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Reality TV News - December 2004
The Rebel Billionaire - Episode 9 summary
December 31, 2004
"To Slip the Surly Bonds of Earth," our episode summary for the ninth episode of Fox's The Rebel Billionaire, written by Swami, is now available.Federal authorities fine MTV's 'Pimp My Ride' auto shop
December 31, 2004
Federal authorities have fined a California car shop made famous by MTV's "Pimp My Ride" show for disabling or removing safety equipment.
Court strips Anna Nicole Smith of $88.5 million inheritance
December 31, 2004
A U.S. appeals court has overturned a lower court's decision to give Anna Nicole Smith $88.5 million of her late billionaire husband's fortune.
NBC's 'The Apprentice 3' to feature former 'Murder In Small Town X' contestant
December 30, 2004
Reality TV World has learned that the cast of NBC's upcoming third The Apprentice season will feature a face familiar to sharp-eyed diehard reality television viewers -- a recycled former contestant of Fox's Murder In Small Town X series that aired in Summer 2001.
NBC reveals identities of 'Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Search' contestants
December 30, 2004
NBC has released the identities and biographical information for the twelve women that will compete in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Search, its new Top Model-like reality modeling competition series.
'Big Brother' host Julie Chen marries CBS president Les Moonves
December 29, 2004
Any Big Brother viewers hoping that CBS might replace series host Julie Chen anytime soon had better stop holding their breath. Chen, who also doubles as co-host of the network's The Early Show morning program, quietly wed CBS president Les Moonves in a Thursday, December 23 sunset ceremony in Mexico.British 'Operatunity' reality TV series turns opera into a hit
December 29, 2004
The story of a blind mother and a grocery clerk whose dreams of singing opera came true on a British reality TV show is headed to the big screen.
The Amazing Race 6 - Episode 6 summary
December 28, 2004
"Eger Beavers in Hungary," our episode summary for the sixth episode of CBS's The Amazing Race 6, written by trigirl, is now available.
Steve's Mailbag, Volume 1 Edition 2
December 28, 2004
Welcome to Steve's Mailbag where each week, Steve Rogers, Reality TV World's chief reporter, does his best to answer reader questions.
The Real Gilligan's Island - Episode 7 summary
December 27, 2004
"The Final Five," our episode summary for the seventh episode of TBS's The Real Gilligan's Island, written by volsfan, is now available.
'American Idol' tops Yahoo!'s list of the most popular search terms of 2004
December 27, 2004
"American Idol" was the most popular item for search engine Yahoo! in 2004, Billboard reported Monday.
NBC announces identities of 'The Apprentice 3' contestants
December 26, 2004
NBC has revealed the identities and background information of the eighteen highly-schooled bookworm and school of hard knocks graduates that will compete on the third season of The Apprentice beginning January 20 at 8PM ET/PT.The Rebel Billionaire - Episode 8 summary
December 26, 2004
"The Sayonara Show," our episode summary for the eighth episode of Fox's The Rebel Billionaire, written by Swami, is now available.
The Apprentice 2 - Finale episode summary
December 26, 2004
"No Donald, What Do You Think?," our episode summary for the fifteenth and final episode of the second season of NBC's The Apprentice series, written by FesterFan1, is now available.The Real Gilligan's Island - Episode 6 summary
December 22, 2004
"Swings and Mad Money," our episode summary for the sixth episode of TBS's The Real Gilligan's Island, written by dabo, is now available.
MTV's 'The Real World 16' to take place in Austin, Texas
December 22, 2004
Bunim-Murray Productions has announced that the sixteenth edition of their long-running The Real World series will film in Austin, Texas. Austin will be the smallest city to ever host a Real World edition.
DeLisa Stiles wins Fox's 'The Swan 2' pageant, but loses husband
December 21, 2004
An Army captain who served in Iraq was named Fox TV's "The Swan," but the beautification journey cost DeLisa Stiles her eight-year marriage.
ABC's 'Supernanny' to premiere January 17
December 21, 2004
ABC has announced the Supernanny, its American version of the hit British reality series of the same name, will premiere January 17 at 10 PM ET/PT.
