HOME > Reality TV News - October 2003
Reality TV News - October 2003
'Survivor: Pearl Islands' draws best ratings since premiere, knocks off 'Friends' for the first time since 'Survivor: Australia'
October 31, 2003
According to Nielsen preliminary affiliate based ratings for October 30, the evening's Survivor: Pearl Islands episode was the most watched and highest rated in Adults 18-49 Survivor: Pearl Islands broadcast since its September premiere.
Are two less than one? 'The Next Joe Millionaire' bombs on back-to-back nights
October 31, 2003
Fox's The Next Joe Millionaire opened with a thud in the ratings. Did the numbers improve once baseball ended and Fox added a second weekly episode? Unfortunately for Fox, no.
It's "Revenge of the Outcasts" on 'Survivor' as the rejects strike back
October 31, 2003
In a move that some viewers are sure to condemn as "jumping the shark," Survivor has done the previously unthinkable and allowed ousted players a chance to return to the game. Taking full advantage of their new opportunity, the "Outcast" tribe defeated both Drake and Morgan, forcing each of them to vote one contestant out of the game to make room for a returning outcast.
Is feminism dead? 'Newlywed' Jessica Simpson cashes in with marketing deals
October 30, 2003
When we last saw Jessica Simpson, the clueless blonde wife and sometime pop singer featured on MTV's Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica, she was looking to cash in on her "dumb blonde" image. Little did we imagine that she'd be so successful so quickly.
The Next Joe Millionaire - Episode 3 summary
October 30, 2003
"Saying Grace Under Fire," our official summary of the third episode of FOX's The Next Joe Millionaire, written by StarryLuna, has now been posted. Check it out by clicking here.
The Next Joe Millionaire - Episode 2 summary
October 30, 2003
"'The Fairy Tale of Joe Millionaire - Chapter 2," our official summary of the second episode of FOX's The Next Joe Millionaire, written by greeneyes, has now been posted. Check it out by clicking here.
Survivor: Pearl Islands - Episode 6 summary
October 30, 2003
"The Best Laid Plans…," our official summary for Episode 6 of CBS's Survivor: Pearl Islands, authored by "MattyMax" has been posted. Check it out by clicking here.
'Joe Schmo' finale draws over 3.4 million viewers to Spike TV
October 30, 2003
Despite airing against the season premiere of FOX's 24 real-time serial drama, the two-hour series finale of Spike TV's The Joe Schmo Show drew big ratings on Tuesday night -- at least "big" for the freshly relaunched basic cable network.'Survivor' producer Mark Burnett launches new scripted show, based on himself
October 30, 2003
Without Mark Burnett, reality TV as we know it today might not exist. We may soon learn whether his own life is as interesting as his reality shows.
Survivor: Pearl Islands - 'Gay Survivor Journal, Episode 6'
October 29, 2003
Larry Johnson, a comedy writer currently working for Disney TV, has posted "Trashing Trish," the 6th installment of this season's 'Gay Survivor Journal,' his weekly commentary about CBS's Survivor: Pearl Islands from a gay point of view.
Clay Aiken's 'Measure of a Man' remains #1 in U.S. with sales of 225,000 units
October 29, 2003
Debuting at #1 ... great. Remaining at #1 over both a Rod Stewart and an Eagles debut ... even better.
FOX extends December 2 'The Simple Life' premiere episode to a full hour
October 29, 2003
The pre-show buzz about The Simple Life, FOX's new reality series that chronicles two affluent socialites as they make the transition from filthy rich to just plain filthy, has apparently been so good that the network has announced that the series will now premiere with a special one-hour episode at 8PM ET on Tuesday, December 2.
Bravo's 'Queer Eye" seeks product placement, while critics wince
October 29, 2003
The NY Daily News reports that the producers of Bravo's Queer Eye for the Straight Guy are looking to product placement as a means of generating additional revenue during the second season of the hit series. Among the companies looking to appear in the program -- and to get a boost by being associated with the "Fab Five" -- are PepsiCo, Almay cosmetics from Revlon and Pier 1.
Bravo to begin airing new 'Queer Eye For The Straight Guy' episodes starting November 16
October 29, 2003
Bravo has announced that “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” will return to the cable network with all new episodes beginning Tuesday, November 18 (10-11 PM ET). The "Fab 5" - Carson, Jai, Kyan, Ted and Thom - are back with an all new line-up of straight guys in need of a life makeover.
Jessica Simpson's sister Ashlee filming her own MTV reality TV show pilot
October 29, 2003
One stereotypical blond airhead Simpson family member apparently wasn't enough for MTV, as the network has announced that they've signed up Newlyweds co-star Jessica Simpson's little sister Ashlee Simpson for her own reality television show pilot.
