claudia — May 24, 2007 @ 7:37 pm
I LOVED MOST OF AMER IDOL AND VOTED FOR JORDIN A LOT OF TIMES.
WAS GLAD THAT SHE WON. ALSO WATCH SURVIVOR–ALTHO WAS WANTING YO-PAN TO WIN.
NEVER CARED FOR AMAZING RACE AT ALL.
I WAS GLAD THAT APOLO WON DANCING WITH THE STARS–HE IS SUCH
A CUTIE-PATOTEE.
TONIGHT IS SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE–SHOULD BE GOOD.
CAN’T WAIT FOR BIG BROTHER TO BE ON AGAIN–THINK IT IS ONE
OF MY FAVORITE OF ALL THE REALITY SHOWS.
IT IS NICE THAT YOU CAN RELAX AND ENJOY TV SHOWS WHEN YOU
ARE NOT WRITING.
ALICE IN TEXAS
Comment by ALICE — May 24, 2007 @ 8:49 pm
I do watch some reality tv. I’m a huge AI junky but I quit watching for several weeks because of Sanjaya (who from what I’ve read was some “character” created by a college student?) but as it gone down to the last 4 I started watching again. I liked Jordin the best and voted for her a few times.
I used to watch Dancing With the Stars, but this year it conflicted with other shows. I’m going to watch So You Think You Can Dance this summer. I enjoy seeing the different styles of dance.
Mostly I’m a drama fan — who is completely bummed Veronica Mars didn’t get renewed.
Comment by Shelly @ Bewitched — May 24, 2007 @ 10:06 pm
Sorry I missed the blog all day, but after work, some one (me) had to go and see PIRATES!!!!!!!!
OH. MY. GOD. It was soooooooo good.
I watch Idol and Dancing. Dancing was so great this season. I love Apolo and rooted for him the whole time.
As for Idol, I am ambivelant about either one of them. I love Melinda.
And Carrie Underwood has the biggest career so far, Chris has the biggest selling this year. She has sold over 6 million, while he is heading for 2. Chris’ concerts sell out in 3 hours or less and he is fantastic. The one here sold out before they could even announce it officially on the radio. He will be here again this summer, with Nikelback. i may go.
Comment by ev — May 24, 2007 @ 11:45 pm
Ev, you lucky girl! I can’t wait to see Pirates 3! 8)
Comment by Janelle — May 25, 2007 @ 12:24 am
Janelle, I’m an ANTM junkie too! Every cycle so far. It’s just so much fun. You’ve got to check out the hilarious recaps from Television Without Pity (TWOP) at http://www.televisionwithoutpity.com/articles/category_1186.html. They’re a little snarky, but they make me laugh out loud!
Lisa
Comment by Lisa Plumley — May 25, 2007 @ 7:44 pm
I love reality shows i am really hook on the design shows also all the ones on bravo. I cant wait for hells kitchen to come back on
project runway and top chief i missed this season of ANTM i seen a few episodes
)
but i also tv shows too ( not heroes
Comment by nancy — May 26, 2007 @ 4:33 am
Funny you should bring this topic up. We came back from Fla a week ago - stayed at a friends empty house. He is not moving in til July so his t.v. was NOT hooked up. I was not too happy. I read 3 books and was glad to do that but needed that t.v. We flew on Tues and was only grateful that I didnt miss the dancing competition on DWTS on Monday. And was happy Survivor was over so I didnt miss that.
As you can see from above, My fav shows are Dancing With the Stars and Survivor. Those are the only Reality Shows I watch. I do enjoy movies on t.v. - especially on Lifetime. I try not to watch too much t.v. as that takes away from my READING time. But still wanted that t.v. when we away
Comment by Pat L. — May 27, 2007 @ 7:30 am