Fox puts 'My Big Fat Obnoxious Boss' on hiatus until January 16
December 20, 2004
Fox has announced that its My Big Fat Obnoxious Boss reality parody series which last aired on Sunday, December 12 versus CBS's special Sunday night finale of Survivor: Vanuatu and was preempted on December 19, has been put on hiatus until January.The Amazing Race 6 - Episode 5 summary
December 20, 2004
"Taking A Wiener To A Sausagefest," our episode summary for the fifth episode of CBS's The Amazing Race 6, written by volsfan, is now available.The Rebel Billionaire - Episode 7 summary
December 20, 2004
"Marrakesh Express," our episode summary for the seventh episode of Fox's The Rebel Billionaire, written by cqvenus, is now available.Mick Jagger to produce 'Being' celebrity reality documentary series for A&E
December 17, 2004
Mick Jagger's production company plans a series of hour-long celebrity shows for American cable television modeled on the 2001 documentary "Being Mick."
'Survivor' host Jeff Probst dating 'Vanuatu' castaway Julie Berry
December 17, 2004
Confirming rumors that having been circulating for several months. Survivor host Jeff Probst has admitted that he and 24-year-old Survivor: Vanuatu contestant Julie Berry are seriously dating. "I'm in love. I'm with her. I'm with her family, and there ain't no turning back," the 43-year-old Probst told People magazine this week.
NBC's 'The Apprentice 3' to premiere January 20, pit "street smarts" vs. "book smarts"
December 17, 2004
Looking to shake the show's format up a bit after The Apprentice's first two seasons initially featured teams divided by sex, NBC announced Thursday that The Apprentice 3 will feature two teams divided into well-educated professionals and hardworking entrepreneurs who have succeeded despite possessing only a high school diploma
Kelly Perdew trumps Jennifer Massey to become The Donald's second 'Apprentice'
December 17, 2004
Donald Trump's latest The Apprentice lesson: It pays to be bland -- and if you want to work for him, being passive and subservient also doesn't hurt. Rejecting feisty 30-year-old lawyer Jennifer Massey, The Donald instead selected uncharismatic 37-year-old software executive Kelly Perdew to serve as his apprentice during Thursday's season finale of the second edition of the popular NBC reality show.
America's Next Top Model 3 - Finale Episode summary
December 17, 2004
"The Finale Episode," our episode summary for the twelfth and final episode of the third edition of UPN's America's Next Top Model, written by Isabelle Murray, is now available.The Real Gilligan's Island - Episode 5 summary
December 17, 2004
"Something Fishy This Way Comes," our episode summary for the fifth episode of TBS's The Real Gilligan's Island, written by dabo, is now available.
Survivor: Vanuatu - Reunion Show summary
December 17, 2004
"Chasing AmiSecond Thought, Just Let Her Go," our "transcript" for the live reunion show for CBS's Survivor: Vanuatu -- Islands Of Fire, written by landruajm, is now available.Survivor: Vanuatu - Finale Episode summary
December 17, 2004
"A Tale of Two Mullets," our episode sumamry for the season finale episode of CBS's Survivor: Vanuatu -- Islands Of Fire, written by anotherkim, is now available.
'Wife Swap' creators sue Fox over 'Trading Spouses' copy
December 17, 2004
The creator of Britain's reality series "Wife Swap" has sued Fox, alleging it has copied its show in "Trading Spouses."
Report: 'Survivor' Jenna Lewis leaked her own sex tape
December 16, 2004
The New York Daily News reported this week what many have suspected for some time -- that Survivor: All-Stars contestant Jenna Lewis not only leaked her own sex tape, but along with her manager, is actually behind the creation of the Internet website that has been selling the video.Eva Pigford wins UPN's 'America's Next Top Model 3'
December 16, 2004
Eva Pigford, a 19-year-old student from Los Angeles who had been criticized for her "diva" attitude earlier in the competition, was crowned America's Next Top Model during last night's finale of the third cycle of the popular UPN "dramality" series.