Schmo-ed Up ... and Spike TV's 'Joe Schmo' Matt Kennedy Gould didn't have a clue
October 29, 2003
In the long-awaited finale to Spike TV's The Joe Schmo Show, Matt Kennedy Gould finally learned that he was the only contestant among a sea of actors ... and, contrary to popular suspicion, Matt had no idea what had just happened to him until all the details were laid out.
'Survivor: Pearl Islands' Episode 7, Part 1 'State of the Spoiling'
October 28, 2003
Our 'State of the Spoiling' summary for part one of the seventh episode of Survivor: Pearl Islands is now posted, click here to read it.
'Joe Schmo' star Matt Kennedy Gould no longer just looking for "a house, a dog, and a girl"
October 28, 2003
After being preempted by last week's The GQ Men of the Year Awards, Spike TV's popular The Joe Schmo Show "fake" reality show will conclude on Tuesday, October 28 at 9PM ET with a two-hour series finale as the gullible (but likeable) Matt Kennedy Gould will finally learn the truth behind the fake Lap of Luxury reality show in which he has been competing.
ABC assembles "Dream Team" for Trista Rehn and Ryan Sutter's 'Bachelorette' wedding
October 28, 2003
When Trista Rehn and Ryan Sutter exchange wedding vows on their upcoming televised wedding extravaganza, their love will be plentiful, but so will their surroundings. From the wedding planner to the florist to the designers and the wedding cake, ABC will be ensuring that Trista and Ryan will enjoy the best of the best!
'The Simple Life's Nicole Richie in rehab over earlier drug charge
October 28, 2003
Nicole Richie, the 21-year-old daughter of former pop superstar Lionel Richie and co-star of FOX's highly anticipated The Simple Life "reality sitcom" series has entered a drug-diversion program after pleading guilty to a felony heroin-possession charge earlier this month.
The Bachelor 4 - Episode 5 summary
October 27, 2003
"Nobody Loves Lee-Ann," our official summary of Episode 5 of ABC's The Bachelor 4, written by Bebo, has now been posted. Check it out by clicking here.
'The Surreal Life 2' to feature nudity, stunts -- and Gary Coleman
October 24, 2003
No wonder the WB cast a porn star in The Surreal Life 2. The Desert Sun of Palm Springs (CA) reports that the cast of six D-list celebrities will get a lot of "exposure" during the show -- because some of the filming will take place at a nudist resort.
Clay Aiken single comes up just short in bid to retake #1 slot in U.S.
October 24, 2003
Clay Aiken may have the top-selling CD in the U.S., but his bid to also have the top-selling single in the same week was derailed by Christian rockers MercyMe.
'Canadian Idol' finalist Audrey de Montigny signs recording deal with BMG Canada
October 24, 2003
BMG Canada has signed a second finalist from Canadian Idol, but it isn't who you might think. BMG announced this month that fourth-place finisher Audrey de Montigny from Ste.-Julienne, Quebec will record for BMG's ViK. label.
'Canadian Idol' Ryan Malcolm holds off Kelly Clarkson for top single in Canada
October 24, 2003
The U.S. and Canadian Idols went head-to-head this week ... and in the end, the home Idol won. On the Nielsen SoundScan Canadian Singles Sales chart for the week ended October 19, CTV's Canadian Idol winner Ryan Malcolm's debut single "Something More" edged out American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson's "Low" for #1.
Trista Rehn & Ryan Sutter to marry at lavish Palm Springs resort
October 24, 2003
Apparently a hometown wedding won't be in the cards of The Bachelorette's Trista Rehn and Ryan Sutter. According to The Denver Post, the Vail, Colorado-based couple have instead opted to let ABC throw them a lavish Hollywood-style wedding at the swanky "Lodge at Rancho Mirage" in Palm Springs, California on December 6.
Rupert puts down Trish's mutiny and the snake pays the ultimate price
October 24, 2003
Going into this week's competitions on a three-challenge losing streak, Drake needed a win badly, and they got one... the only problem being that it was the Reward Challenge rather than the much more important Immunity Challenge. But hey, when "Scrawny Jon" is the third guy in your tribe, you know you're going to be be in trouble during any strongmen challenges -- a fact that even Drake recognized by opting to compete with Christa instead of Jon.
Ratings: Sixth episode of 'Survivor: Pearl Islands' draws over 20 million viewers
October 24, 2003
While last night's Florida Marlins / New York Yankees World Series game might have been alluring to some viewers, clearly it wasn't able to pack the ratings punch of last week's seventh game of the Boston Red Sox / New York Yankees ALCS, as CBS's broadcast of Survivor: Pearl Islands won its 8-9PM timeslot versus FOX's World Series game and NBC's combined Friends/Scrubs sitcoms.
