27 Things to Know About Reality TV This Fall
Ballroom dancing may be Olympians' favorite sport. The biggest reality show of all is bringing a new judge to the table. Plus two edgy comedians make a comeback, a popular contest goes native, porn stars try to draw up a business model and more. Get the scoop on all of fall's hot reality TV.
LC's Still Looking for Love
<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/the-hills/223298/main' target='_blank'>'The Hills'</a></font> | Airs Mondays, 10PM on MTV
We can't stop rooting for <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/lauren-conrad/439051' target='_blank'>Lauren Conrad</a> in her quest to find a fella on 'The Hills.' This season, sparks fly with an ex we never met: minor-league ballplayer Doug Reinhardt. Here's hoping he's less of a cad than <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/jason-wahler/541364' target='_blank'>Jason</a> and <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/brody-jenner/525588' target='_blank'>Brody</a> ... but knowing LC's luck, we'll keep a pint of ice cream handy, just in case.
Model Mother
<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/the-janice-dickinson-modeling-agency/989565/main' target='_blank'>'The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency'</a></font> | Airs Tuesdays, 10PM on Oxygen
The contestants keep getting younger and the "world's first supermodel" keeps getting more surgery. This season, the wannabes get to see her work up close since they'll all be living together under one roof. She's one mom who won't make them clean their plates.
<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/all-american-girl/229549/main' target='_blank'>'All American Girl'</a></font> Power
<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/the-cho-show/10291118/main' target='_blank'>'The Cho Show'</a></font> | Airs Thursdays, 11PM on VH1
Her 1994 sitbomb, 'All American Girl,' almost killed <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/margaret-cho/134414' target='_blank'>Margaret Cho</a>, both professionally and personally. But what didn't kill her made her funnier, and now the lauded comic is showcasing her eccentric life on the semi-scripted 'Cho Show.' Her guests are pretty fab (<A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/wanda-sykes/282981' target='_blank'>Wanda Sykes</a>, <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/joan-rivers/108387' target='_blank'>Joan Rivers</a>), but her real-life ma may steal the show.
From Queen B to 'Glam God'
<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/glam-god-with-vivica-a-fox/10303801/main' target='_blank'>'Glam God With Vivica A. Fox'</a></font> | Airs Thursdays, 10PM on VH1
<A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/vivica-a-fox/137994' target='_blank'>Vivica A. Fox</a> has never been an A-lister, but thanks to her stint on <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/curb-your-enthusiasm/99931/main' target='_blank'>'Curb Your Enthusiasm'</a> and a number of films in the can, her career's healthier than it's been in years. So why is the actress jumping on the celebreality train with this stylist-to-the-stars competition? Clearly someone's got <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/tyra-banks/195112' target='_blank'>Tyra</a> envy.
'Top Model': More Than a Woman
<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/americas-next-top-model/66792/main' target='_blank'>'America's Next Top Model'</a></font> | Premieres Sept. 3, 8PM on the CW
The fiercest show on TV (sorry, Christian Siriano) is back with an all-new crop of <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/tyra-banks/195112' target='_blank'>Tyra Banks</a> aspirants -- but this go-around, the contestants include 22-year-old Isis Tsunami, the first transgendered contender in 'Top Model' history. Also on deck: another exotic season-ending trip, this time to a European country.
Facebook Stalking For a Good Cause
<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/the-locator/10304591/main' target='_blank'>'The Locator'</a></font> | Premieres Sept. 6, 9PM on WE
If getting sappy over WeTV is wrong, we don't want to be right. Following <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/troy-dunn/287176' target='_blank'>Troy Dunn</a>, an expert at bringing together long-lost family members and friends, the show is a refreshing change from all the sensational programming on TV. Just seeing an extended preview brought tears to our eyes -- now that's what we call reality.
Style Counsel
<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/rachel-zoe-preview-special/10281598/main' target='_blank'>'The Rachel Zoe Project'</a></font> | Premieres Sept. 8, 11PM on Bravo
The name Rachel Zoe might make you cringe. Then again, maybe you've never heard of her. The petite celebrity stylist has taken dressing the rich and famous to new heights. Thankfully, her new reality show focuses on the lows: catty assistants, actual fashion emergencies and a flooded showroom full of designer duds. Oh my.
