I am a huge reality television junkie. It is often thought of as the lower class of TV but I am here to tell you that whoever thinks that is wrong. I watch a lot of it and I can confidently say it supplies some of the best moments in television history. We get some characters that just can't be written, we get the shock value that some shows can't even fathom and the one liners are endless; these reality stars are the kings and queens of the sound bite.
My history in reality TV is long and varied. Like everyone I started with Big Brother UK, which is when I ventured into the US and Canadian versions. Then I started watching the likes of The Hills and The City on MTV and Keeping Up With The Kardashians on E! This grew into a love of reality shows that followed 'normal' people around, then the world gifted us the "Real Housewives' franchises (I must say I only watched 3 of them, even I can't keep up with all of the cities). I love these shows for the drama and the escape they provide. I also developed a love for the reality/competition hybrids like Project Runway and America's Next Top Model, which has developed into me practically watching any competition show for every industry in the world, whether it be cooking or make-up.
As a gift from me to you I have found new reality shows that need to be celebrated for their greatness (before their untimely demise, which happens a lot in the reality world). Let's go.
The Real Housewives of Potomac
I always said I will only watch three franchises of the 'Real Housewives' brand (New York, Atlanta and New Jersey), but I decided I would try this one out. I started this year so I thought I would get into this one from the word go. It obviously follows the premise of the all the others, I mean if it ain't broke why fix it? This time it is set in Potomac; yep, I have never heard of it either - but this is something they are very proud of it.
Two of the wives have taken the spotlight so far. We have Gizelle, she is a single divorcee with 3 daughters - she has the sass of Nene (Atlanta) and take no shit attitude of Bethenny (New York), she could definitely be the star of this residence. Then we have Karen, she is the epitome of old money and the only wife who seems to be an actual wife. She doesn't take to newcomers and she makes no apologies even if she is in the wrong. She has a stare that could turn my heart to ice.
So far this show has peeked my interest, it has the right amount of drama that it doesn't seem fake - I mean some of the drama is petty but we need that. Also if you're into your drinking games you should take a shot everytime 'etiquette' is mentioned - you will be wasted within the first 10 minutes.
Ellen's Design Challenge
I love anything that Ellen Degeneres does, so of course when she announces she is creating a furniture design program of course I was going to be watching. I would actually watch any competition show that features anything creative, and I have. I am in awe of some of the things that are created on this show, and I never thought I would be so excited over a well executed chair!
One thing this show is missing is drama, you can tell with some reality competition shows that the cast is half chosen for the fire they may bring, regardless of their talent. This show does not do that. Their competitors are very serious, very hard working and very talented. And I love that about this show, there is no distracting hissy fits here just amazing work. I love a show that I can learn something from, and I honestly believe that given the right tools I may be able to whittle a table leg!
Dance Moms
I am a little late to the party with this one, I have only watched the new season and this is the fifth season. It was already on my radar but I honestly thought I would have no interest in this show. However, my favourite Youtuber (Mamrie Hart) is obsessed with it so I thought I would give it a go - so glad I did. It is is cringe TV. How can these grown women act like this? In front of their kids? They have no filter, they will slam each other's daughters, act like they are this little clique that we are all desperate to get into. Some of their actions are embarrassing, but it is great TV! Abbie Lee (the owner of the dance company) frustrates the crap out of me sometimes, but I understand she is going through some legal issues right now so I'll step back.
The true stars of this show are the dancers, through all the crap the mothers are putting them through they stay concentrated on what they are doing, they compete and they win. The dance competitions at the end of each episode really showcase the talents of these kids and it is inspiring, really need to work on my alignment.
Pitch Slapped
A reality television show about competing high school acapella choirs? Yes! This is what our TV schedule was missing. When you see this advertised you just know that I will be the one watching. I enjoy live performances on TV shows, combine them with competitions and drama then you have a hit. This show features two competing school choirs, Stay Tuned from Cherry Hill and Highlands Voices from Allendale. Stay Tuned always come second to Highlands Voices whenever they have competed in the past.
So now with the help from a guy called Deke Sharon they plan to win the next acapella tournament, Highlands also have a new leader in the shape of Diana Preisler. Deke and Diana are sworn enemies in the acapella world so it's become personal for them to beat the other.
This show is a lighthearted look at the fierce world of acapella competition, we see tears and triumphs. I am completely absorbed into this show and I cannot wait to see who wins the finale next week (my money is on Stay Tuned).
Honourable Mention
Mob Wives
I have watched this show from the very beginning, from the first episode I became obsessed with these women and their lives. You think 'Real Housewives of anywhere' has drama? They should find a seat and sit down. These women are actually related to the mob one way or another, so their drama is of the highest calibre (mixed with the petty stuff we come to expect). 'Loyalty', 'Rat' and 'Fuck' are just some of the terms that you will have to get comfortable hearing about a million times an episode. By the way 'loyalty' is the most important thing, a 'Rat' is the scum of the earth who may have cooperated with the police in their time - so don't call someone one without the truth to back it up, don't compare anyone to one and don't judge someone because they may be related to one, and 'Fuck' is used in almost every sentence spoken, it slips in nicely anywhere.
The reason I mention it is because it is on its last season, VH1 have pulled the plug or the ladies have decided to shut it down - I don't know, but I will miss this show. It had everything I could need from a reality show. It definitely taught me some things about the mob I never knew, it entertained me and at times it shocked me.
Today we lost a great, beautiful woman. Angela "Big Ang" Raiola lost her battle to cancer this morning. She was the runaway star of the show. She supplied the laughs we all need in our lives, she consoled the other women during their hard times and most importantly she was a great woman. She never started an argument on the show, she was the peacekeeper. Credit to how great she is that she is the only star of the show that go their own spin off.
I hate that we were only aware of her for the last few years because of the success of the show, I wish she was on television years ago. She gave us golden moments and she will never be forgotten. Rest in peace Angela.