'Fear Factor' continues its ratings growth, dominates FOX's 'The Next Joe Millionaire' premiere
October 24, 2003
NBC's Fear Factor continued its Fall 2003 ratings growth this week, despite the much-hyped premiere of FOX's The Next Joe Millionaire. Fear Factor outscored the deeply disappointing premiere of the Joe Millionaire sequel by a 59 percent margin among adults 18-49 and 5.2 million viewers overall.
'American Idol' winner Ruben Studdard delays debut album 'Soulful' until Dec. 9
October 24, 2003
We now know that Clay Aiken, runner-up in Fox's American Idol 2, has achieved the greatest success of any Idol contestant so far. But we'll have to wait a little longer to see whether Ruben Studdard, who edged him in the finals of Idol 2, can match that success.
NBC already has 'Average Joe 2' filmed and ready to go
October 23, 2003
Apparently taking a cue from its own previous For Love Or Money reality dating show, the one of the producers of NBC's upcoming Average Joe has revealed that in anticipation of hit ratings, the network has already filmed a second edition of the expected buzzworthy series before the first edition premieres on Monday, November 3.
Survivor: Pearl Islands - 'Gay Survivor Journal, Episode 5'
October 23, 2003
Larry Johnson, a comedy writer currently working for Disney TV, has posted "Losing Lil," the 5th installment of this season's 'Gay Survivor Journal,' his weekly commentary about CBS's Survivor: Pearl Islands from a gay point of view.
The Next Joe Millionaire - Episode 1 summary
October 23, 2003
"I Wanna Be A Cowgirl," our official summary of the premiere episode of FOX's The Next Joe Millionaire, written by cqvenus, has now been posted. Check it out by clicking here.
USA Network begins auditions and sets schedule for second 'Nashville Star'
October 23, 2003
USA Networks announced Tuesday that the second edition of its reality-talent show Nashville Star will begin airing on March 6, 2004, in the same Saturday night at 10 PM (ET/PT) time slot (which, to put it politely, is not a desirable slot).
Jessica Simpson looks to exploit "dunce" image from MTV's 'Newlyweds'
October 22, 2003
Is all publicity good publicity? Jessica Simpson, the beautiful but dim co-star of MTV's Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica, apparently thinks so.'Very litigious' David Gest sues estranged wife Liza Minnelli for $10 million
October 22, 2003
Even his friends called him "very litigious". On Tuesday, David Gest lived up to his image. Gest, 50, filed suit against his estranged (and soon-to-be-ex) wife Liza Minnelli, 57, claiming that she regularly beat him during their 16-month marriage and asking for $10 million in damages.
Clay Aiken's 'Measure of a Man' album opens at #1 with U.S. sales of 613,000 units
October 22, 2003
Nothing succeeds like success, and American Idol 2 runner-up Clay AIken has had a lot of it lately. According to Billboard, Clay's debut CD, Measure of a Man on RCA Records. ranked #1 in its first week on the Nielsen SoundScan U.S. Album Sales charts (which is the same as the "Billboard 200" album charts), with a stunning total of 613,000 units sold at SoundScan-reporting outlets for the week ended October 19.
The WB orders a third edition of 'High School Reunion'
October 22, 2003
Fresh on the heels of yesterday's announcement that The WB has begun filming a second season of its The Surreal Life reality series, the network has also announced that it has also ordered a third season of its other popular reality show from last season -- High School Reunion.
'Survivor: Pearl Islands' Episode 6 'State of the Spoiling'
October 22, 2003
Our 'State of the Spoiling' summary for the sixth episode of Survivor: Pearl Islands is now posted, click here to read it.
Survivor: Pearl Islands - Episode 5 summary
October 22, 2003
"Drake Shakes, Morgan Moves, and Jon's the King of Nothing," our official summary for Episode 5 of CBS's Survivor: Pearl Islands, authored by "Drive My Car" has been posted. Check it out by clicking here.
Jessica Simpson gets an education on Chicken Of The Sea
October 21, 2003
It took a few months, but Jessica Simpson is now apparently clear on what's inside a can of Chicken Of The Sea. Turning an embarrassing public gaffe into a public relations opportunity like only a true "pop princess" can, Simpson "surprised" the employees of the Chicken of the Sea tuna company on Monday with a guest appearance to confirm the answer to the question she first asked while filming an episode of MTV's Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica -- "Is it chicken or is it tuna?"
'The Next Joe Millioniare' premiere tanks in the ratings, places fifth in timeslot
October 21, 2003
It appears that just as with Temptation Island 2, a second trip back to the Joe Millionaire well might have been one trip too many for both FOX and the Rocket Science production company that produced both series. According to the initial overnight ratings, the premiere of the network's much-hyped The Next Joe Millionaire series struggled mightily, drawing only a 5.2/ 7 rating/share and fewer than seven million viewers.