CBS reveals identities of 'The Will's patriarch and would-be heirs
December 16, 2004
CBS revealed yesterday the identities of the wealthy patriarch and ten potential heirs who will be appearing on The Will, its new reality series that premieres Saturday, January 8 at 8PM ET/PT with a 90-minute episode.
Fox to air 'Who's your Daddy?' reality adoption pilot on January 3
December 15, 2004
In an announcement that at first glance would appear to push the bounds of bad taste in ways not seen since it announced and later canceled its Seriously, Dude, I'm Gay reality special this spring, Fox has announced that it will air Who's Your Daddy?, a reality series pilot that features a young adopted woman attempting to win $100,000 by picking her biological father from among a group of masquerading impostors.
CBS announces 'Survivor 11' and 'Survivor 12' to air in 2005-2006 season
December 15, 2004
CBS announced today that it has ordered two more editions of Survivor, network television's longest running and most successful reality series. The two new editions, the show's eleventh and twelfth, will be broadcast in the 2005-2005 season.Children's advocates outraged over Fox's 'Who's Your Daddy?' show
December 15, 2004
Children's advocates are livid at a Fox TV show that seeks to trick an adopted person into missing her biological father in a lineup.
ABC reveals identities of Jen Schefft's 'The Bachelorette 3' bachelor suitors
December 15, 2004
ABC has revealed the identities of the twenty-five bachelor suitors who will be competing for Jen Schefft's heart on the upcoming third edition of its The Bachelorette program, premiering Monday, January 10 at 9PM ET/PT.My Big Fat Obnoxious Boss - Episode 5 summary
December 15, 2004
"Thank You," our episode summary for the fifth episode of Fox's My Big Fat Obnoxious Boss, written by gizmo_ber, is now available.Chris Webber considering legal action over 'Apprentice' name use, denies agreeing to charity appearance
December 14, 2004
Effectively spoiling the minor "will he show up or not" cliffhanger ending of last week's penultimate The Apprentice 2 episode, Sacramento Kings basketball player Chris Webber has announced that he never agreed to appear and emcee the show's charity basketball game fundraiser and is considering taking legal action over the program's use of his name.
Ruben Studdard almost fully recovered from pneumonia
December 14, 2004
Alabama native Ruben Studdard said he's better, recovering from pneumonia and happy his new CD tops the gospel chart.'Survivor: Vanuatu' finale averages nearly 20 million viewers, but ABC's 'Housewives' still wins its hour
December 14, 2004
With ABC's resurgent Sunday night programming schedule suddenly featuring two Top 10 Nielsen ratings shows, perhaps it time for CBS to reconsider its tradition of airing Survivor finales on Sundays rather than the show's Thursday night home. Matched up versus Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Desperate Housewives (which ranks second to only CBS's CSI in the season-to-date rankings), Survivor: Vanuatu's season finale managed to win its overall 8-10PM time period in viewers, but failed to experience the big ratings pop that Survivor finales have usually drawn.
Painful shoulder causes Ozzy Osbourne to cancel royal performance
December 14, 2004
Rocker Ozzy Osbourne withdrew from Tuesday's Royal Variety Performance because of a painful plate in his shoulder from a year-old accident, the BBC reported.'The Apprentice' insider beats online gambling website bookies
December 14, 2004
An online gaming site will honor its debt and pay $10,000 to a bettor who had inside information on the outcome of the "The Apprentice" program, Zap2it.com said.
CBS reveals identities of 'Wickedly Perfect's domestic diva contestants
December 14, 2004
CBS has revealed the identities of the twelve contestants who will be competing on Wickedly Perfect, its new Joan Lunden-hosted domestic diva reality competition series that premieres Thursday, January 6 at 8PM ET/PT.
