Reality TV News (Page 17)

MTV's Newport Harbor isn't enough for Allie Stockton.

The young star of that reality show - which isn't even halfway through its second season - recently said she'll be getting her own spin-off in the near future.

The 17-year-old said the network pitched the idea for the new series "because -- brace yourselves - The Hills is going to end one day, and MTV needs a way to bring in some money."

"My show will show my job currently or internship, can't say which I have, along with some more of my personal life," Stockton  explained.  "My friends will also be on the show."

Look out, Lauren Conrad! Someone wants your spotlight.

What can you expect from reality TV in 2008? Considering the writers' strike, a whole lot!

Here's a preview:

Crowned: The Mother of All Pageants (premieres Wednesday, December 12 at 9PM ET/PT on The CW)
The bond between a mother and her daughter is often special, and this new reality series will definitely put it to the test as mother/daughter teams work together to win a beauty pageant that will award one team $100,000 cash award and a pair of tiaras. With cattiness always just around the corner, viewers may be left to wonder if human mothers eat their young.

Duel (premieres Monday, December 17 at 8PM ET/PT on ABC)
This new game show will air over the course of six consecutive nights, combining Who Wants to be a Millionaire's inane trivia with the World Series of Poker's addictive gambling elements. ABC also gave each of the show's 24 contestants professions' cool character nicknames from "The Alligator Wrestler" to "The Umpire," and much lamer nicknames like "The Software Engineer" to "The Telemarketer."

Clash of the Choirs (premieres on Monday, December 17 at 9PM ET/PT on NBC)
This new reality competition series will air live over the course of four consecutive nights, with five celebrity mentors such as Michael Bolton and Nick Lachey assembling an amateur choir from each of their hometowns and then having them face-off for home viewer votes. While it's billed as a "clash," it will probably be more of a heart-warming holiday sing-off.

The Biggest Loser 5 (premieres Tuesday, January 1 at 8PM ET/PT on NBC)
So much for building anticipation, as NBC will debut the fifth season of this weight-loss reality series exactly two weeks following its fourth-season finale. Contestants trying to shed the pounds will be competing while paired in teams with somebody they have a pre-existing relationship with -- and they'll have to do so without former Red Team trainer Kim Lyons -- who replaced Jillian Michaels prior to the third season only to be replaced by Michaels prior to the fifth season.

Make Me a Supermodel (premieres Wednesday, January 2 at 11PM ET/PT on Bravo)
This America's Next Top Model knock-off includes a few key differences, including a co-ed group of 14 aspiring runway walkers and home viewer votes determining each week's eliminated contestant. It will also answer that age-old question if male models are just as catty as their female counterparts

The Celebrity Apprentice (premieres Thursday, January 3 at 9PM ET/PT on NBC)
If you believe Donald Trump, billions of A-list celebrities were interested in participating in the seventh edition of this reality series, however he somehow ended up with a bunch of C- and D-listers. Regardless, The Donald still took them under his wing to teach them the ins and outs of the business world as they compete for their favorite charitable causes, which should make even Trump rivals Martha Stewart and Rosie O'Donnell smile.

Miss America: Reality Check (premieres Friday, January 4 at 10PM ET/PT on TLC)
Miss America's annual winner apparently isn't automatically born a beauty queen, and this four-part series will aim to prove that point, following the 52 participants competing in the 2008 pageant as they live together under one roof and prepare for their moment in the spotlight.

American Gladiators (premieres Sunday, January 6 at 9PM ET/PT)
This campy competition series, which first aired on syndication in the U.S. from 1989 to 1996, has been reinvented by NBC, with Hogan Knows Best patriarch Hulk Hogan and former Dancing with the Stars participant Laila Ali replacing original hosts Larry Csonka and Michael Adamle. However NBC kept some of the great original challenges -- like The Wall and The Eliminator -- and hopefully those hideous spandex jumpsuits.

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All of a sudden, Jane Pratt starring in a reality TV show isn't that exciting.

The E! network is producing a show around newlyweds - and former sex tape stars - Pamela Anderson and Rick Salomon. According to a source "Think Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson's show [MTV's Newlyweds], but with a lot more sex and a crazier family life."

Sounds like a winner to us!

Pamela Anderson and Rick Salomon: Future reality TV stars.

The show is slated to debut in 2008.

"These two don't have any boundaries, which is perfect for reality stars," says a source of Anderson.

Jane Pratt, the founding editor of Jane and Sassy magazines, is set to star in a new VH1 reality show called American Ugly.