The WB serves up more D-listers for 'The Surreal Life 2'
October 21, 2003
People said it couldn't be done. They said no one could find a list of more one-time celebrities less newsworthy than the original cast of The WB's The Surreal Life. But, for the upcoming The Surreal Life 2, the producers have topped themselves.
'Idol' runner-up Clay Aiken's original goal? 'The Amazing Race'
October 21, 2003
Add American Idol 2 runner-up Clay Aiken to the fans of CBS's The Amazing Race. In an interview with MTV, Clay said that his original reality-show goal was to compete in Jerry Bruckheimer's Emmy-winning round-the-world competition.Indiana U. telecommunications course focuses on reality TV
October 21, 2003
According to the Indiana Daily Student and WTHR-TV 13 in Indianapolis, a new telecommunications seminar for freshmen at Indiana University takes college students inside reality TV, for better or worse.
'The Amazing Race 4' winner Reichen Lehmkuhl to appear on CBS's 'The Young And The Restless' soap
October 21, 2003
Reichen Lehmkuhl, who along with partner Chip Arndt won the fourth edition of the CBS reality show The Amazing Race, will appear on The Young And The Restless, television’s highest-rated daytime drama Tuesday, Oct. 21 through Thursday, Oct. 23 (12:30-1:30 PM, ET; 11:00 AM-12:00 Noon, PT) on the CBS Television Network. Lehmkuhl will appear as a waiter at the Genoa City Athletic Club restaurant frequented by the show’s characters.
'Canadian Idol' winner Ryan Malcolm logs second week with #1 single in Canada
October 20, 2003
The Pop Idol franchise contiunues to produce national hits for BMG Music Group. The latest success belongs to Ryan Malcolm, the winner of CTV's Canadian Idol, whose single "Something More" on BMG's Canadian-only ViK. label has now spent two weeks at #1 on the Nielsen SoundScan Canadian Single Sales charts.
Ozzy and Kelly Osbourne film music video in bid to relaunch Kelly's "Changes" CD
October 20, 2003
Launch Radio Networks reports that the father/daughter team of Ozzy and Kelly Osbourne from MTV's The Osbournes has recorded a music video for their duet on the old Black Sabbath tune "Changes." The video is part of an effort to relaunch Kelly's debut CD, which was originally called Shut Up! but has been re-issued with five additional tracks as Changes.
Single from 'Idol' finalist Vanessa Olivarez tumbles down Canadian charts
October 20, 2003
Looks like one week in the Canadian Top 10 was the limit for the first single from American Idol 2 finalist Vanessa Olivarez. In its second week of release, her single, "The One," plunged down the Nielsen Sound Scan Canadian Singles Sales chart, ending up at #48 for the week ended October 12.
Clay Aiken's "Measure of a Man" album generates enormous sales but mixed reviews
October 20, 2003
The first CD from American Idol 2 runner-up Clay Aiken, entitled Measure of a Man, opened on October 14 with huge sales despite mixed reviews from critics. According to WRAL.com in Raleigh-Durham, NC, an RCA executive estimated that sales during the first two days of the CD's release had totaled 230,000 -- already equivalent to the total sales of the #1 CD on the Nielsen SoundScan Album Sales chart during the prior week.
The Bachelor 4 - Episode 4 summary
October 20, 2003
"Television's Great Marine Disasters," our official summary of Episode 4 of ABC's The Bachelor 4, written by dajaki, has now been posted. Check it out by clicking here.
NBC's 'Average Joe' series to premiere Monday, November 3
October 18, 2003
Watch out FOX and David Smith, NBC has announced that there'll soon be a second "Joe" airing on Monday nights. Following on the heels of The Next Joe Millionaire's premiere on Monday, October 20, NBC has announced that NBC's own six episode twisted Average Joe take on the reality relationship show genre will premiere on Monday, November 3 at 10PM ET.
'American Idol' alumni to perform Christmas special on Fox to support new CD
October 17, 2003
Is it to help sell the new American Idol Christmas CD? Or is it to build anticipation for the third season of Idol, which will debut in January 2004? Or, just maybe, is it an effort to help the Fox network during the November sweeps?
Ozzy Osbourne cancels European tour, citing tremors
October 17, 2003
The Boston Globe reports that Ozzy Osbourne canceled his European tour, which was to start next week, after announcing that he had spent the past three weeks in Boston seeking medical treatment for tremors.
Trista Rehn and Ryan Sutter busily planning for November wedding
October 17, 2003
Andrea Sellers, RealityTVWorld.com’s on-the-spot correspondent, is back with some info on everyone’s favorite Bachelorette’s upcoming wedding.
