Networks look to reality to fill slate
One reality of the Hollywood writers strike is that an awful lot of reality television is coming your way this month.
Some shows, like “American Idol,” would be arriving now with or without the strike. Others are helping to plug gaps left in the schedule.
Will it be worth staying glued to the tube in January, or should you reach for a good book, a magazine, a Kindle wireless reading device, whatever?
That depends on your tolerance level for a genre that amuses as many as it appalls. Just be warned: Reality isn’t always pretty, as this sampling indicates.
•”How to Look Good Naked,” tonight at 9, Lifetime: The title is gimmicky, but the concept tackles an important issue: women and body image. Host Carson Kressley (“Queer Eye for the Straight Guy”) has plenty of experience teaching men how to be more stylish. Now he’s setting out to help women of all sizes learn how to accept themselves without resorting to extreme diets or cosmetic surgery.
•”American Gladiators,” Sunday, 9 p.m., NBC: If the only gladiator you’re familiar with is Russell Crowe, never mind. But fans of the original “American Gladiator,” a retro-cool guilty pleasure from the ‘90s, will be curious to see this version. It follows the same format of amateur athletes and muscular regulars taking on strength and endurance challenges, but expect some new twists and updates. Hulk Hogan and Laila Ali are the hosts.
•”Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann,” Monday, 8 p.m., ABC: America loves watching unlikely celebrities hit the dance floor. Will it embrace a toe-tapping battle of unknowns? “Dancing With the Stars” judges Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba will each coach a team of aspiring dancers who sing (or singers who dance) through a contest to see who can forge the best new performing group. Expect big, splashy dance numbers of all varieties, not the usual ballroom blitz. Drew Lachey hosts.
•”Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew,” Jan. 10, 10 p.m., VH1: Didn’t we hear enough about stars in rehab last year? And some of those involved, like Daniel Baldwin and “Taxi” co-star Jeff Conaway, have had their troubles overexposed in the media. Still, the saving grace of this show could be the presence of “Loveline” host Dr. Drew Pinsky, who always seems so sensible and smart about addiction and self-destructive behavior. Maybe he’ll bring a measure of wisdom to the proceedings.
•”Make Me a Supermodel,” Jan. 10, 10 p.m., Bravo: Is this going to be sharp and industry-savvy like “Project Runway,” or over-the-top and emotionally fraught like “America’s Next Top Model”? Ooh, the suspense. Supermodels Niki Taylor and Tyson Beckford are hosts for this contest in which 14 finalists will compete for $100,000 and a modeling contract.
•”American Idol,” Jan. 15 and 16, 8 p.m. Fox: Last season, there was grumbling that “Idol” wasn’t as strong creatively (or even ratings-wise) as it could have been. Well, winner Jordin Sparks hasn’t yet reached the heights of Carrie Underwood or Chris Daughtry, and nobody wants to go through another Sanjaya-like frenzy. But “Idol” remains a monstrous success, and its return will make a sliver of network programming feel like business as usual.
•”The Millionaire Matchmaker,” Jan. 22, 11 p.m., Bravo: After “Joe Millionaire” and “Who Wants to Marry a Multi-Millionaire,” seasoned reality viewers may wince at the title. But instead of a kooky contest, this series is about a real-life dating service expert, Patti Stanger, who specializes in finding mates for wealthy men (she’s supposed to have helped make 300 weddings happen).
•”The Moment of Truth,” Jan. 23, 9 p.m., Fox: It’s sort of like that scene in “Meet the Parents” when Robert DeNiro hooks up Ben Stiller to a lie-detector test, only it’s not a joke. Contestants will have to answer questions like “Do fat people repulse you?” for a chance to win $500,000, and the lie-detector results will keep them honest. Will you be watching? Come on, put the electrodes on and don’t lie to the machine.