HOME > Reality TV News - December 2002
Reality TV News - December 2002
MTV begins casting 'Sex in the Itty Bitty City' small-town sex series
December 30, 2002
The AP reports that MTV is about to begin holding casting calls for its upcoming reality series Sex in the Itty Bitty City. The series, which focuses on single women aged 18-30 from small towns in the semi-rural South who are husband-hunting, is scheduled to hold auditions in Columbus, MS on Jan. 7, 2003; in Bill Clinton's old home town of Hope, AR on Jan. 9; and in Opelousas, LA on Jan. 11.
NBC's 'Fear Factor' to take road trip to Las Vegas, do public taping
December 26, 2002
There will be “Fear” and loathing in Las Vegas when NBC’s hit reality series “Fear Factor” makes its inaugural road trip and heads to the popular Vegas attractions of “The Strip” and “Fremont Street Experience” where three men and three women will face their fears as they match wits and physical competition to win $50,000 - or much more -- in a special 90-minute episode for broadcast in spring of 2003.FX Network and Esquire magazine developing 'What It Feels Like' reality program
December 23, 2002
Variety reports that basic cable network FX is developing a reality program based on Esquire magazine's annual "What It Feels Like" editorial feature. The magazine series, which debuted in Esquire last year, features first-person accounts of experiences such as being bitten by a shark or surviving an avalanche.
'Survivor: Thailand' finale draws big ratings
December 23, 2002
Variety reports that the "Survivor" ratings torch is still burning brightly, as the fifth edition of the reality adventure series drummed up big ratings for CBS on Thursday.
Survivor: Thailand - Reunion Special Summary
December 23, 2002
Our episode summary for the reunion special of Survivor: Thailand, authored by 'landruajm' has been posted. Check it out by clicking HERE
Survivor: Thailand - Episode 13 Finale Summary
December 23, 2002
Our episode summary for Survivor: Thailand, Episode 13, "For God's Sake, Jump the Shark!," authored by 'SherpaDave' has been posted. Check it out by clicking HERE
The Amazing Race 3 - Episode 13 Summary
December 22, 2002
Our episode summary for Episode 13, "Twas the Week Before Christmas," authored by Bebo, has been posted. Check it out by clicking HERE
The Amazing Race 3 - Episode 12 Summary
December 22, 2002
Our episode summary for Episode 12, "The Whiner Breaks Down In *Way*," authored by magic_star, has been posted. Check it out by clicking HERE
ABC now casting for future installments of "Extreme Makeover"
December 20, 2002
Casting has begun for future installments of "Extreme Makeover," following the tremendous success of the ABC's one-hour special, "Extreme Makeover," which originally aired on Wednesday, December 11 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET), and was rebroadcast with new footage of the three cast members on Wednesday, December 18 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET).
Fire damages "Celebrity Mole Hawaii" master tapes; series in jeopardy
December 20, 2002
Perhaps Anderson Cooper knew something after all....
'Celebrity Mole Hawaii,' set to premiere on ABC on Wednesday, January 8th
December 18, 2002
The six-episode reality series, "Celebrity Mole Hawaii," is set to premiere on WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT), following "The Bachelorette" on The ABC Television Network. Players include Stephen Baldwin ("Usual Suspects," "One Good Cop"), Corbin Bernsen ("L.A. Law," "Major League"), Michael Boatman ("Spin City," "Arli$$"), Kim Coles ("Living Single," "In Living Color"), supermodel Frederique, Kathy Griffin ("Suddenly Susan") and Erik von Detten ("Princess Diaries," "Dinotopia"). Emmy-Award winning sportscaster Ahmad Rashad will host the series.
'Survivor: Thailand' Series Finale 'State of the Spoiling'
December 18, 2002
Our 'State of the Spoiling' summary for the Grand Finale of 'Survivor: Thailand' is now posted, here.
ABC announces casting calls for 'All American Girl' reality series
December 17, 2002
ABC has announced casting calls for the upcoming ABC Television Network reality series, "All American Girl," are being held throughout the country.Liza Minnelli sues VH1 over failed 'Liza & David' reality series
December 17, 2002
Reuters reports that Liza Minnelli and her husband, producer David Gest, have filed suit in New York state court against VH1 and MTV Networks, units of Viacom Inc., as well as Viacom itself, seeking more than $10 million in damages for VH1's October cancellation of their "Liza & David" reality TV show.