It's being billed as a reality TV rehash of ABC's hit series Ugly Betty. Interestingly, sources say Pratt wasn't the first fashion editor considered for the series.

Brandon Holley - the editor who took over Jane after Pratt was pushed out in July 2005 - was approached about the gig in late spring but wasn't interested.

From there, former Seventeen and Cosmogirl editor Atoosa Rubenstein was offered the role, and actually accepted it. But shortly before the pilot was to be shot, Rubenstein backed out, electing to focus on her own projects.

No word yet on when American Ugly premieres.

To say Tom Sullivan likes Survivor would be a gross understatement.

A radio and television host in Atlanta, Sullivan auditioned five times for this reality show with a $1 million prize. He spent hours shooting, editing and mailing videos of himself to producers and casting agents, and traveled to four cities.

His quest has not just cost him time â€" it has also cost him money, to the tune of $8,000 over five years. And he has never made it onto the show.

But Sullivan still says his efforts have been worth every penny.

"I learned how to deal with producers and I had some great experiences," he said, despite never realizing his dream of being on Survivor.

Sullivan is one of many people who have dropped big money auditioning to become reality TV stars. The reasons for doing so vary: Some mainly want to be on TV, but for others it is part of a very specific plan to enhance their careers.

To them, the money they spend is not so different from, say, investing in a business degree or hiring a career coach or consultant.

"You can sit here and be as talented as you want, but unless you get out there, you're not going to get anywhere," said Sergio Alain Barrios, 41, a New York-based designer who auditioned twice for Project Runway.

On the reality TV show, which appears on Bravo, 15 people are given assignments each week as they compete for a $100,000 prize to start a clothing line, along with other prizes; the show's new season starts on November 14.

Barrios' endeavor cost time and money â€" $2,500 in 2004, and about $5,000 in 2005. Aspiring contestants are required to bring in three samples of their work; Barrios designed 15 pieces and whittled down the selection to 3.

His first try failed, but "rather than be disappointed it motivated me to say, ‘I'll show you,'" said Barrios, who works as a stylist and production assistant.

He said he did receive a word of encouragement from Tim Gunn, one of the hosts and on-the-air mentors of Project Runway.

Continue reading this article in the New York Times ...

TV viewers hooked on suspenseful episodes of hit series such as Heroes and Grey's Anatomy could be left hanging if writers proceed with plans to go on strike.

With Hollywood writers prepared to walk Thursday, networks are scrambling for more reality TV shows, game shows, even reruns if the worst occurs.

Viewers could start seeing an onslaught of reality TV shows by early next year, as series such as Desperate Housewives and Heroes run out of episodes.

"I was in a network meeting (Monday), and they were referring to the fact the timing is good for reality producers," producer Mark Cronin said.

He and partner Cris Abrego have been consistently busy with shows such as Flavor of Love, I Love New York and The Surreal Life.

But "it's going from 50 mph to 70 mph," Cronin said, adding that networks must "protect themselves and fill their airspace."

Members of the Writers Guild of America and the group representing film and TV producers will meet this week with a mediator after scant progress in talks.

Negotiators remain far apart on the issue of raising payment for profits on DVDs and shows offered on the Internet, cellphones and other devices.

A newcomer to TV's writing ranks earns about $70,000 per season for full-time work on a show like Heroes. Veteran TV show writers who move up to a story editor position would get at least a low six-figure salary.

If writers walk out, the effect wouldn't be felt immediately. Networks have enough episodes of some shows, like CSI, Grey's Anatomy, 30 Rock and Ugly Betty, written to last at least the end of the year and possibly well into 2008.

After that, most schedules will run into trouble. That could mean a lot more reality TV shows on tap soon. Which is all good with the Scoop! We're envisioning a hybrid of The Amazing Race, Dancing with the Stars and The Bachelor next spring.

We love Larry Birkhead. He seems like a great father.

But please tell us the following rumor isn't true.

"The E! Network has approached Larry about a few reality shows, all of which involve Dannielynn," a source close to Birkhead told Us Weekly in the magazine's October 1 issue.

An E! source told the celebrity gossip source that the yet-to-be-titled project is "still in the early stages." However, the insider close to Birkhead claims it will run the emotional gamut from "the very comical to the very sincere."

"He wants people to see how hands-on he is," the source said.

NBC has announced open casting calls seeking amateur athletes for its upcoming American Gladiators remake.

