TV or Not TV...That is the Question...

Tommy Lee Goes to College premieres August 16th on NBC.


Now that summer is here, all of our favorite shows are on hiatus. What’s left to watch? There are some great series returning this summer (Six Feet Under, Nip/Tuck and Rescue Me) but what I am really fascinated by is the onslaught of new reality series set to premiere this month. I thought (hoping, actually) reality TV was dead! Although I did get a kick out of shows like My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiancé and Celebrity Mole, they never did hold my interest like some of the typical “serials” that have us glued to the TV each week in the cold winter months (OK, I was sucked into The Bachelor/Bachelorette series, so sue me). Even though I am looking forward to the return of some of the summer’s best shows (see above), I feel compelled to watch at least one of the fascinating, absurdly ridiculous reality television programs available this summer.

I think I will pass on Dancing with the Stars, which pairs six “celebrities” (including fame whore Rachel Hunter, last seen on the “Gilligan’s Island” reality show) with professional dancers to compete in a ballroom dancing contest. After the Pepto-Bismol fantasy that was known as Trista and Ryan’s wedding, I think it is safe to say that I never need to see Trista (the first “Bachelorette”) Rehn Sutter ever again.

Another show up for grabs is The Scholar, which will feature bright students competing for a college scholarship. They have to show book smarts, compete in oral exams and defend themselves to an Ivy League scholarship committee…and.…then….they….Oh, excuse me. I just dozed off there for a second. Can you say, BORING? Moving along…

I Want to Be a Hilton. Doesn’t everyone? Maybe I can try out for this show, where Paris’ mom, socialite Kathy Hilton, guides 14 young contestants through the New York social scene. Hmmm…camera crew and a Hilton. It could make for interesting TV.

From the files of washed up and desperate, comes Hit Me Baby, which unearths has-been music stars who try to show a live audience they still have what it takes. I smell a Vanilla Ice comeback…

Fire Me…Please films two people starting new jobs on the same day doing everything they can to get fired. The person who wins will earn more than he/she could ever hope for from the job. Is this for real? Act like an ass, get fired AND get a big payoff? Sign me up!

Tommy Lee Goes to College. For those of you who are wondering, this is the one I will be watching. The best reality TV always comes from the “fish out of water” scenario and I can’t wait to see how Tommy Lee whoops it up at the University of Nebraska. Tommy Lee in the marching band! Tommy Lee in the dorm! Tommy Lee in the dorm with a bunch of underage co-eds! This people, is fantastic television…