HOME > Reality TV News - January 2004
Reality TV News - January 2004
Celebrity Mole Yucatan - Episode 4 summary
January 31, 2004
"Four Crazy FOMOs," our episode summary for the fourth episode of ABC's Celebrity Mole Yucatan, written by Jims02, has now been posted.
Average Joe 2: Hawaii - Episode 4 summary
January 31, 2004
"The One Where Everyone Gets Spanked," our episode summary for the fourth episode of NBC's Average Joe 2: Hawaii, written by SilverStar, has now been posted.
'America's Next Top Model' setting UPN ratings records
January 30, 2004
Looking back, the biggest questions are probably why it took so long for viewers to begin tuning in to watch a show starring attractive young women competing for a modeling contract -- and why they appear to largely be other women rather than the expected male audience. But, regardless of why, they increasingly are -- to the extent that the second season of UPN's America's Next Top Model reality series has begun setting record ratings for the perpetually struggling network.
Pioneering reality TV producer Mary-Ellis Bunim dead at 57
January 30, 2004
Mary-Ellis Bunim, the pioneering Bunim-Murray Productions co-founder and co-creator of numerous reality TV hits, including MTV's The Real World, has died. Bunim, 57, died in Burbank, California on Thursday after a long battle with breast cancer, her publicist said.
Report: "The Simple Life' sequel to center around RV road trip
January 30, 2004
Wondering what new outrageous premise The Simple Life producers have decided to go with for the Simple Life sequel that they've been brainstorming about since before the first season of the hit series even premiered? Well if Paris Hilton's own public comments can be believed, viewers need not wonder any more.
NBC to air "supersized" 'Apprentice' episodes versus final minutes of 'Survivor: All Stars'
January 29, 2004
In the latest example that "gentlemen's agreements" are only worth the paper that they (aren't) printed upon, NBC has recently revealed that as part of its recent decision to move its new The Apprentice reailty series to Thursdays at 9PM ET/PT, it also will be "supersizing" the February 5 and 12 episodes of the program -- and placing the show in direct competition with the first two regular Thursday broadcasts of the All-Star edition of CBS' Survivor, which Apprentice executive producer Mark Burnett also produces.
The Simple Life - "Lost" Episode summary
January 29, 2004
"Movies Are Educational," our episode summary for the so-called "lost" ninth episode of FOX's The Simple Life, written by strid333, has now been posted.
'American Idol 3' continues setting ratings records in second week broadcasts
January 29, 2004
The second week of the third season of FOX's American Idol has now passed, and, in what can only be considered bad news for every other broadcast network, it's starting to as though, unlike last season, the program might be able to perform at the incredibly high ratings level of its premiere week all season.
'Survivor: All Stars' Episode 1 'State of the Spoiling'
January 29, 2004
Our 'State of the Spoiling' summary for the premiere episode of 'Survivor: All Stars' is now posted, click here to read it.
A&E and Southwest in talks for a second 'Airline' season
January 28, 2004
Cable TV's A&E Network has announced that it is in talks with Southwest Airlines to shoot another season of Airline, the wacky new reality series that documents the customer service adventures that the airline's employees face daily.BET's 'College Hill' "first ever Black reality show" premiering January 28
January 28, 2004
Billed as "television's first-ever Black dramatic reality show," BET's new College Hill series will be premiering, tonight, January 28 at 9 PM ET/PT.
FOX "casting" for Mark Burnett's upcoming 'The Casino' series
January 28, 2004
FOX & Mark Burnett Productions are seeking "outgoing personalities who love to gamble" for their new upcoming The Casino reality show. Of particular interest to the producers are people who are gambling for a specific purpose or who have a specific and compelling reason for coming to Vegas. If you have a larger than life personality and money to gamble to make your dreams come true in Vegas, they want you. People who are chosen are flown to Vegas for a dream vacation. Airfare & Accommodations at The Golden Nugget are provided by the show.
'Newlyweds' co-star Nick Lachey follows wife Jessica Simpson in signing ABC deal
January 28, 2004
What do you get as a wedding gift for the celebrity couple that has everything? His and her development deals at ABC apparently.
