Tuesday night might just be the worst night of TV viewing — ever. Or it could be insanely, ridiculously fun.
Blame — or applaud — ABC. The network gives us a double whammy of physical foolishness beginning at 7 p.m. with the reality competition “Wipeout,” in which 24 people with no sense of embarrassment run through obstacle courses to win the $50,000 prize. At 8 p.m. is “I Survived a Japanese Game Show,” in which 10 Americans are ushered onto the set of — drumroll please — a Japanese game show! Shot in Tokyo! With a studio audience! And the winner gets $250,000!
The contests on “Game Show” include something called “Chicken Butt Scramble,” while one of the “Wipeout” courses is called “Dirty Balls.” I’m leaving that alone.
You will see human cannonballs, a player trying to eat food off the head of a teammate who is running on a treadmill and hosts who provide mocking, often hilarious commentary.
ABC didn’t provide screeners — probably a smart move. Viewers will either hate these reality spoofs — or love them.
Me? After watching a few short clips, I’m tuning in for more before I decide.
— For video clips, go to redeyechicago.com/showpatrolblog.
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PICK & PAN
Rescue Me Minisode
9 p.m. Tuesday, FX
The first of 10 five-minute minisodes premieres to keep fans interested until the drama (below) returns for real next year.
Celebrity Family Feud
7 p.m. Tuesday, NBC
You know you’re in trouble when Ice T’s answer to “What is slippery and hard to hold?” gets bleeped. Guess what? His answer wasn’t on the board.
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CWWAGNER@TRIBUNE.COM