Donald Trump hires Regis Philbin to host 'The Apprentice 2' reunion show
December 14, 2004
Apparently remembering the painful moments that resulted when Donald Trump was forced to speak live during last April's two-hour The Apprentice finale, NBC has announced that Regis Philbin will handle the hosting duties for The Apprentice 2's first attempt at giving the NBC reality series a full-blown Survivor-like reunion show.The Amazing Race 6 - Episode 4 summary
December 13, 2004
"Yes, Adam. Just Throw Yourself Overboard! Please!," our episode summary for the fourth episode of CBS's The Amazing Race 6, written by MTW1961, is now available.The Real Gilligan's Island - Episode 4 summary
December 13, 2004
"Crackers? What Crackers?," our episode summary for the fourth episode of TBS's The Real Gilligan's Island, written by volsfan, is now available.The Rebel Billionaire - Episode 6 summary
December 13, 2004
"Football and Footsie," our episode summary for the sixth episode of Fox's The Rebel Billionaire, written by PagongRatEater, is now available.
Chris Daugherty defeats Twila Tanner to win 'Survivor: Vanuatu'
December 13, 2004
In the end, Survivor: Vanuatu's women won the gender battles but lost the war. Or at least called a truce.Survivor: Vanuatu - Episode 13 summary
December 13, 2004
"Oh My God, Chris!," our episode summary for the thirteenth episode of the CBS's Survivor: Vanuatu -- Islands Of Fire, written by Coconut, is now available.CBS begins accepting 'Survivor 11' applications
December 12, 2004
As announced by Survivor host Jeff Probst during Sunday evening's Survivor: Vanuatu reunion broadcast, CBS has begun accepting applications for the eleventh installment of Survivor.'Survivor: Vanuatu' Finale Episode 'State of the Spoiling'
December 10, 2004
Our 'State of the Spoiling' summary for the season finale of Survivor: Vanuatu is now available.Clay Aiken concert invite misfires for student singers
December 10, 2004
A group of New Jersey high schoolers got a glimpse of another side of show business when invited to sing with Clay Aiken.
America's Next Top Model 3 - Episode 11 summary
December 10, 2004
"The 'Street Fashion' Episode," our episode summary for the eleventh episode of the third edition of UPN's America's Next Top Model, written by Isabelle Murray, is now available.
Julie Berry becomes the fourteenth castaway to be booted from 'Survivor: Vanuatu'
December 10, 2004
When push came to shove, new Survivor: Vanuatu powerbroker Chris Daugherty decided his friendship with Julie Berry wasn't worth sacrificing the chance to enter the competition's Final 4 with Twila Tanner, the 41-year-old highway repair worker from Marshall, Missouri that he perceived to be less of a physical threat. And as a result, Julie, the 23-year-old youth mentor from Gorham, Maine, was voted out of the game during last evening's Survivor broadcast.British 'The X Factor' judges Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh must audition for American version
December 10, 2004
Britain's judges on "The X Factor," Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh, will have to audition if they want to host the U.S. version of the TV show.VH1 to air 'America's Next Top Model 3' marathon on Saturday, December 11
December 9, 2004
Missed an episode of UPN's America's Next Top Model 3? If so here's your chance to see it -- VH1 (one of UPN's Viacom sister networks) has announced that in preparation for Top Model 3's upcoming December 15 finale, it will air an eleven-hour marathon of the show's entire third season starting at 11AM ET/PT on Saturday, December 15.
MTV orders a second 'Laguna Beach' season for Summer 2005
December 9, 2004
MTV formally announced yesterday that it had ordered a second season of Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County. The new season will begin production this month and is scheduled to air in Summer 2005.
Reality TV producer Mark Burnett to produce Martha Stewart's new post-prison daytime syndicated series
December 8, 2004
Mark Burnett's ever growing empire got a little bigger today, with the reality TV uber-producer joining with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and NBC Universal to announce that they have teamed together to bring the currently imprisoned domestic diva back to daytime television.NBC accepting applications for 'The Apprentice 4'
December 8, 2004
Winter might not yet have officially begun, but with The Apprentice producer Mark Burnett seemingly becoming busier with each passing day, NBC has already begun accepting applications for next fall's The Apprentice 4.
