The Kraker family happily fesses up to being fans of reality TV.
Richard, 19, says Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie’s Arkansas antics made “The Simple Life” a big hit with him and his college friends. His sister, Charissa O’Dell, 24, and her husband admit to taking in “The Bachelor,” “The Real World” and “Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica.”
“We watch it all,” she says.
And mom, Kris Kraker, a teacher from Plainfield, loves “The Apprentice” for the lessons learned through Donald Trump’s proteges.
Love it or hate it, people keep watching reality TV–even as “The Real World” enters its 14th season, a third round of wannabe pop stars line up for Simon’s criticism and new shows that push the envelope of good taste make it on the air.
“Everyone likes to watch everyone–the way people act and react,” O’Dell said. “You wonder what you’d do in that situation. You always think you’d be different, but you never know.”
Mom sums it up: “I think people are interested in people.”
The mindless entertainment is a good break when life gets too busy, she says, though she’ll take a pass on gross-out shows such as “Fear Factor” or reality programs she feels are immoral.
Dee Fitts, a fashion student in her 20s, says she likes the shows that highlight how screwy other people’s lives are. She thinks some of the new shows might be stretching it a bit, but she’ll likely still check them out. “They’re still funny and entertaining–I probably would watch it,” she says.
Friends J.T. Davenport and Graham Brandt, both 27, shake their heads at the idea of Amish reality TV. Most of the new reality shows are stupid, says Davenport, of Chicago. Brandt, who lives in San Francisco, dislikes most of the genre and believes that Fox could contribute to the downfall of our society.
He does admit that one show–NBC’s “The Apprentice”–has him in its grasp. “Trump is totally over the top,” Brandt said. “That apartment was just disgusting.”
– – –
Five real reality shows coming our way …
“My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiance”
(8 p.m. Monday, Fox)
The scripted/reality hybrid features one woman introducing her family to her “fiance” and his “family,” who are really actors.
“Todd TV”
( 9 p.m. Wednesday, FX)
“EdTV” meets “Choose Your Own Adventure.”
One man turns his life over to audience voting, and you get to choose what he does.
“Forever Eden”
(8 p.m. March 1, Fox)
Designed to run in perpetuity, the show places sexy singles
at a luxury resort. The longer they stay, the more money they can earn.
“The Simple Life”
(TBD, Fox)
The network will resurrect the rich girls sans credit cards far from home, for a second season, although the producers haven’t
settled on a new location.
“Amish in the City”
(Summer, UPN)
Although the title may change, this show promises to follow Amish teens experiencing their first contact with modern society.
… and five more we’re afraid we just might see someday
“Queer Eye on the Straight Guy”
Combining “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” with “Fear Factor,” five gay men hit on a different homophobic straight man each week, leading to all sorts of hysterical hijinks!
“The Old Maids”
Four 39-year-old women desperate to have a child vie for the affections of a bachelor who promises to marry and impregnate the winner. The catch? He’s impotent and can’t stand kids.
“So I Married an Ex-Murderer”
Watch what happens when a paroled murderer convinces a young, unassuming girl to become his bride. Will she be his next victim? Americans can’t wait to find out!
“Who Wants to Marry A Pop Star?”
Each week Britney Spears marries and divorces a different childhood friend, culminating with her nuptials to Christina Aguilera.
“American Idle”
Reality TV sets its gaze on … you! America’s couch potatoes vie for the title of least mobile person. Judging is based on how long contestants can go without bathing, doing dishes or seeing a doctor to address those nagging bedsores.
