HOME > Reality TV News - December 2003
Reality TV News - December 2003
ABC unveils the men competing for 'Bachelorette' Meredith Phillips... and the return of Kelly Jo
December 31, 2003
ABC has revealed the names and profiles of the twenty-five men who will be competing for the heart of new The Bachelorette star Meredith Phillips -- as well as some of the new twists and surprises that will be occurring during the second edition of the program.
'Bachelor' Bob Guiney and Estella Gardinier finally come clean and publicly acknowledge breakup
December 30, 2003
Another week, another Bachelor couple admitting that their relationship has ended during an interview on the syndicated Extra entertainment news program. Oh what a busy December it's been for Bachelor/Bachelorette couple news.
'World Idol' draws OK ratings in US but mixed ratings throughout the world
December 30, 2003
Was World Idol a ratings smash? Or was it a flop? The answer depends upon the country from which you were watching.Executive turmoil threatens future of reality TV powerhouse Endemol
December 30, 2003
Endemol, the Anglo-Dutch reality TV giant best known for its shows Big Brother and Fear Factor -- but which is also the largest independent producer of TV shows in the U.K. -- is on the verge of disintegration after open warfare broke out between the corporation's owner and the creative team.
'Average Joe 2: Hawaii' star Larissa Meek: "I did it for the art... and to be part of history"
December 30, 2003
In over three years of covering reality television, we've heard some whoppers from reality TV contestants over the years, but the hubris exhibited by Average Joe 2: Hawaii star Larissa Meek during her initial media interviews has been second to none.
New 'The Surreal Life' season to premiere January 11
December 30, 2003
The WB has announced that the second installment of The Surreal Life, will premiere on Sunday, January 11 from 9-10 PM ET. And unlike last season's thirty-minute episodes, each episode of the six-episode series will be a full hour in length
Ruben Studdard's 'Soulful' drops to #8 in US while Clay's CD sales surpass Kelly
December 29, 2003
The second week wasn't a charm for American Idol 2 winner Ruben Studdard ... but his J Records labelmate Alicia Keys had another reason to celebrate Christmas this year.
Kelly Clarkson's 'Thankful' certified double platinum in U.S.
December 29, 2003
She may no longer have the best-selling CD among the former American Idol contestants (at least according to Nielsen SoundScan), but Kelly Clarkson is still trying to keep up with Clay Aiken -- to the delight of RCA Records, the label for which both record.
FOX's new 'My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiancé' series to premiere January 19
December 29, 2003
We'll say one thing for the Rocket Science Labs production company folks -- they certainly are persistent. Fresh on the heels of this fall's Rocket Science-produced The Next Joe Millionaire bomb, as well as Spring 2003's abysmal Married By America, Rocket Science Laboratories and FOX have announced My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiancé, their latest unscripted series concept which will premiere on FOX on Monday, January 19, 2004 at 9-10 PM ET.
UPN's 'America's Next Top Model' reveals second season contestants
December 28, 2003
America's Next Top Model, UPN's model competition reality show which scored solid ratings in its first season and returns for a second season on Tuesday, January 13, has announced the identities of the twelve women competing in this season's competition.
Trista Rehn and Ryan Sutter to appear in Tournament of Roses parade
December 28, 2003
So much for those plans to quietly fade out of the spotlight immediately after their nationally televised wedding. FTD, Inc., the Official Floral Company of the Tournament of Roses, has announced that they've enlisted Bachelorette newlyweds Trista Rehn and Ryan Sutter to ride on -- what else -- a New Year's Day Tournament of Roses parade float containing a record-breaking 100,000 roses.
CTV to air 'Canadian Idol 2' in Summer 2004, audition cities announced
December 28, 2003
The search is on for Canada's next Ryan Malcolm. CTV has announced that Canadian Idol, Canadian television's record breaking success story, will return for a second season in Summer 2004. Open auditions will begin in nine Canadian cities starting in mid-February.
'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition' to return to ABC beginning February 15
December 28, 2003
ABC has announced that Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, the home renovation spin-off of the network's successful Extreme Makeover program which premiered with a one-shot special in early December, will return to the ABC broadcast lineup as a weekly series beginning on Sunday, February 15 at 8-9 PM ET.
