With the strike going on, the networks have a not so secret weapon: reality TV. Not only does it not require union writers, but it’s also dirt cheap to produce and will still score decent ratings. Now more than ever reality TV will be put to the test. The LA Times took a look at the upcoming reality lineup. (Note: both Fox and The CW plan to introduce additional shows, and some have suggested that The CW could use a prolonged strike in its favor to turn itself into an unscripted network.)
Fox
Returning:
American Idol
Don’t Forget the Lyrics
Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?
New:
Moment of Truth – Polygraph test with increasingly personal questions.
When Women Rule the World – Contestants will be brought to a remote location where women will rule and build their new society.
NBC
Returning:
The Singing Bee
1 Vs. 100
The Biggest Loser
Deal or No Deal
Celebrity Apprentice
New:
American Gladiators – Four men and four women gladiators take on contestants, with host Hulk Hogan.
Amne$ia – Contestants are asked questions from their own lives, with host Dennis Miller.
My Dad Is Better Than Your Dad – Dads will lead competing families in challenges.
Clash of the Choirs – Celebrity artists go back to their hometowns to assemble an amateur singing group of everyday people.
Baby Borrowers – Couples age 16-19 must be parents of a baby, toddler, then pre-teen.
Most Outrageous Moments – Clips show of funny TV moments.
CW
Returning:
America’s Next Top Model
Beauty & The Geek
Pussycat Dolls 2: Girlicious
New:
Farmer Wants a Wife – A farmboy looks for the city girl of his dreams.
Crowned: The Mother of All Pageants – Mother-daughter teams work together to win a beauty pageant.
CBS
Returning:
Survivor
Big Brother
Power of 10
New:
Million Dollar Password – Modern Password show, with host Regis Philbin.
Do You Trust Me? – Asks strangers to wager how much they trust each other, with host Tucker Carlson.
ABC
Returning:
The Bachelor
Dancing with the Stars
Supernanny
Wife Swap
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
New:
Dance War: Bruno Vs. Carrie Ann – Dancing with the Stars spinoff.
Duel – Game show.
The Big Give – Giveaway from Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Productions.
Just for Laughs – Hidden camera show.
Here Come the Newlyweds – Newly married couples compete for cash.