Jeff Varner of 'Survivor Australia' auctioning coloring book pages for children's charity
December 16, 2002
Looking for that one-of-a-kind special gift for a fellow Survivor fanatic?ABC Family orders version of British 'Perfect Match' reality dating show
December 16, 2002
ABC Family has ordered 13 episodes of "Perfect Match," a one-hour reality dating show based on the hit British series of the same name.
ABC Family to air 'The Bachelor: Special Edition' repeats during week of December 29th
December 16, 2002
ABC has announced that as it did with the first edition of "The Bachelor," it will re-run a special edition of the entire series on its ABC Family cable network.
'American Idol' finalist Tamyra Gray four-episode 'Boston Public' arc to debut on February 17th
December 16, 2002
'American Idol' finalist Tamyra Gray will begin shooting a four-episode arc on the FOX series BOSTON PUBLIC (Mondays, 8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on Friday, December 20th.
'Meet My Folks' to return on Monday, January 20th before moving to regular Saturday 10PM ET timeslot
December 16, 2002
NBC will return its hit summer reality series “Meet My Folks” with a special preview of two new episodes on Monday, Jan. 20 (9-10 p.m. ET and 10-11 p.m. ET) as part of a three-story arc that concludes with the series premiere in its regular day and time of Saturday, Jan. 25 (10-11 p.m. ET.)
'Celebrity Mole Hawaii' to premiere on ABC Wednesday, January 8th at 10PM ET -- right after 'The Bachelorette'
December 16, 2002
ABC has announced the the third edition of its "Mole" series -- "Celebrity Mole Hawaii" -- will premiere on Wednesday, January 8th at 10PM ET following the series premiere of "The Bachelorette."
Kelly Clarkson's record label and songwriters deny she had a recording deal before 'American Idol'
December 16, 2002
Entertainment Weekly reports that "American Idol" producers issued a statement Thursday saying "Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson did not break the contest's amateur eligibility rules when she had recorded five songs for an album with three veteran pop songwriters before she appeared on ''Idol'' this summer. Separately, a lawyer representing the songwriters who recorded with Clarkson told EW.com that the tracks were just demos, and that no record contract was in place.
ABC to repeat 'Extreme Makeover' special on Wednesday, December 18th
December 15, 2002
Having just cancelled it's low rated "MD's" and still infatuated with the better-than"West Wing" adults 18-49 ratings it produced in it's first airing last Wednesday, ABC has announced that it will air an encore presentation of it's "Extreme Makeover" special on Wednesday, December 18, 2002 at 10PM ET.
'Star Search' to premiere on CBS on Wednesday, January 8th
December 15, 2002
CBS has announced that “Star Search," a one-hour variety/talent series inspired by the original “Star Search” television program (1983-1995), will premiere on Wednesday, January. 8, 2003 at 8PM ET.
Identity of FOX's 'Joe Millionaire' revealed
December 15, 2002
The Virginian-Pilot has revealed the identity of the single bachelor who will appear in FOX's upcoming "Joe Millionaire" series.
The Amazing Race 3 - Episode 11 Summary
December 15, 2002
Our episode summary for Episode 11, "I Hope I Never Have to Hear Her Whiine Again!," authored by AMAI, has been posted. Check it out by clicking HERE
Showtime to air 'Seymore Butts' porno star reality TV series
December 15, 2002
Variety reports that Showtime has greenlit a half-hour latenight reality series chronicling the life of adult entertainment producer, director and occasional performer Adam Glasser, aka Seymore Butts.
ABC's 'Extreme Makeover' outdraws CBS' 'Amazing Race,' places 2nd in timeslot ratings
December 15, 2002
Don't be surprised to see more nips and tucks on ABC's schedule in the new year, as Reuters reports that Wednesday's plastic surgery special "Extreme Makeover" unmasked more big ratings for the network in the 9 p.m. hour.
Survivor: Thailand - Episode 12 Summary
December 15, 2002
Our episode summary for Survivor: Thailand, Episode 12, "What Do You Get When You Combine De Truck With De Drunk? Defunct!," authored by 'Dalton' & 'George Tirebiter' has been posted. Check it out by clicking HERE
Did 'American Idol' Kelly Clarkson break the contest rules?
December 13, 2002
A report from The Star suggests that "American Idol" champion Kelly Clarkson may have violated the rules of the competition. The rules specify that contestants must be amateurs with no prior professional experience.
CBS accepting applications for Survivor 7
December 13, 2002
CBS has begun to accept applications for Survivor 7, which will be filmed in 2003 in an as-yet-undisclosed location. The application form, in Adobe Acrobat format, can be found here. A printable HTML version is located here.