Drake loses again and Michelle gets sent packing
October 17, 2003
Having intentionally lost the previous Immunity Challenge, Drake is discovering its not that easy to climb back on the horse, as the previously unbeaten Drake tribe suddenly dropped its second and third consecutive challenges to a resurgent Morgan tribe. Somewhere out at the Loser Lodge, we're sure that Burton Roberts is enjoying Drake's sudden difficulties. After being the sole member of her tribe to vote with Burton last week, it wasn't that big a surprise to see her head up next on the chomping block, however we have to give Michelle Tesauro kudos for attempting the "but I don't eat a lot" defense.
Airing versus Red Sox/Yankees ALCS Game 7, 'Survivor: Pearl Islands' still draws 19.35 million viewers
October 17, 2003
Last night's ratings reconfirmed what anyone visiting this website probably already knew -- Survivor fans are diehard viewers.
"Fab Five" from 'Queer Eye' get major pay hike but struggle with new fame
October 16, 2003
Those of you who were worried that the 'Fab Five' from Bravo's Queer Eye for the Straight Guy were getting gypped can sleep easier tonight. Television Week reports that the renegotiated second-season contracts between the show's producers and the 'Fab Five' raise their per-episode salary from $3,000 each per show to somewhere between $6,000 and $10,000 each per show.
Joe Schmo - Episode 7 summary
October 16, 2003
"Back From the Dead," our official summary of Episode 7 of Spike TV's The Joe Schmo Show, written by AMAI, has been posted. Check it out by clicking here.
Ally Hilfiger and Jamie Gleicher to star in MTV's 'Rich Girls' beginning October 28
October 15, 2003
Want to see how some rich kids live? And no, we're not talking about the silly situation that involves sticking Paris Hilton out in the boondocks -- you'll have to wait until December for that. We're referring to MTV’s latest venture into reality TV, it's new eight episode “Rich Girls” series that will premiere October 28 at 10:30 PM ET.
'Joe Schmo' producers "in talks" with Spike TV for a second season of 'Joe Schmo'
October 14, 2003
Apparently the new Spike TV has been satisfied with the ratings performance of The Joe Schmo Show, because in an interview with the New York Daily News, representatives of the show's Stone-Stanley production company are saying that "talks are underway" with the network about a second season of the show.
'Queer Eye's "All Things" theme song to be released as a single
October 14, 2003
Billboard.com's Jonathan Cohen is reporting that "All Things," the theme song for the Bravo/NBC hit "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," has been picked up for release as a single by Capitol Records.
'Making The Band 2's Da Band 'Too Hot for TV' album sells over 200,000 copies in debut week
October 14, 2003
Too Hot for TV, the debut album for Da Band, the hip-hop/R&B group group that came out of MTV's Making The Band 2 series hosted by Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, sold over 203,000 copies in it's first week of release last week.
'Survivor: Pearl Islands' Episode 5 'State of the Spoiling'
October 14, 2003
Our 'State of the Spoiling' summary for the fifth episode of Survivor: Pearl Islands is now posted, click here to read it.
Eleven former 'Big Brother' houseguests to guest star on CBS's 'Yes, Dear,' on Monday, October 20
October 14, 2003
CBS has released the full roster of former Big Brother contestants, as well as an episode airdate, for their previously announced special Big Brother-themed episode of the network's Yes, Dear, Monday night comedy. Airing on Monday, October 20 at 8PM ET, the Yes, Dear, episode will see Jimmy (played by Mike O'Malley) disqualified as contestant from the "Big Brother" house as a result of Greg’s (Anthony Clark) shenanigans.
Clay Aiken's hometown fans party the night away in Raleigh, NC
October 13, 2003
Greetings, Claymates! Reality TV World's on-the-spot correspondent Andrea Sellers here, reporting from where the magic started - Raleigh, North Carolina. With the release of Clay Aiken's "Measure of a Man" album just hours away, you may wonder if Clay's hometown is getting a litte excited about the event. Ha! Does Randy say "Dawg"?
Clay Aiken hits the media circuit to promote "Measure of a Man" debut album
October 13, 2003
With American Idol 2 runner-up Clay Aiken's debut album getting released tomorrow, Tuesday, October 14, the media blitzkrieg has begun, and unless you live under a rock (or don't own a television) then odds are that you'll soon be seeing Clay appearing on a television near you.
Joe Schmo - Episode 6 summary
October 13, 2003
"You Want Me to Eat What?!," our episode summary of Episode 6 of Spike TV's The Joe Schmo Show, written by FesterFan1, has been posted. Check it out by clicking here.