'Bachelor' producers lose fight to enjoin marketing of Bob Guiney's '3 Sides' CD
December 25, 2003
In the lawsuit between the producers and the star of ABC's The Bachelor 4, which we reported here Monday, Bob Guiney received an early Christmas present.
'World Idol' to feature performances, abundance of sniping from judges
December 24, 2003
Although we have no idea what the final cut of World Idol, to be broadcast by Fox and CTV on Christmas Day, contains, we have now received a number of reports about the taping sessions on December 17. If you can picture a judging panel made up of 11 Simon Cowells, you've got the right image.
'Cupid' duo Lisa Shannon and Hank Stepleton still together despite $1,000,000 veto
December 23, 2003
Maybe the solution to the dearth of romance in reality-dating shows is simply to let the women pick their potential husbands, instead of vice versa.
Ryan Seacrest to host FOX New Year's countdown, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie to also appear
December 23, 2003
Ryan Seacrest will help ring in the New Year when he returns for a second year to host the 90-minute music spectacular featuring previously announced performances from Ashanti, Metallica, Puddle of Mudd, Hootie and the Blowfish, Keith Urban, DJ Funkmaster Flex and rap artists Westside Connection on America's Party, airing live from the Venetian Resort Hotel-Casino Las Vegas on Wednesday, December 31 live from 11:00 PM -12:30 AM ET (tape delayed elsewhere.)
The Simple Life - Episode 5 summary
December 22, 2003
"Stealing for a Living," our episode summary for Episode 5 of FOX's The Simple Life, written by StarryLuna, has now been posted.
Ruben Studdard settles lawsuit against Birmingham jersey-maker 205 Flava
December 22, 2003
Looks like we'll never get to find out about the alleged secret payoffs.
'Starting Over' renewed for a second season
December 22, 2003
Starting Over, the daily daytime reality series distributed by NBC Enterprises, has been renewed for a second season on the NBC owned and operated stations.
ABC to air "where are they now"-style 'Extreme Makeover' special on January 7
December 22, 2003
Ever wonder what happens to the Extreme Makeover candidates after the cameras stop rolling and they return to their former lives? Who has maintained their new looks? And how have their lives changed? Well you can stop wondering -- ABC has announced that on January 7 it will be airing a special that you won't want to miss -- Life After Extreme Makeover.
'Bachelor' Bob Guiney sued by show's producers over '3 Sides' album promotion
December 22, 2003
Count The Bachelor producers And Syndicated Productions, Inc. among Bob Guiney's former fans.
"Plus-size" contestant wins U.K. 'Pop Idol', as judge Pete Waterman walks out
December 22, 2003
If, as rumored, Pete Waterman becomes a judge for Fox's American Idol 3, he's got some growing up to do first.
Bill and Cindy Fernandez win house on TBS' 'House Rules'
December 22, 2003
In the live finale of the TBS reality-competition show House Rules on Friday, December 19, viewers awarded Bill and Cindy Fernandez the home in Katy, Texas that they renovated during the course of the show plus an additional $50,000.
Nikki Hilton gets into tiff with sister Paris' (s)ex-beau Rick Salomon
December 20, 2003
Just when the ratings go up and things start to calm down for the Hilton sisters, up pops Rick Salomon again.
The Simple Life - Episode 4 summary
December 19, 2003
"The Complex Comedic Ironies of Realistic Simplicity, or How ‘Bout Another Pint at the Pub?," our episode summary for Episode 4 of FOX's The Simple Life, written by Ra_8secs, has now been posted.
US and Canadian judges tangle over performances at 'World Idol' taping
December 19, 2003
Who stars in World Idol -- the national winners or the national judges?
NBC to air seven episode million dollar 'Couples Fear Factor' series starting January 12
December 18, 2003
Take a pinch of Temptation Island, mix in a touch of Dog Eat Dog, and add a heavy dose of Fear Factor, and what do you have -- NBC's new seven episode million dollar Couples Fear Factor series.
RCA cans commercial release of Clay Aiken's "Invisible" CD single
December 18, 2003
Once again, RCA has changed its mind with regard to release of Clay Aiken's CD single "Invisible" -- and the latest change isn't good news for American Idol 2 runner-up Clay's devoted fans.