NBC's 'Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Search' reality competition series to premiere January 5
December 8, 2004
NBC and Sports Illustrated have announced that Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Search, their new Top Model-like reality modeling competition series that was first announced in August, will premiere on Wednesday, January 5 at 8PM ET/PT.U.S. broadcasters eyeing success of Britian's 'Private Stars' reality porn show
December 8, 2004
Tongues are wagging in Los Angeles about the roaring success of a European reality porn show that features other parts wagging, Zap2it.com said Wednesday.Clay Aiken hopes his Christmas special buries Billboard Awards show
December 8, 2004
"American Idol" runner-up Clay Aiken says he hopes his Christmas TV special buries the competing Billboard Music Awards Wednesday.The Apprentice 2 - Episode 13 summary
December 8, 2004
"And With Her Strips, She is Fired," our episode summary for the thirteenth episode of the second season of NBC's The Apprentice series, written by kpod, is now available.Princess Diana's former butler says 'I'm a Celebrity' experience changed him
December 8, 2004
Princess Diana's former butler, Paul Burrell, has decided to move on from that era after placing second in a British TV survival show, The Mirror reported.
The WB's new 'Big Man On Campus' reality dating series to premiere December 15
December 8, 2004
What would happen if you cast a college student as the star of ABC's The Bachelor, added a couple of minor twists, and then moved the show's setting to a college campus setting? Viewers will find out soon -- The WB will premiere Big Man On Campus, a new six-episode reality relationship series from Bachelor creator Mike Fleiss, on Wednesday, December 15 at 8PM ET/PT.
The WB's 'High School Reunion 3' to premiere December 7
December 7, 2004
High School Reunion: Fort Lauderdale, the third edition of The WB's High School Reunion series, will premiere tonight, November 7 at 9PM ET/PT.'Survivor: Vanuatu' Episode 13 'State of the Spoiling'
December 7, 2004
Our 'State of the Spoiling' summary for the thirteenth episode of Survivor: Vanuatu is now available.CBS to premiere 'Bachelor' creator Mike Fleiss' 'The Will' series on January 8
December 7, 2004
CBS has announced that The Will, a new reality series from Bachelor creator Mike Fleiss, will premiere on Saturday, January 8 at 8PM ET/PT.CBS's 'Wickedly Perfect' domestic diva reality competition to premiere January 6
December 6, 2004
CBS, which hasn't introduced a new reality series since Simon Cowell's Cupid reality dating series aired to lukewarm ratings in Summer 2003, has announced that it will premiere two new reality shows in January, Wickedly Perfect and The Will.Survivor: Vanuatu - Episode 12 summary
December 6, 2004
"The 12 Steps of Ami Anonymous: A User’s Guide to Eliminating Misandrist Lesbians From Your Island," our episode summary for the twelfth episode of the CBS's Survivor: Vanuatu -- Islands Of Fire, written by sablebunny, is now available.The Real Gilligan's Island - Episode 3 summary
December 6, 2004
"Fake Nobs And Broomsticks," our episode summary for the third episode of TBS's The Real Gilligan's Island, written by Estee, is now available.
The Real World: Philly - Episode 13 summary
December 6, 2004
"Fraternizing," our episode summary for the thirteenth episode of MTV's The Real World: Philadelphia series, written by volsfan, is now available.
NBC's 'The Contender' to premiere February 21, then air Tuesdays versus Fox's 'American Idol'
December 6, 2004
Despite witnessing Fox's The Next Great Champ copycat series draw dismal ratings, it looks like NBC and Survivor and The Apprentice producer Mark Burnett are still looking for a fight. A Nielsen fight. NBC announced last week that The Contender, Burnett's highly-publicized reality boxing series that had its premise copied by Fox, will premiere in late February -- and air regularly versus Fox's American Idol ratings heavyweight.Clay Aiken becoming American holiday appearance king
December 5, 2004
Clay Aiken's name is getting to be less synonymous with Fox's "American Idol" and associated more often with U.S. holidays.America's Next Top Model 3 - Episode 10 summary
December 4, 2004
"The 'Tea Ceremony' Episode," our episode summary for the tenth episode of the third edition of UPN's America's Next Top Model, written by Isabelle Murray, is now available.The Amazing Race 6 - Episode 3 summary
December 4, 2004
"I Went To Sweden And All I Got Was This Pile Of Poorly Made Furniture," our episode summary for the third episode of CBS's The Amazing Race 6, written by J Slice, is now available.The Real Gilligan's Island - Episodes 1 & 2 summary
December 4, 2004
"We Aren't Copying Survivor, Really We Aren't," our episode summary for the first and second episodes of the two-hour premiere of TBS's The Real Gilligan's Island, written by survivorscott, is now available.