Survivor: Pearl Islands - Episode 4 summary
October 13, 2003
"Even a Blind Squirrel Finds a Nut Sometimes," our official summary for Episode 4 of CBS's Survivor: Pearl Islands, authored by "Draco Malfoy" has been posted. Check it out by clicking here.
Survivor: Pearl Islands - 'Gay Survivor Journal, Episode 4'
October 12, 2003
Larry Johnson, a comedy writer currently working for Disney TV, has posted "Losing Lil," the 4th installment of this season's 'Gay Survivor Journal,' his weekly commentary about CBS's Survivor: Pearl Islands from a gay point of view.
'Bachelor' Bob Guiney deep-sixes "3 Sides" CD and places singing career on hold
October 12, 2003
We previously reported the attempt by Bob Guiney, star of ABC's The Bachelor 4, to use his new-found fame to relaunch his singing career. Apparently, it didn't work, because Bob has now pulled his CD, entitled 3 Sides, from Amazon.com.
NBC schedules additional 'Fear Factor' episodes for November sweeps
October 12, 2003
According to the Hollywood Reporter, NBC will air two special showings of Fear Factor during November sweeps in an effort to improve its demographics (especially in adults 18-34) and blunt other networks' programming.Networks face sharp decline in young adult viewers; lack of reality shows blamed
October 12, 2003
The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) reports that the first Nielsen ratings of the 2003-04 season contain bad news for the six broadcast networks. Viewership in the critical 18-34 demographic has dropped from the prior year by 12%.
FOX releases names and photos of the women appearing on 'The Next Joe Millionaire'
October 11, 2003
FOX has released the names and photos of the fourteen women that will be appearing in their The Next Joe Millionaire series, the "international sequel" to last winter's hit Joe Millionaire series.
MTV renews critically-praised 'Newlyweds' for an additional six episode season
October 10, 2003
The Hollywood Reporter reports that MTV has ordered a second season of its surprise-hit summer series Newlyweds, focusing on the celebrity marriage of former 98 Degrees singer Nick Lachey, 29, and "pop tart" Jessica Simpson, 23, who had the smash hit "Irresistible." The second-season order consists of an additional six episodes, which will air in 2004.
ABC changes 'Wife Swap' to 'Trading Moms,' approves six episode run in summer 2004
October 10, 2003
The Hollywood Reporter reports that ABC has greenlighted production of six episodes of the British show Wife Swap, to be aired during summer 2004. However, perhaps in response to our prior comments about the name, the show will be renamed Trading Moms for U.S. broadcast.
ABC's 'Extreme Makeover' ratings increase sharply versus previous week
October 10, 2003
It's still early, but if the initial returns are any indication, ABC's counter-programming strategy of airing its popular Extreme Makeover realty series on Thursday at 9PM ET versus the hit lineups of CBS and NBC is showing signs of paying off.
FOX seeking female "ugly ducklings" for new 'The Swan' reality makeover series
October 10, 2003
First there was ABC's Extreme Makeover. Then this fall Bunim-Murray premiered the first daily syndicated original reality series, Starting Over. Now FOX and the producer's of American Idol have announced plans for a new unscripted series named The Swan that combines the physical makeover aspect of Extreme Makeover, the lifestyle makeover concept of Starting Over, and (dare we say it) the "beauty pageant" aspect of ABC's embarrassing Are You Hot?
TBS's 'House Rules' new competitive home improvement series premiering Friday, October 10
October 10, 2003
Starting Friday, October 10 at 8PM ET, home improvement gets competitive when TBS Superstation pits three teams of amateur home remodelers against each other in the new reality series House Rules, presented by Lowe's. The series, which will result in one team winning the deed to the home they've renovated, is hosted by Mark L. Walberg (Temptation Island.)
Burton's challenge strategy backfires as ends up engineering his own 'Survivor' booting
October 10, 2003
Let's hope Burton Roberts' track record with his video game marketing strategies is better than that of his Survivor gameplay, otherwise he might soon be looking for new employment. Not happy with his tribe's undefeated challenge status, the 31 year-old marketing executive from San Francisco convinced his fellow tribemates to intentionally throw Episode 4's Immunity Challenge competition with plans to thin his tribe's numbers and reduce his potential post-merge competition.
The Bachelor 4 - Episode 3 summary
October 9, 2003
"The Bachelor: The Musical," our official summary of Episode 3 of ABC's The Bachelor 4, written by buckeyegirl, has now been posted. Check it out by clicking here.
Survivor: Pearl Islands - 'Gay Survivor Journal, Episode 3'
October 9, 2003
Larry Johnson, a comedy writer currently working for Disney TV, has posted "Losing Lil," the third installment of this season's 'Gay Survivor Journal,' his weekly commentary about CBS's Survivor: Pearl Islands from a gay point of view.