Elton John to appear on 'World Idol' results show
December 18, 2003
On December 17, the upcoming worldwide holiday special World Idol was taped in London ... but bigger news broke off-stage. Chartbusting superstar Elton John agreed to appear on the World Idol results show, which will be aired on January 1 in the United States (on Fox, from 9-10 PM) and Canada (on CTV, from 8-9 PM) -- the same day that it takes place in London.
Ruben Studdard to guest-star on UPN's 'One on One'
December 18, 2003
Possible song choice for a duet between American Idol finalists Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard: Irving Berlin's "Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better".
Clay Aiken to guest-star on NBC's 'Ed' in January
December 18, 2003
NBC has announced that double platinum recording artist and American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken will make his acting debut as a singing star when he "pops" up as himself on an episode of NBC's Ed that is scheduled for broadcast in late January.
Survivor: Pearl Islands - Finale Episode summary
December 17, 2003
"Scout's Honor, '" our summary for the Episode 13 finale of CBS's Survivor: Pearl Islands, authored by "FesterFan1" has been posted.
Average Joe - Finale Episode summary
December 17, 2003
"In Which They All Got What They Deserve," our episode summary for the Episode 6 finale of NBC's Average Joe, written by Bebo, has now been posted.
Ruben Studdard's 'Soulful' debuts at #1 in U.S. with sales of 416,500 units
December 17, 2003
American Idol 2 winner Ruben Studdard finally has his own #1 CD to match runner-up Clay Aiken and Idol 1 winner Kelly Clarkson.
'Canadian Idol' Ryan Malcolm's album 'Home' debuts at #4 in Canada
December 17, 2003
The Pop Idol concept may not play as well in Canada as in the U.S. -- at least not on the album sales charts.
'Bachelor' Bob Guiney's CD '3 Sides' opens to disappointing sales
December 17, 2003
Maybe Bob Guiney, the star of ABC's The Bachelor 4, has already had his fifteen minutes of fame.
'Survivor: Pearl Islands' finale dominates, draws over 25 million viewers
December 16, 2003
The final ratings results are in for the Sunday, December 14 finale of Survivor: Pearl Islands, and, as expected, the program dominated the evening, drawing over 25 million viewers and hitting ratings highs not seen since the May 2002 finale of the Survivor: Marquesas.
NBC unveils the sixteen contestants competing on 'The Apprentice'
December 16, 2003
NBC has announced the identities and profiles of the sixteen smart young entrepreneurs who will compete in The Apprentice, the new reality drama featuring Donald Trump and executive produced by Survivor’s Mark Burnett.
Sandra Diaz-Twine wallops Lillian Morris in finale of 'Survivor: Pearl Islands'
December 15, 2003
Surprisingly, the original Internet gambling spoiler was right for the second straight edition of Survivor.
Mark Burnett to produce new 'The Restaurant'-like 'The Casino' reality series for FOX
December 15, 2003
Although the producers of NBC's The Restaurant decided to team back up with chef Rocco DiSpirito for a second season of the restaurant-based reality show, that apparently hasn't stopped one of the producers -- namely Survivor titan Mark Burnett -- from pursuing a previously reported "spin-off" concept of the program, a casino-set version of the program entitled (predictably enough) The Casino. But if you believe Burnett, the new show apparently has no connection to The Restaurant, and he and his new production partner "conceived" of the show independently.
Survivor: Pearl Islands - Episode 12 summary
December 15, 2003
"Mutiny, Can YOU Live With YOUR Self?, '" our summary for Episode 12 of CBS's Survivor: Pearl Islands, authored by "AMAI" has been posted. Check it out by clicking here.
ABC confirms Meredith Phillips to star as the next 'Bachelorette'
December 13, 2003
ABC has finally officially confirmed what we've been reporting for a couple of weeks now -- that Meredith Phillips, the third runner-up from Bob Guiney's edition of The Bachelor, will be the woman at the center of ABC's second The Bachelorette series which premieres in January.