In the Family Weigh
<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/the-biggest-loser/74752/main' target='_blank'>'The Biggest Loser 6: Families'</a></font> | Premieres Sept 16, 8PM on NBC
Having hit dramatic gold with its "couples" format, 'The Biggest Loser' is mining the dysfunction further by pitting parents and kids (Jillian's team) against husbands and wives (Bob's team). More guilt! More tears! And, we're guessing, at least one "I don't want you to die, Daddy" heart-to-heart.
It's a Jungle Out There -- Really
<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/survivor/257690/main' target='_blank'>'Survivor: Gabon Earth's Last Eden'</a></font> | Premieres Sept. 18, 8PM on CBS
Last season (<A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/survivor-micronesia-fans-vs-favorites/10143381/main' target='_blank'>Micronesia: Fans Vs. Favorites</a>) might've been the most dramatic edition of 'Survivor' yet, but 'Gabon' could be the wildest, thanks to roaming beasts -- and we don't mean Jonny Fairplay. "We have a danger problem with animals," host <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/jeff-probst/242430' target='_blank'>Jeff Probst</a> told the AP, "[but] we'd love to have a hippo sneak in every so often."
'Dancing' Goes for the Gold
<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/dancing-with-the-stars/419134/main' target='_blank'>'Dancing With the Stars'</a></font> | Premieres Sept. 2, 8PM on ABC
Fresh off winning a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics, beach volleyball player Misty May-Treanor will set her eyes on a new prize -- the mirrorball 'Dancing With the Stars' trophy. She joins such stars as fellow Olympian <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/maurice-greene/424731' target='_blank'>Maurice Greene</a>, <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/lance-bass/296920' target='_blank'>Lance Bass</a> (N'Sync), <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/kim-kardashian/526308' target='_blank'>Kim Kardashian</a>, <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/cloris-leachman/41211' target='_blank'>Cloris Leachman</a>, NFL star <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/warren-sapp/283381' target='_blank'>Warren Sapp</a> and TV chef <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/rocco-dispirito/371919/' target='_blank'>Rocco DiSpirito</a>.
The Families That Play Together ...
<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/opportunity-knocks/10235892/main' target='_blank'>'Opportunity Knocks'</a></font> | Premieres Sept. 23, 8PM on ABC
No, you're not being <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/punkd/66315/main' target='_blank'>'Punk'd'</a> -- this larger-than-life game show actually happens in your own backyard. With <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/ashton-kutcher/242492' target='_blank'>Ashton Kutcher</a> driving the bus, you can expect some attention-grabbing twists, but the most noteworthy thing is how family-friendly the game is. Guess playing stepdad to <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/demi-moore/103370' target='_blank'>Demi's</a> kids has really sunk in.
What a Long, Strange Trip It'll Be
<b>'The Amazing Race 13'</b> | Premieres Sept. 28, 8PM on CBS
The cast of season 13 includes most of the usual suspects: frat brothers, geeks, couples both dating and estranged, blondes dressed in pink, and hippies -- but these are REAL hippies, who make their own honey and run a blueberry farm. Either they'll be our favorite team, or they'll be out in the first leg. Or both.
Money Can't Buy You a BFF
<b>'Paris Hilton's My New BFF'</b> | Premieres Sept. 30, 10PM on MTV
Poor <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/paris-hilton/358949' target='_blank'>Paris Hilton</a>. Making friends is super-hard when you're rich and famous. (And that <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/nicole-richie/383842' target='_blank'>Nicole Richie's</a> <i>so</i> unreliable.) On 'Paris Hilton Needs a New BFF,' she'll live with 20 contestants, teach them how to be socialites, and let them duke it out to be her new dog-walker ... um, best friend. Best. Prize. Ever!