Vanessa Olivarez becomes third 'American Idol' finalist to reach Canadian Top 10
October 9, 2003
After Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken, which American Idol 2 finalist would be most likely to have a Top 10 single? Would you believe ... the pink-haired Vanessa Olivarez, who was the first member of the FInal 12 to be eliminated ... and who was the only Idol 2 finalist excluded from the live tour?
FOX's 'Paradise Hotel' format licensed internationally
October 9, 2003
Continuing a recent mini reversal of the one-way trend of US broadcasters licensing existing overseas reality programs for US production, Digital Sky's Neil Wilkes is reporting that FOX has sold the format for its Paradise Hotel summer program to ten countries around the world.
TLC's 'Trading Spaces $100 Grand' special sets ratings records, draws over 9 million viewers
October 9, 2003
TLC's Sunday night two-hour premiere of Trading Spaces $100 Grand drew record numbers of viewers for the network, making it the highest-rated TLC program ever and setting several 2003 cable broadcast records.
Simon Cowell proposes hybrid scripted-reality performance show to Fox
October 8, 2003
You have to admire the chutzpah of Simon Cowell, American Idol judge and Cupid executive producer. As part of Cowell's new contract, Fox gets first look at the next three show ideas from Cowell and his production company, simcow Ltd. The first one looks extremely familiar.
Final date of James and Wes on Bravo's 'Boy Meets Boy' flirted ... with disaster
October 8, 2003
Do you think that reality TV actually shows reality? Before you answer, consider the final date between Wes Culwell and James Gaetzlaff on Bravo's Boy Meets Boy this summer.
Clay Aiken fights to keep sexual "edge" out of 'Measure of a Man' CD - and wins
October 7, 2003
Time magazine reports that American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken and his record label, RCA Records, battled continually during the making of his debut CD Measure of a Man over both content and career direction. Clay’s goal, to produce an album free from both sexual innuendo and “edge,” was strongly resisted by RCA executives led by label chairman and music industry legend Clive Davis. However, Clay's CD, scheduled for release on October 14, ultimately came out "clean" -- the way that Clay wanted it.
'Survivor: Pearl Islands' Episode 4 'State of the Spoiling'
October 7, 2003
Our 'State of the Spoiling' summary for the fourth episode of 'Survivor: Pearl Island' is now posted, click here to read it.
Survivor: Pearl Islands - Episode 3 summary
October 7, 2003
"Is There Any Cheese To Go With That Whine?," our official summary for Episode 3 of CBS's Survivor: Pearl Islands, authored by "janisella" has been posted. Check it out by clicking here.
'Who Wants To Marry My Dad?' couple ends engagement
October 6, 2003
Don Mueller, the star of NBC's "Who Wants To Marry My Dad?" hit summer series, has confirmed that his engagement to Christena Ferran is over because neither one of them wanted to relocate. The news shouldn't come as any surprise to fans of the program, as Mueller had already stated back in August that while he and Ferran were "technically engaged," he wasn't "necessarily going to marry" because of the "many obstacles" that stood between them -- starting with the fact that the company he owned was based in Cincinnati while Ferran and her family were settled in San Diego.
Joe Schmo - Episode 5 summary
October 6, 2003
"Is There a Fetishist in the House?," our episode summary of Episode 5 of Spike TV's The Joe Schmo Show, written by I_AM_HE, has been posted. Check it out by clicking here.
TLC airing $100,000 'Trading Spaces' two-hour special on October 5
October 4, 2003
TLC's Trading Spaces is going upscale for an episode -- the network has announced it will air an one-time two-hour "$100,000 Challenge" on Sunday, October 5, 2003 at 8PM EST.
The Bachelor 4 - Episode 2 summary
October 3, 2003
"Bob's Groupies," our episode summary of Episode 2 of ABC's The Bachelor 4, written by greeneyes, has been posted. Check it out by clicking here.
Temptation Island 3 - Finale Episode summary
October 3, 2003
"The Last Lap of Temptation," our official summary for Episode 6, the finale of Fox's Temptation Island 3, written by StarryLuna, has been posted. Check it out by clicking here.
'Amazing Race 4' winners Reichen Lehmkuhl and Chip Arndt confirm end of "marriage"
October 3, 2003
After months of rumors about the status of the relationship of The Amazing Race 4 winners Reichen Lehmkuhl and Chip Arndt, who were billed as "married" during the show, Reichen has finally confirmed that they have split up -- although he says that the less-than-two-year marriage "officially" ended this past Sunday. Why? The stress of the show. Or maybe not.