Trista & Ryan's Wedding - Finale Episode summary
December 13, 2003
"The.Wedding.of.the.Decade," our episode summary for the Episode 3 finale of ABC's Trista & Ryan's Wedding, written by greeneyes, has now been posted.
Ratings: 'Trista & Ryan's Wedding' finale dominates timeslot, draws over 17 million viewers
December 13, 2003
The December 10 two-hour conclusion of Trista & Ryan's Wedding soared over its Wednesday night competition, drawing 17.1 million viewers and carrying ABC to a ratings win for the evening.
How "real" is 'The Simple Life'?
December 13, 2003
How far can a "reality TV" show go in staging its events?
'Survivor: Pearl Islands' Episode 13 'State of the Spoiling'
December 13, 2003
Our 'State of the Spoiling' summary for the final episode of Survivor: Pearl Islands is now posted, click here to read it.
Penultimate 'Survivor: Pearl Islands' episode draws 22.4 million viewers
December 13, 2003
With its two-hour finale set for broadcast on Sunday, December 14, the December 11 penultimate episode of Survivor: Pearl Islands attracted the program's best ratings yet, drawing its largest audience and placing first in viewers, households, Adults 18-49 and Adults 25-54.
The Simple Life - Episode 3 summary
December 12, 2003
"Darling I Love You But Give Me Rodeo Drive," our episode summary for Episode 3 of FOX's The Simple Life, written by ginger, has now been posted.
'Celebrity Mole Yucatan' premiere moved up to January 7 on ABC
December 12, 2003
ABC has made a change in the previously-announced schedule for its upcoming Celebrity Mole Yucatan. The first episode of the seven-episode series will now air on Wednesday, January 7, 2004 at 10 PM EST/PST.
An overconfident Burton becomes 'Survivor's first two-time loser as the women mutiny
December 12, 2003
This week's classic Survivor lesson? Pride cometh before the fall. Again.
Ozzy Osbourne struggles with broken bones and ventilator following ATV accident
December 12, 2003
Despite its declining ratings, MTV renewed The Osbournes for a third season, which began production last month and is scheduled to debut in January 2004. But what would The Osbournes be without Ozzy?
FOX moves 'American Idol 3' premiere to January 19
December 11, 2003
FOX has announced a change to its previously announced upcoming January American Idol 3 premiere, with the first two-hour episode of the program's originally planned two-night/three-hour premiere now having been broken into two one-hour consecutive night broadcasts due to concerns regarding a potential presidential address conflict.
'Survivor: Pearl Islands' Episode 12 'State of the Spoiling'
December 11, 2003
Our 'State of the Spoiling' summary for the twelfth episode of Survivor: Pearl Islands is now posted, click here to read it.
Survivor: Pearl Islands - 'Gay Survivor Journal, Episode 11'
December 10, 2003
Larry Johnson, a comedy writer currently working for Disney TV, has posted "Crushing Christa," the 12th 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 final college course led to launch of Bubel/Aiken Foundation
December 10, 2003
Sometimes the best stories take place behind the scenes. Thanks to the controversy about Clay Aiken's graduation this month, we just learned one of them.
FOX to broadcast new 'The Simple Life' episode on December 17, repeat previous episodes
December 10, 2003
FOX might only have seven episodes of The Simple Life to broadcast and already be scrambling to produce a sequel to the series, but clearly that's not stopping the ratings-starved network from milking the existing episodes of the new hit reality series for as much as they can.
Paris Hilton led 'Simple Life' with Arkansas student Trae Lindley during filming
December 9, 2003
Now we know why the local teenage girls were jealous of Paris Hilton during her stay in Altus, Arkansas to film Fox's The Simple Life.
'Average Joes' left out as Melana Scantlin picks Jason Peoples over Adam Mesh in NBC show finale
December 9, 2003
In the end, the 'Average Joes' were just ... average.
'Average Joe' finale draws 17.4 million viewers, leads NBC to record Adults 18-49 Monday ratings
December 9, 2003
The series finale of Average Joe drew 17.4 million overall viewers and propelled NBC to its highest Adults 18-49 demographic rating with series programming in the Monday 9-11 PM ET slot in more than 10 years.