FOX to air 'The Littlest Groom' reality miniseries on February 16 & 23
January 28, 2004
Just when you thought FOX had sunk about as low as it could go with its new My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiance reality prank show, the network has announced plans to air The Littlest Groom, an Average Joe-like two-part reality miniseries in which a vertically-challenged 4'5" man searches for love among women of similar height... only to later discover he'll also have some average-sized women competing for his heart.
"Lost" 'Simple Life' episode remains lost to viewers, places fourth in timeslot
January 28, 2004
Perhaps FOX should have quit when it was ahead with The Simple Life. Or at least not have attempted to air the program outside its previous successful Tuesday timeslot.
FX Network's 'Todd TV' tanks in debut, draws only 803,000 viewers
January 28, 2004
The ratings are in for the premiere episode Todd TV reality series and its safe to say that the new FX Network reality series is off to a very rough start.
Fourth 'Average Joe 2: Hawaii' episode wins key demos, draws over 11 million viewers
January 27, 2004
Average Joe 2: Hawaii's roller coaster ratings ride continues. After watching its second episode ratings drop significantly from its already mediocre premiere numbers, the program roared back to post series highs in its third episode... only to now once again drop with the show's fourth episode.
ABC to bring Regis and $10,000,000 'Super Millionaire' back for February sweeps period
January 27, 2004
Desperate for ratings, the ABC Television Network announced yesterday that it will be bringing a $10,000,000 Super Millionaire version of the network's previously cancelled Who Wants To Be a Millionaire series back for the February sweeps period.
The Surreal Life 2 - Episode 2 summary
January 27, 2004
"What Are You Talking About, Willis," our episode summary for the second episode of The WB's The Surreal Life 2, written by Devious Weasel, has now been posted.
The Apprentice - Episode 3 summary
January 26, 2004
"Three Strikes and You’re Out," our episode summary for the third episode of NBC's The Apprentice, written by AyaK, is now available.
Celebrity Mole Yucatan - Episode 3 summary
January 26, 2004
"Stephen Says Hello and You Say Goodbye, Again," our episode summary for the third episode of ABC's Celebrity Mole Yucatan, written by magic_star, has now been posted.
Average Joe 2: Hawaii - Episode 3 summary
January 26, 2004
"The Invasion Of The Jerks," our episode summary for the third episode of NBC's Average Joe 2: Hawaii, written by Howard Dean, has now been posted.
'Spoiler Island' fantasy game launches for the 'Survivor: All Stars' season
January 26, 2004
Reality TV World's Spoiler Island fantasy prediction game has opened for Survivor: All-Stars Episode 1 picks.
'My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiance' star Randi Coy quits schoolteacher job
January 26, 2004
Looking to ensure her availability for whatever future "experiences" might await reality television's latest soon-to-be has-been reality show contestant, Randi Coy, the 23-year-old woman at the center of FOX's My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiance reality prank show, has quit her two month career as a first grade Catholic schoolteacher.
The Bachelorette 2 - Episode 2 summary
January 25, 2004
"Top Ten Lists," our episode summary for the second episode of ABC's second edition of The Bachelorette, written by dajaki, is now available.
America's Next Top Model 2 - Episode 2 summary
January 24, 2004
"The 'Fight' Episode," our episode summary for the second episode of the second season of UPN's America's Next Top Model, written by Isabelle Murray, is now available.
'Newlyweds' new season opens strong, draws 4.7 million viewers
January 23, 2004
Apparently a few months off has done nothing to diminish the popularity of MTV's Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica, the network's much talked about reality series which follows the celebrity marriage of former 98 Degrees singer Nick Lachey and "pop tart" Jessica Simpson.
Wednesday 'Idol' scores biggest numbers yet, draws over 29.4 million viewers
January 23, 2004
FOX three-night American Idol premiere closed out it ratings rampage on Wednesday with its highs numbers yet -- leaving other broadcasters hoping that the program's ratings will somewhat subside as the show begins to settle into its regular broadcast slots, but already shuffling their schedules to get out of the 800-pound gorilla's way.