Disparate 'Housewives'
<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/the-real-housewives-of-atlanta-preview-special/10278086/main' target='_blank'>'Real Housewives of Atlanta'</a></font> | Premieres Oct. 7, 10PM on Bravo
Can't get enough of watching the rich and shameless live it up in Orange County and New York? You're in luck -- Bravo has expanded its 'Real Housewives' franchise down south to the capital of Georgia. This version focuses on five women with athlete husbands, successful boutiques and/or country music dreams. No wonder they call it Hotlanta.
Hall Monitor
<b>'World's Funniest Moments'</b> | Premieres Oct. 8, 8PM on MyNetworkTV
His late night show gave an irreverent take on the genre, now <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/arsenio-hall/29728' target='_blank'>Arsenio Hall</a> returns to television with a new spin on the <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/americas-funniest-home-videos/62777/main' target='_blank'>'America's Funniest Home Videos'</a> format. Hall's new gig combines wacky clips submitted by viewers with his own hidden camera bits.
<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/tony-rock/531596' target='_blank'>Tony Rock</a></font> Will Rock You
<b>'The Tony Rock Project'</b> | Premieres Oct. 8, 9PM on MyNetworkTV
There's a new Rock star in town: Tony, younger brother of <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/chris-rock/60918' target='_blank'>Chris</a>, debuts in his own reality show on MyNetworkTV. The comedian will observe the habits of regular people through "man on the street" interviews and hidden-camera segments -- and no doubt chime in with that trademark Rock scathing wit.
Take a Bite Outta This
<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/top-chef/1279033/main' target='_blank'>'Top Chef'</a></font> | Premieres Fall 2008 on Bravo
New York City is a culinary mecca and the only logical destination for the next season of 'Top Chef.' In fact, what took you so long, Bravo? NYC is such an international melting pot of cuisine, we're overjoyed with the prospect that there won't be another clichéd city-themed challenge, a la Chicago's deep-dish pizza disaster.
Mind Your Manners, B*&@ches
<b>'Rock of Love Girls: Charm School'</b > | Premieres Fall 2008 on VH1
Who better to teach a bunch of rowdy, rock-n-roll groupies how to act dignified than potty-mouthed heavy metal manager <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/sharon-osbourne/328190' target='_blank'>Sharon Osbourne</a>? OK, so she's not exactly Emily Post. Then again, the etiquette queen wouldn't last an episode with the skanks on 'Rock of Love Girls: Charm School.' If fists start flying, our money's on <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/ozzy-osbourne/105223' target='_blank'>Ozzy's</a> wife to win the fight, pinkie extended.
Nice Is the New Replaced
<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/top-design/1191249/main' target='_blank'>'Top Design'</a></font> | Premieres Sept. 3, 10PM on Bravo
Move over, <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/todd-oldham/362721' target='_blank'>Todd Oldham</a> -- everyone thinks you're nice and all, but nice doesn't make for good TV. Bravo has given its design show a little makeover with a new host: model and socialite India Hicks. Oldham's still around (you can't <i>fire</i> the nice guy either) -- he's just more like a guidance counselor now.
It's Getting Hot In Here
<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/kitchen-nightmares/1341128/main' target='_blank'>'Kitchen Nightmares'</a></font> | Premieres Sept. 4, 8PM on Fox
<A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/gordon-ramsay/435822' target='_blank'>Gordon Ramsay</a> can whip any kitchen into shape, but after a bumpy first season for this BBC import (bad reviews, a scandal over restaurant owner stunt casting), we're ready for him to cook up some excitement -- and some actual food -- in season 2. The original still gets our Michelin star, but Ramsay's a riot no matter who he's yelling at.
Our Weekly Appointment to Cry
<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/extreme-makeover-home-edition/188636/main' target='_blank'>'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition'</a></font> | Premieres Sept. 28, 7PM on ABC
You'd think that after five emotional seasons, we could watch <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/ty-pennington/374274' target='_blank'>Ty</a> and the gang rebuild peoples' homes and realize their dreams each week without crying. But those designers never cease to find the most deserving families and pull off extremely thoughtful designs. Then, just three little words and it's tear city: "Move! That! Bus!"
What Would <font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/gary-busey/9844' target='_blank'>Gary Busey</a></font> Do?