Ashlee Simpson to do live AOL concert
December 4, 2004
U.S. pop rocker Ashlee Simpson will perform live online as part of the AOL Music series -- AOL's original programming on the Internet.CBS to debut two new reality shows in January
December 3, 2004
CBS has two new reality shows set for debut in January, with competitors in "The Will" striving for an inheritance and those in "Wickedly Perfect" vying to be the next Martha Stewart.
MTV announces new seasons of 'Newlyweds', 'Ashlee Simpson'
December 3, 2004
Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson may not be just-married anymore, but that hasn't stopped MTV from signing them up for a third season of "Newlyweds."Fantasia's 'Free Yourself' album sells 240,000 units in debut week
December 3, 2004
The debut album of Fantasia, the third winner of FOX's "American Idol" competition, did not premiere at the top of the Billboard sales list.
Ami Cusack gets overthrown, becomes the thirteenth castaway to be booted from 'Survivor: Vanuatu'
December 3, 2004
Survivor: Vanuatu's rebellion is complete and the queen is dead. Falling victim to the upstart regime formed by Chris Daugherty, Eliza Orlins, Twila Tanner, and Scout Cloud Lee, Ami Cusack, the 31-year-old barista from Lakewood, Colorado that had reigned over the competition's previous all-women alliance, was voted out of the game during last evening's Survivor broadcast.CBS's three-hour 'Survivor: Vanuatu' finale and reunion to air Sunday, December 12
December 3, 2004
CBS has announced that Survivor: Vanuatu's finale episode will air on Sunday, December 12 instead of its regular Thursday evening time period.The Rebel Billionaire - Episode 5 summary
December 2, 2004
"Streak or Squeek," our episode summary for the fifth episode of Fox's The Rebel Billionaire, written by Swami, is now available.The Apprentice 2 - Episode 12 summary
December 2, 2004
"The Sorry Six-Pack!!!," our episode summary for the twelfth episode of the second season of NBC's The Apprentice series, written by ARnutz, is now available.TBS's 'The Real Gilligan's Island' premieres huge, draws more than 7 million viewers to premiere broadcasts
December 2, 2004
After scoring minor hits with its Outback Jack and He's A Lady reality series, TBS appears to have hit a ratings home run with The Real Gilligan's Island, its fourth attempt at an original primetime reality series of its own.Simon Cowell says Sharon Osbourne fancies him
December 2, 2004
Pop mogul Simon Cowell says he thinks Sharon Osbourne gives him a hard time on the British TV talent show, "X Factor," because she fancies him.TBS's 'The Real Gilligan's Island' draws more than 7 million viewers
December 2, 2004
The launch of TBS' new reality show "The Real Gilligan's Island" drew an audience of more than 7 million viewers, Daily Variety said Thursday.Clay Aiken's Christmas memories not all fond
December 2, 2004
"American Idol" runner-up Clay Aiken may have the top-selling U.S. Christmas album, but he's a little ambivalent about the holiday itself.Anne Robinson's "children are thieves" remark criticized
December 1, 2004
The Liverpool, England, City Council wants "The Weakest Link" host Anne Robinson to apologize for suggesting its children are thieves.Report: NBC set to land Mark Burnett's upcoming Martha Stewart reality show
December 1, 2004
With CBS having landed reality uber-producer Mark Burnett's most recently pitched Rock Star series and the hard feelings over Fox's rip-off of his upcoming NBC The Contender boxing series still fresh, (and ABC seen as a perennial also-ran for Burnett shows) it looks like Burnett will be bringing his previously announced Martha Stewart reality project to NBC.
'Super Size Me' creator Morgan Spurlock to produce FX reality series
December 1, 2004
Morgan Spurlock, the writer-director of "Super Size Me," will produce a reality series for the FX cable network, The Los Angeles Times said Wednesday.