Survivor: Pearl Islands - Episode 2 summary
October 3, 2003
"Head Gets Cut Off Shoulders," our official summary for Episode 2 of CBS's Survivor: Pearl Islands, authored by "PepeLePew13" has been posted. Check it out by clicking here.
Morgan tribe loses again, scoutmaster Lillian gets ousted from the troop
October 3, 2003
Finally a Survivor: Pearl Islands prediction that got a little more interesting. Despite the feelings of many viewers who thought that the inept Morgan tribe couldn't possibly lose yet another Immunity Challenge (and thought it likely that either Jon or Rupert would be sent packing), Morgan managed to do just that (never underestimate Osten's ability to contribute to failure) -- resulting in the removal of Lillian Morris from the game. Or so Morgan thinks... remember, those scouts are always prepared for anything.
Without super-sized 'Friends' to watch, viewers flock to second-half of 'Survivor'
October 3, 2003
Without a super-sized "Friends" airing against it this week, CBS's Survivor: Pearl Islands found smoother ratings sailing, and, although NBC will likely still win Thursday among adults 18-49 once the nationals are released, the performance helped lead CBS over the once unstoppable NBC lineup in the overnight ratings.
Second episode of ABC's 'The Bachelor 4' draws 9.9 million viewers, but finishes third in timeslot
October 3, 2003
After four seasons, is the bloom starting to come off ABC's The Bachelor? In addition to having to deal with airing against an apparent resurgent The West Wing from NBC, it looks like ABC's The Bachelor is going to also have to deal with a second tough timeslot competitor -- CBS's relocated The King Of Queens series.
Temptation Island 3 - Episode 5 summary
October 3, 2003
"I Don’t Remember, I Just Talk," our official summary for the two-hour Episode 5 of Fox's Temptation Island 3, written by Coconut, has been posted. Check it out by clicking here.
ABC's 'Bachelor' Bob Guiney uses TV show in effort to jump-start singing career
October 2, 2003
Can fame from reality TV launch a successful singing career? For such American Idol contestants as Clay Aiken and Kelly Clarkson, the answer is clearly "yes." But what about for the star of ABC's The Bachelor 4? Bob Guiney wants to find out.Fox TV plans production of 'Making the Cut' reality show about hairdressers
October 2, 2003
According to Hollywood Reporter, Fox TV Studios is about to produce a new entry in the "docureality" genre -- one modeled strongly on NBC's The Restaurant. Entitled Making the Cut, the show will focus on a group of apprentice hairdressers, fresh out of cosmetology school, who go to work at a new hair salon In downtown Manhattan being opened by top New York hair stylist Rodney Cutler.
Fox's 'Paradise Hotel' ends with couple switch and mixed results among "Barbies"
October 2, 2003
Finally, after a 16-week run that sometimes seemed like it was never going to end, Fox's "Paradise Hotel" wrapped up its first season in a two-hour finale Wednesday night. When all was said and done, three of the four members of "Team Barbie" walked away with prize winnings, but the fourth was left high and dry.
Former 'Big Brother' contestants to appear on CBS's 'Yes, Dear'
October 1, 2003
Daily Variety (subscription required) reports that several contestants from past seasons of CBS's Big Brother will appear on an upcoming episode of the network's Monday-night comedy Yes, Dear.
NBC's 'Little Black Book' star Skipper Kress arrested in 2001 for misdemeanor
October 1, 2003
Bartending is not easy work -- not only do you have to mix drinks strong enough to satisfy the customers and weak enough to satisfy management, but you need to be sure that you aren't serving underage clients. Skipper Roy Kress, 27, the star of NBC's upcoming dating series Little Black Book, slipped up on the "underage" part, and it led to his arrest on a misdemeanor charge in 2001.
'Paradise Hotel' guest Toni Ferrari added to bizarre bodybuilding movie
October 1, 2003
Reality TV veteran Toni Ferrari, featured as a supreme creator of chaos on Fox's Paradise Hotel, Fox's Love Cruise and the syndicated Blind Date, will finally be able to move her surgically-enhanced "talents" to the big screen -- but not in a featured role. Toni has been added to the bodybuilding movie No Pain, No Gain, an apparently completed but unreleased film adding new scenes.
'Survivor: Pearl Islands' Episode 3 'State of the Spoiling'
October 1, 2003
Our 'State of the Spoiling' summary for the third episode of 'Survivor: Pearl Island' is now posted, click here to read it.
Survivor: Pearl Islands - 'Gay Survivor Journal, Episode 2'
October 1, 2003
Larry Johnson, a comedy writer currently working for Disney TV, has posted "Releasing (Private) Ryan," the second installment of this season's 'Gay Survivor Journal,' his weekly commentary about "Survivor: Pearl Islands" from a gay point of view.