Crushed by 'Idol,' NBC's 'Apprentice' limps back to Thursdays
January 22, 2004
What a difference a week, and one show, can make. After watching the third night of FOX's American Idol third season premiere destroy NBC's previously dominant The Apprentice series in the ratings, NBC immediately concluded that the only action to take when facing an unstoppable force is to quickly get out of the way -- and moved Apprentice off to Thursdays at 9 PM ET/PT (via CBS' CSI) for the duration of its fifteen episode run. Talk about out of the frying pan and into the fire.
Ratings: Third 'The Apprentice' episode gets crushed in 'American Idol' matchup
January 22, 2004
So much for those reality show ratings records that the second episode of NBC's The Apprentice set last week.
NFL quarterback Jesse Palmer to star as ABC's next 'Bachelor'
January 22, 2004
In the latest example that the quarterback always gets the girl, the syndicated Extra entertainment news magazine will report tonight that NFL New York Giants backup quarterback Jesse Palmer will be the star of ABC's fifth edition of The Bachelor.
CTV announces 'Canadian Idol 2' audition dates
January 22, 2004
CTV has announced the nine-city, eleven-week audition tour for the second installment of its Canadian Idol series.
Second 'American Idol 3' episode draws 28.6 million viewers
January 21, 2004
The ratings of the second episode of FOX's third season of American Idol might have been down significantly from Monday's first episode of the program's special three-night premiere week, but Idol was still far and away the most-watched program of the night.
Fox to air "lost" 'The Simple Life' episode on January 26, sequel also in the works
January 21, 2004
Fox seems unable to let go of The Simple Life. In the latest announcement, a previously-unaired episode of the show (called "The Lost Episode"), featuring fish-out-of-water stars Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie getting jobs with a taxidermist, will be aired on Fox this coming Monday, January 26 at 8:30 PM ET/PT -- immediately before the second installment of My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiance.
My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiance - Episode 1 summary
January 21, 2004
"Randi, Randi, Randi, Randi, Randi, Randi…," our episode summary for the premiere episode of FOX's My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiance, written by TeamJoisey, is now available.
FX Network's real-life 'Ed TV'-like 'Todd TV' reality show premiering January 21
January 20, 2004
What do you get when you mix CBS' Cupid reality dating series with Ron Howard's 1999 Ed TV fictional film? The FX Networks' first stab at a reality television show of its own -- Todd TV, premiering Wednesday, January 21 at 10 PM ET.
FOX to repeat 'My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiancé' Thursdays at 9 PM ET
January 20, 2004
FOX has announced that following its successful series premiere Monday night, encore episodes of the network's new hit series My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiancé will air Thursdays at 9 ET/PT, beginning this Thursday, January 22.
Ratings jump for third episode of 'Average Joe 2: Hawaii'
January 20, 2004
After last week's ratings we wondered if the significant ratings drop for the second episode of NBC's Average Joe 2: Hawaii was a harbinger of things to come, or whether the second installment of the series was just experiencing the same "bump in the road" ratings hiccup as the original series. It appears we now have an answer.
Ratings: 'American Idol 3' premiere swamps the competition, draws 29 million viewers
January 20, 2004
So much for those whispered industry thoughts that the third season of FOX's smash-hit American Idol series might not be quite as successful as last season's edition. Wishful thinking appears to have been a more accurate description.
The Apprentice - Episode 2 summary
January 20, 2004
"Swingers and Sleepers," our episode summary for the second episode of NBC's The Apprentice, written by Bebo, is now available.
Average Joe 2: Hawaii - Episode 2 summary
January 20, 2004
"Hawaii, Five No's," our episode summary for the second episode of NBC's Average Joe 2: Hawaii, written by GuessItRains, has now been posted.
Next 'The Real World' edition to film in Philadelphia, casting still occurring
January 18, 2004
Back to the Northeast. Having filmed the last four editions of The Real World in the Midwest (Chicago), Sin City (Las Vegas), Europe (Paris), and the West Coast (San Diego), Real World producers Bunim-Murray Productions have apparently decided to return to the Northeast (for the first time since 2001's Back To New York) for the fifteenth installment of the MTV hit reality franchise.
Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken announce thirty city concert tour
January 18, 2004
Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken, two of 2003's best selling new artists, have announced that they are joining forces for their first major nationwide headlining tour set to kick off in Charlotte, NC.
NBC to air 'Queer Eye for the Straight Guy' marathon on Superbowl Sunday
January 18, 2004
It turns out The WB won't be the only major broadcast network looking to counter-program the Superbowl with reality television.
'The Osbournes' to return with new episodes beginning January 27
January 18, 2004
MTV has announced that The Osbournes will be returning to the network with five all new episodes starting on Tuesday, January 27 at 10:30 PM ET/PT.
The Bachelorette 2 - Episode 1 summary
January 17, 2004
"The Love Search Begins Again," our episode summary for the premiere episode of ABC's second edition of The Bachelorette, written by greeneyes, is now available.
Celebrity Mole Yucatan - Episode 2 summary
January 17, 2004
"The Very Small Rise And Long Fall Of Corbin Bernsen," our episode summary for the second episode of ABC's Celebrity Mole Yucatan, written by Estee, has now been posted.
Second 'The Apprentice' episode sets reality ratings records, draws 20.2 million viewers
January 17, 2004
It's official -- Survivor producer Mark Burnett and NBC appear to have a new breakout smash hit reality television show on their hands as the second episode of The Apprentice set several "all-time" reality programming ratings records.
Ratings soar for second 'Celebrity Mole Yucatan' episode
January 17, 2004
What a difference a good lead-in can make. Taking full advantage of its The Bachelorette season premiere lead-in, the second episode of ABC's Celebrity Mole Yucatan drew significantly better ratings than its week ago premiere.
Second 'Bachelorette' edition premieres as the evening's top-rated show, draws 12.4 million viewers
January 17, 2004
Meredith Phillips might not have been every Bachelor fans first choice to star in the second installment of ABC's The Bachelorette series, however that clearly didn't stop viewers from tuning into the series premiere.
Second episode of 'Average Joe: Hawaii' draws 8.3 million viewers, down 13% from premiere
January 17, 2004
Is Average Joe 2 fated to become another Joe Millionaire 2-like ratings disappointment? Or is the second installment of the series just experiencing the same momentary ratings drop as the second episode of the first series? Only time will tell.
The Apprentice - Episode 1 summary
January 17, 2004
"Trumped Again," our episode summary for the premiere episode of NBC's The Apprentice, written by AyaK, is now available.
TLC's new 'Trading Spaces: Home Free' miniseries to pay off homeowners -- and viewers -- mortgages
January 16, 2004
Trading Spaces has always tested friendships and challenged neighbors to find out exactly how well they know each other, but there was one thing they could always count on -- they were in it together. Not anymore.
NBC to repeat 'The Apprentice' episodes on CNBC cable network
January 16, 2004
Never let there be any doubt that NBC, the broadcast kings of "repurposing," know how to milk a good thing for all they can.
'High School Reunion 2' to premiere on The WB on March 14
January 16, 2004
For High School Reunion fans, the long wait will soon be over. The WB has announced that the second installment of the popular reality series will premiere on Sunday, March 14 at 9PM ET.
America's Next Top Model 2 - Episode 1 summary
January 15, 2004
"The 'Introduction' Episode," our episode summary for the premiere episode of the second season of UPN's America's Next Top Model, written by Isabelle Murray, is now available.
The Simple Life - Finale Episode summary
January 15, 2004
"Muskrat Love," our episode summary for the finale episode of FOX's The Simple Life, written by Coconut, has now been posted.
The Simple Life - Reunion Episode summary
January 15, 2004
"The Simpleton's Guide To Killing An Hour," our episode summary for the reunion special episode of FOX's The Simple Life, written by Sunny_Bunny, has now been posted.
The Surreal Life 2 - Episode 1 summary
January 14, 2004
"Raspberry Bathtubs and An Incredibly Well-Documented 9 and 3/4 Inches," our episode summary for the premiere episode of The WB's The Surreal Life 2, written by ginger, has now been posted.