'Bachelor' couple Andrew Firestone and Jen Schefft breakup
December 9, 2003
Fresh on the heels of yesterday's news that Bachelorette Trista Rehn and Ryan Sutter were married this weekend, comes the news that Andrew Firestone and Jen Schefft, the couple from the third Bachelor edition, have broken up -- and they announced their split on television.
The Simple Life - Episode 2 summary
December 9, 2003
"Milking It," our episode summary for Episode 2 of FOX's The Simple Life, written by AyaK, has now been posted. Check it out by clicking here.
Survivor: Pearl Islands - Episode 11 summary
December 8, 2003
"Brutus, Won't You Be My Snake In The Grass Today?,'" our summary for Episode 11 of CBS's Survivor: Pearl Islands, authored by "Devious Weasel" has been posted. Check it out by clicking here.
'Survivor: Pearl Islands' attracts its largest audience yet, draws 22.20 million viewers
December 8, 2003
Airing versus a repeat episode of NBC's Friends, the December 4 broadcast of CBS' Survivor: Pearl Islands dominated its time period as it drew season-high ratings and was the evening's most watched program.
Second episode of 'The Simple Life' draws even better ratings
December 8, 2003
For those keeping track, it looks like FOX's "a rising tide will lift all boats" unusual 8:30 PM programming strategy is paying off well for the network, as Wednesday's second episode of the series not only scored more great ratings, but also brought season-high ratings to its lead-in and lead-out programs.
'Bachelorette' couple Trista Rehn and Ryan Sutter marry
December 8, 2003
It's official, there were no last-minute cold feet, no leaving their one million dollar wedding dowry at the altar -- Bachelorette couple Trista Rehn and Ryan Sutter tied the knot this weekend.
'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition' premiere draws 12 million viewers, defeats 'Law & Order' in Adults 18-49
December 7, 2003
According to the initial overnight ratings, the series premiere of ABC's new Extreme Makeover: Home Edition home makeover show was a hit with viewers, drawing 12 million viewers and placing second in the overall ratings to NBC's Law & Order powerhouse, but becoming the first series to be an original episode of Law & Order in the Adults 18-49 in over three and a half years.
Part 2 of 'Trista & Ryan's Wedding' draws 13.2 million viewers, wins timeslot
December 7, 2003
According to Fast Affiliate Ratings for December 3, Part 2 of ABC's Trista & Ryan's Wedding special ranked No. 1 in its hour, drawing more viewers than second-place NBC's The West Wing (13.2 million vs. 12.9 million).
The Simple Life - Episode 1 summary
December 5, 2003
"Do They Build Arks in Arkansas?," our episode summary for Episode 1 of FOX's The Simple Life, written by Bebo, has now been posted. Check it out by clicking here.
'Bachelorette' Trista Rehn sued by ex-agent for cut of wedding proceeds from ABC
December 5, 2003
Wedding etiquette can be so messy. For example, where do you seat the process server?
Trista & Ryan's Wedding - Episode 2 summary
December 5, 2003
"Stag & Deer in Headlights Parties," our episode summary for Episode 2 of ABC's Trista & Ryan's Wedding, written by AMAI, has now been posted. Check it out by clicking here.
Simon Cowell to serve as "American judge" for the upcoming 'World Idol' competition
December 5, 2003
FOX has announced that Simon Cowell will serve as America's representative on the upcoming World Idol judging panel. According to reports, Cowell was given the choice to either represent either FOX's American Idol program or the U.K.'s original Pop Idol program (where he still also serves as a judge) and opted to represent the American edition on the international judging panel.
Average Joe - Episode 5 summary
December 5, 2003
"Rich Man, Poor Man, Himbo, Jerk," our episode summary for Episode 5 of NBC's Average Joe, written by GuessItRains, has now been posted. Check it out by clicking here.
Jon and Burton take the next lamb to the slaughter as Christa gets the boot
December 5, 2003
Clearly, Christa Hastie simply wasn't cut out to play this game. Perhaps its due to some mental impairment from her alleged drug-use filled past, but for whatever reason, as Jon said, there are some people in this world who are simply far too naive to player Survivor, and from everything that viewers have witnessed, Christa certainly is one of them.