Casting calls - which will aim to find both contenders and gladiators - are scheduled to take place throughout September, with stops in Los Angeles, Brooklyn, Chicago, Miami and Dallas.

According to Reality TV World, interested applicants must be at least 18-years-old as well as a legal U.S. resident, and are also being asked to attend the casting calls wearing workout attire and the appropriate footwear to be tested on strength, speed, balance and agility.

Similar to the original American Gladiators franchise, which aired on syndication in the U.S. from 1989 to 1996, NBC's reinvention of the show will feature amateur male and female contenders pitted against gladiator professionals.

Classic American Gladiators challenges such as The Joust, The Wall, Hang Tough, and of course, the Eliminator, will all be upgraded and featured in the reinvented version of the show, along with a mixture of new competitions designed to test physical strength and endurance.

NBC plans to begin broadcasting new episodes of American Gladiators midseason in primetime.

As far as reality TV shows go, this one actually isn't a terrible idea:

Tonight at 10 on MTV is the premiere of Celebrity Rap Superstar, a "talent" competition that will pit supposed celebrities against each other in a battle of rhyming skills.

The cast includes:

• Laguna Beach alum Jason Wahler
• Former NFL player Jamal Anderson
• Celebrity gossip loser Perez Hilton
• Mother of two of K-Fed's kids Shar Jackson
• Playboy Playmate Kendra Wilkinson
• Rocker Sebastian Bach
• Napoleon Dynamite actor Efren Ramirez

Thanks to Reality TV World for the following preview of this year's new and/or returning fall shows...

The Contender (premieres Tuesday, September 4 at 10PM ET/PT on ESPN)
In this corner, 16 super middleweights will duke it out on the third edition of this boxing competition series, which will also aim to appease critics by broadcasting every bout in its entirety on ESPN2.

The Biggest Loser (premieres Tuesday, September 11 at 8PM ET/PT on NBC)
A new host, the return of trainer Jillian Michaels and the absence of a ranch are all changes that will be featured in the fourth edition of this weight-loss reality competition series. However the contestants will still compete in challenges in an attempt to shed pounds, survive enough eliminations and claim the show's $250,000 grand prize, allowing them to purchase as many of those relentlessly-promoted The Biggest Loser Club memberships as they want.

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team (premieres Friday, September 14 at 8PM ET/PT on CMT)
If you thought cheerleading was only for popular high-schoolers or peppy college kids, think again, as the second season of this docu-reality series will give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at cheerleading tryouts for America's Team.

Nashville (premieres Friday, September 14 at 9PM ET/PT on Fox)
Laguna Beach down on the farm, this docu-reality series will follow a group of young country crooners trying to make their mark in Music City, USA. The kids better hope their ascent to the top is entertaining, as the show is airing on Friday nights, which have traditionally proven to be a ratings graveyard for younger-skewing programming like reality shows.

Beauty and the Geek (premieres Tuesday, September 18 at 8PM ET/PT on The CW)
The partnership of looks and smarts was never so entertaining, and the fourth season of this reality show will also feature a new twist -- the inclusion of one hunky guy and one nerdy girl. Ashton Kutcher, you've done it again!

Kid Nation (premieres Wednesday, September 19 at 8PM ET/PT on CBS)
Forty pint-sized pioneers descend upon the ghost town of Bonanza City, NM in this new reality series, which will follow the youth as they work together to create and sustain a fully-functioning community sans parental supervision. Each episode will conclude with a Town Hall-style meeting where they'll discuss important issues before calling it a night, heading to the saloon, and downing some root beers while listening to old 19th century Spongebob Squarepants radio broadcasts.

America's Next Top Model (premieres Wednesday, September 19 at 8PM ET/PT on The CW)
Tyra Banks is back and despite her previous promise that the ninth cycle of this reality competition series would be a "whole rebirth" of the show's format, it won't be. But a few things are for certain, such as a new cast of catty catwalkers; photo shoots with inane themes; and Banks showcasing her talents with the hope of someday replacing Oprah.

Kitchen Nightmares (premieres Wednesday, September 19 at 9PM ET/PT on Fox)
What better way to give a struggling eating establishment a kick in the pants than be sending in foul-mouthed culinary king Gordon Ramsay? This American adaptation of the U.K.'s Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares reality series finds a home in the States and follows the Hell's Kitchen star as he travels across the country and helps restaurants in crisis. Restaurant owners will presumably be pleased by his visit, but employees, not so much.

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