Sans 'Bachelorette" lead-in, 'Celebrity Mole Yucatan' premiere struggles in the ratings
January 14, 2004
Lesson learned -- perhaps moving the debut of Celebrity Mole Yucatan up a week from its originally scheduled January 14 post-Bachelorette 2 premiere wasn't the smartest programming move ABC could have made.
Rejected "joe" Adam Mesh to return in his own 'Average Joe: Adam Returns' series
January 14, 2004
Anyone else getting a "Bachelor Bob" deja vu feeling? Apparently rejected Average Joe suitor Adam Mesh's "very happy" relationship with his new girlfriend has ended, because NBC has announced that Adam will be returning to the reality dating show scene for his own aptly titled Average Joe: Adam Returns reality series.
CBS formally announces 'Survivor: All-Stars' contestants
January 12, 2004
CBS today formally announced what has been reported for months already, that eighteen former Survivor castaways, including four previous winners, will return to compete in Survivor: All-Stars. The eighth installment of the smash-hit series will premiere Sunday, February 1, immediately following CBS Sports’ coverage of Super Bowl XXXVIII.
NBC moves second 'The Apprentice' episode to Thursday after 'Friends'
January 12, 2004
NBC has announced that due to the incredible ratings that The Apprentice premiere drew last Thursday when airing after Friends, the second episode of the hit reality show will now air Thursday, January 15 (8:30-9:30 PM ET) followed by “Will & Grace” at 9:30 PM.
Celebrity Mole Yucatan - Episode 1 summary
January 11, 2004
"Dear Diary..." our episode summary for the premiere episode of ABC's Celebrity Mole Yucatan, written by DebCapsFan, has now been posted.
Average Joe 2: Hawaii - Episode 1 summary
January 11, 2004
"The Island of Misfit Boys," our episode summary for the premiere episode of NBC's Average Joe 2: Hawaii, written by Lisapooh, has now been posted.
The Simple Life - Episode 6 summary
January 10, 2004
"Cute Guys Are Relative," our episode summary for Episode 6 of FOX's The Simple Life, written by AMAI, has now been posted.
'The Apprentice' contestant Kristi Frank has soft-core porno past
January 9, 2004
It turns out Kristi Frank, one of the contestants of NBC's hit new The Apprentice reality show, has a more interesting past than NBC has been letting on. According to Friday's Inside Edition entertainment news show broadcast, Frank also has a soft-core pornography past.
FOX to air 'The Simple Life' reunion special on January 13
January 9, 2004
Apparently FOX had good reason to, as of late December, be claiming that the plans for the network's special "all new" one-hour January 13 The Simple Life penultimate episode were "still being finalized."
NBC's 'The Apprentice' premieres big, draws over 18 million viewers
January 9, 2004
NBC's special Thursday premiere of the new The Apprentice reality series scored the highest adult 18-49 rating for any preview or premiere of any new television series in a year.
NBC to repeat 'The Apprentice' premiere on Saturday, January 10
January 9, 2004
NBC has announced that it will air a special encore broadcast of the premiere episode of its new hit The Apprentice series on Saturday, January 10 at 9 PM ET.
Carmen Electra and Dave Navarro's ''Til Death Do Us Part' to premiere on MTV January 21
January 9, 2004
MTV has announced that 'Til Death Do Us Part: Carmen & Dave, a documentary mini-series chronicling the lives of Carmen Electra and Dave Navarro during the months, weeks and days prior to their wedding, will premiere on Wednesday, January 21st at 10:30 PM (ET/PT) after the 10:00 PM second season premiere of Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson's Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica.
CBS to officially announce 'Survivor: All Stars' cast on January 12
January 9, 2004
CBS has announced that CBS News' The Early Show will officially reveal the identities of the eighteen new castaways of Survivor: All Stars on Monday, January 12 (7-9 AM, ET/PT).
MTV's new 'Newlyweds' season to kick off on January 21
January 8, 2004
MTV has announced that the second season of Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica, the network's much talked about reality series which follows the celebrity marriage of former 98 Degrees singer Nick Lachey and "pop tart" Jessica Simpson, will premiere on Wednesday, January 21st at 10 PM ET/PT.