TV Guide confirms Meredith Phillips to star as ABC's next 'Bachelorette'
December 4, 2003
The December 13 issue of TV Guide magazine (on sale Monday) is confirming the rumor that we've been reporting for a couple of weeks now -- that Meredith Phillips, the third runner-up from Bob Guiney's edition of The Bachelor, will be the woman at the center of ABC's second The Bachelorette series which premieres in January.
ABC's 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition' accepting applications
December 4, 2003
Does your home need some attention? Do you have a compelling story? If so ABC might be interested in having your home and family star in an upcoming episode of their new Extreme Makeover: Home Edition series.
'Bachelor' Bob Guiney denies reports that he's split with Estella Gardinier
December 4, 2003
Has Bob Guiney, the star of the ABC's just-completed fourth The Bachelor series, already broken up with Estella Gardinier or not? According to Guiney, no.
Survivor: Pearl Islands - 'Gay Survivor Journal, Episode 10'
December 4, 2003
Larry Johnson, a comedy writer currently working for Disney TV, has posted "Tossing Tijuana," the 11th installment of this season's 'Gay Survivor Journal,' his weekly commentary about CBS's Survivor: Pearl Islands from a gay point of view.
CBS begins accepting applications for 'Survivor 9'
December 4, 2003
CBS has recently announced that it has begun accepting applications for the ninth installment of Survivor.
FOX's 'The Simple Life' premiere draws 13 million viewers and the night's highest Adults 18-49 rating
December 3, 2003
The initial ratings results are in for Tuesday's The Simple Life premiere and they are pretty much as expected -- for probably the first time this fall season, FOX actually has some good news series ratings information to report.
Original 'Idol' runner-up Justin Guarini dropped by RCA Records
December 3, 2003
According to numerous media reports, American Idol runner-up Justin Guarini has been dropped from RCA Records after disappointing sales of his debut album. In comparison to the hit debut albums of fellow Idol alumni Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken, which have each sold well over one million copies to date, Guarini's self-titled "Justin Guarini" album has sold only 134,000 domestic copies since its June release.
'Survivor: Pearl Islands' Episode 11 'State of the Spoiling'
December 3, 2003
Our 'State of the Spoiling' summary for the eleventh episode of Survivor: Pearl Islands is now posted, click here to read it.
Penultimate 'Average Joe' episode sets ratings highs, draws 14.1 million viewers
December 2, 2003
According to updated in-home viewing figures from Nielsen Media Research, the December 1 penultimate episode of NBC's Average Joe set new series ratings highs, drawing 14.1 million overall viewers and a 7.2/18 rating/share in the Adults 18-49 demographic.
'The Simple Life' producers already plotting sequel to the FOX series
December 2, 2003
One thing we'll never say about FOX is that they're gun-shy. Despite their admission of being "greedy" in trying to go back to the well for a second edition of Joe Millionaire and other bombs such as second and third editions of Temptation Island, talks are apparently already underway for a sequel to the network's The Simple Life reality series that stars Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie.
Canada's 'Hooked Up' reality dating series to premiere February 17
December 2, 2003
For all the Canadians who've been saying "I wish we had our own skanky Temptation Island/Paradise Hotel-type show," their wait is officially over.
Survivor: Pearl Islands - Episode 10 summary
December 2, 2003
"Naked Lies,'" our summary for Episode 10 of CBS's Survivor: Pearl Islands, authored by "IceCat" has been posted. Check it out by clicking here.
NBC's 'Average Joe: Hawaii' sequel to premiere January 5
December 1, 2003
Hot on the heels of its currently airing hit Average Joe series, NBC has announced that it will premiere Average Joe: Hawaii, the second installment of the series, on Monday, January 5 (10-11 PM ET).
'Bachelor' couple Bob Guiney and Estella Gardinier already broken up?
December 1, 2003
Are ABC's Bachelor Bob Guiney and Estella Gardinier, the woman that he selected at the conclusion of the series, already broken up? According to at least one New York City newspaper gossip column, yes.
New report: Meredith Phillips... or "Tina Fabulous" starring as ABC's next 'Bachelorette'
December 1, 2003
Apparently her own name isn't that only thing about which E! Online gossip columnist Kristen (who formerly went by the pen name Wanda) is indecisive.