<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/celebrity-rehab-with-dr-drew/10123546/main' target='_blank'>'Celebrity Rehab 2'</a></font> | Premieres October 2008 on VH1
It's not just the prospect of <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/drew-pinsky/288424/main' target='_blank'>Dr. Drew</a> melting down that has us psyched for 'Celebrity Rehab,' nor the tears and tantrums on the way from <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/tawny-kitaen/38574' target='_blank'>Tawny Kitaen</a>, <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/rodney-king/587647' target='_blank'>Rodney King</a>, Nikki McKibbin and <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/jeff-conaway/85641' target='_blank'>Jeff Conaway</a> (again). Nope, it's that Gary Freakin' Busey (13 years sober!) is on board to serve as their "life coach." Be very afraid.
Now With Personality!
<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/tim-gunns-guide-to-style/1342183/main' target='_blank'>'Tim Gunn's Guide to Style'</a></font> | Premieres Oct. 2, 11PM on Bravo
Even <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/tim-gunn/525600' target='_blank'>Tim Gunn</a> struggles to make it work sometimes. While he managed to clean up after co-host <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/veronica-webb/75176' target='_blank'>Veronica Webb's</a> off-the-cuff commentary last season, she's been replaced with a new "fashion accomplice." Here's hoping that stylist Gretta Monahan's sassy opinions, smart style and on-camera ease add more depth to this so-so show.
'America's Top ...' Editorial Assistant?
<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/stylista/10235901/main' target='_blank'>'Stylista'</a></font> | Premieres Oct. 29, 9PM on the CW
Behind-the-scenes fashion magazine horror stories abound (<A HREF='http://www.moviefone.com/movie/the-devil-wears-prada/23758/main' target='_blank'>'The Devil Wears Prada,'</a> <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/ugly-betty/762061/main' target='_blank'>'Ugly Betty'</a>), but Elle's fashion news director <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/anne-slowey/594203' target='_blank'>Anne Slowey</a> is the real deal. With 11 wannabe magazine editors vying for her approval <i>and</i> juggling her coffee order, she could give even <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/tyra-banks/195112' target='_blank'>Tyra Banks</a> (an exec producer of the show) a lesson in diva.
Fresh Start Or Death Sentence?
<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/project-runway/75956/main' target='_blank'>'Project Runway'</a></font> | Premieres November 2008 on Lifetime
It's the show that made Bravo the reality competition machine it is today, and it's moving to Lifetime. The change caught everyone "auf" guard, but we believe 'Runway' will continue walking tall. Let them increase the fan base and shoot for better ratings, but try to get <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/michael-kors/456929' target='_blank'>Michael Kors</a> in a <i>white</i> t-shirt and we're outta there.
Naked Ambition
<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/my-bare-lady/1175272/main' target='_blank'>'My Bare Lady'</a></font> | Premieres Nov. 8 on Fox Reality
The first time around on 'My Bare Lady,' adult film stars did the Bard (pun <i>not</i> intended). This season they'll do big business, and no, we're not talking about street walking. Motivational speaker Mike Mataraza is their <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/donald-trump/71941' target='_blank'>Donald Trump</a> as the ladies learn how to clean up under his guidance. We're dying to see the money shot.
Ch-ch-ch-changes at 'American Idol'
<font color='#1c5bb0'><A HREF='http://television.aol.com/show/american-idol/65307/main' target='_blank'>'American Idol'</a></font> | Premieres January 2009
Season 7's <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/david-cook/564984' target='_blank'>David</a> vs. <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/david-archuleta/564981' target='_blank'>David</a> battle made a great story, but that didn't stop ratings from plunging. So it's no wonder the reality behemoth is looking to reinvent itself. First, executive producer <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/nigel-lythgoe/100495' target='_blank'>Nigel Lythgoe</a> stepped down. Then, the show hired a fourth judge, Grammy-winning songwriter Kara DioGuardi. And <A HREF='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/paula-abdul/78920' target='_blank'>Paula Abdul's</a> promised more surprises when 'Idol' returns in January.
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