'Star Search' returns with new 'Winners Circle' twist on January 17
January 7, 2004
CBS's hit talent series Star Search, hosted by Arsenio Hall, returns live Saturday, January 17 (8-9 PM, live ET/delayed PT) with an all-new nine episode tournament featuring a surprising twist that involves last season’s memorable winners.
The women show off their "Marketing 101" in 'The Apprentice' premiere
January 7, 2004
Leave it to a reality TV program about the business world to make Madison Avenue's "sex sells" be its first lesson of big business.
'Average Joe 2: Hawaii' premiere draws 9.6 million viewers
January 6, 2004
The initial ratings results from last night's Average Joe 2: Hawaii premiere are in, and although it doesn't look like the series is going to suffer a disastrous Joe Millionaire 2-like fate, it also appears the series will have its work cut out for it if it hopes to match the ratings of the original series.
It's the men vs. the women on NBC's 'The Apprentice'
January 6, 2004
Clearly Survivor producer Mark Burnett recognizes a good idea when he sees it. After witnessing the ratings success that a men vs. women gender theme brought to his Spring 2003 edition of Survivor: The Amazon, Burnett is bringing the idea back -- this time for his new NBC The Apprentice reality show.
'Last Comic Standing 2' begins regional talent searches
January 6, 2004
This January, NBC's summer series Last Comic Standing will again search the country for the funniest people in America as it gears up for its second season return in Summer 2004. Beginning January 13 in Los Angeles, talent scouts Bob Read and Ross Mark will return to the show to find the best stand-up comics from eight selected cities nationwide.
'Average Joe' producer: "Sure we stacked the deck... guilty"
January 5, 2004
Unlike some reality television producers, Average Joe executive producer Stuart Krasnow freely admits that he intentionally cast his show in such a way that the former beauty queens starring on it were faced with having to backup their pre-show claims that "looks aren't that important" or come off looking shallow or hypocritical -- and he makes no apologies for it.
MTV's scandal-filled 'Real World: San Diego' premieres January 6
January 4, 2004
The Real World: San Diego, the latest scandal-filled installment of MTV's The Real World will premiere on January 6, and if the police reports filed to date are any indication, it's going to be a drama-filled -- and possibly deeply disturbing -- season.
Norway's Kurt Nilsen wins 'World Idol' as contest favorite Kelly Clarkson places second
January 2, 2004
In a surprise upset, Norwegian Pop Idol Kurt Nilsen, a former plumber, defeated competition favorites Kelly Clarkson and Will Young and won World Idol's clash of the world's Idols.
FOX planning 'Forever Eden' -- a new 'Paradise Hotel'-like "never-ending reality soap opera"
January 2, 2004
Has Paradise been lost -- only to be replaced by Eden?
A&E's 'Airline' reality show begins taking off on January 5
January 1, 2004
A&E Network has announced that starting on Monday, January 5, 2004, it will be going behind the counter, into the cockpit and beyond the airport tarmac with the premiere of its new real life series Airline. Broadcast via back-to-back 30 minute episodes that will air at 10:00 PM ET/PT and 10:30 PM ET/PT every Monday evening, the initial season of the series will run eighteen episodes in length.
'World Idol' winner announced
January 1, 2004
WARNING: The following story contains spoilers as to the winner and finish orders of the World Idol results show which will air on FOX and CTV in the U.S. and Canada this evening. If you do not wish to know this information, please stop reading right now.
'The Simple Life' to end with all new one-hour January 13 episode followed by January 14 finale
January 1, 2004
FOX has good news for viewers who just can't get enough of Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie's The Simple life -- in addition to the previously broadcast special eighth "bonus episode" of the show, the network has apparently found enough additional footage on the cutting room floor to extend the program's penultimate episode to a full hour.
'Simple Life' mini-marathon reruns leds FOX to top of lackluster Tuesday ratings race
January 1, 2004
Tuesday's 8-10 PM ET The Simple Life rerun marathon didn't bring in the typical good numbers of the earlier original episode broadcasts, but the two-hour block of four repeat episodes was still good enough to place FOX first in the night's lackluster holiday period ratings race.