Survivor 5's Brian Heidik beaten up by wife
December 13, 2002
The Smoking Gun reports that Survivor: Thailand's Brian Heidik, porn star turned car salesman and the seeming leader of the five remaining contestants, was beaten up by his wife, Charmaine ("C.C.") Costigan Heidik, an ex-porn star in her own right, as previously discussed on the Survivor Bashers Message Boards on RTVW.
The Amazing Race 3 - Episode 9 Summary
December 10, 2002
Our episode summary for Episode 9, "Shtickle Me Phil-mo," authored by AMAI, has been posted. Check it out by clicking HERE
FOX releases identities of the 20 women competing on its upcoming 'Joe Millionaire' reality series
December 8, 2002
FOX has released profiles and photos for the 20 single women who will compete for the affections of their faux-millionaire in their upcoming "Joe Millionaire" reality TV series.
Among the beautiful, smart and sophisticated women gathered are a doctor, banker and business development executive, three Melissa's, and ten women for the Los Angeles area (so much for those open casting calls in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York, Houston, Minneapolis, and Seatlle.)
Still unannounced is the identity of their would-be millionaire.UK network to air has-been celebrity enema and bowel movement reality TV program
December 8, 2002
In a move that shows no matter how low viewers might think that American reality TV has sunk, the British have proven it can sink even much, much further, the UK Independent reports that british celebrities will be shown vomiting and analysing their bowel movements in a new United Kingdom Channel 5 reality show that promises to offer the ultimate form of exposure for struggling C-list stars. Eighties singer Kim Wilde and comedian Richard Blackwood will be among four "contestants" sent to an island to undergo a week of enemas and colonic irrigation in the interests of science – and voyeuristic television viewers.
The Amazing Race 3 - Episode 10 Summary
December 7, 2002
Our episode summary for Episode 10, "To Phua Chu Kang, Thanks for Nothing, Femme & Strider," authored by Femme, has been posted. Check it out by clicking HERE
'Bachelor' Aaron Buerge too busy media whoring to have a relationship with Helen
December 7, 2002
The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Aaron Buerge is currently "too busy to have a relationship" and he'll be seeing Helen Eksterowicz this weekend in Springfield, Missouri for only the fourth time since the show's final taping in September.
'Bachelor' Aaron Buerge & 'Bachelorette' Trista Rehn to "perform" on ABC's December 8th Christmas special
December 6, 2002
ABC has announced their "ABC'S CHRISTMAS IN ASPEN" special, airing Sunday December 8, 2002 at 7PM ET. Stars from some of ABC's most popular primetime series will ring in the holiday season and showcase their musical talents on this new one-hour special filmed at the historic Wheeler Opera House in Aspen, Colorado.
Survivor: Thailand - Episode 11 Summary
December 6, 2002
Our episode summary for Survivor: Thailand, Episode 11, "They're Creepy and They're Kooky," authored by 'Superman' has been posted. Check it out by clicking HERE
'Real World' producers Bunim/Murray and NBC to launch syndicated daytime 'Starting Over' reality series
December 5, 2002
NBC Enterprises has annoucned that it will partner with Bunim/Murray Productions, producers of the long-running reality series “The Real World” and “Road Rules,” on a one-hour strip for a first-run syndication series, “Starting Over.”
FOX announces new 'Joe Millionaire' reality series to premiere on January 6th
December 3, 2002
Romance and reality intertwine as 20 women travel to France for a whirlwind romance with a man whom they think is a dashing millionaire. What will happen when the truth is finally revealed that he is a just a regular "Joe" and his wealth is a facade? Will his true love accept him for who he is, or reject him in search of greener pastures?
Survivor: Thailand - Recap Episode Summary
December 3, 2002
Our episode summary for Survivor: Thailand, A Look Back, "Reliving a Nightmare," authored by 'Femme' has been posted. Check it out by clicking HERE
'American Idol 2' to premiere January 21st and 22nd with 90 minute specials
December 1, 2002
FOX has announced that last summer’s phenomenon AMERICAN IDOL will make its anticipated second-season debut on Tuesday, January 21, and Wednesday, January 22. The series’ special two-part premiere kicks off with a 90-minute episode from 8:00 PM–9:30 PM ET/PT Tuesday followed by a second 90-minute episode from 8:30-10:00 PM ET/PT Wednesday on FOX.
ABC 'Bachelor's Helene Eksterowicz back at work in New Jersey, says she's still with Aaron
December 1, 2002
The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Helene Eksterowicz, viewed by millions winning the heart and rock of banker Aaron Buerge on ABC's The Bachelor, has recently returned to work as a psychologist at Simmons Elementary in Clayton, Gloucester County.
