• Are networks really cutting back on reality shows?

  November 10, 2003
  Despite the strong performance of reality TV shows during the 2002-03 season, the sic U.S. television networks resolved to cut reality shows from their 2003-04 schedule when they sold commercial time for the season. So how well are those promises holding up?

• Rod Stewart gets new MTV reality show, 'Rod: Live and Uncensored'

  November 10, 2003
  The Sydney Morning Herald reports that aging rock star Rod Stewart, who has the #2 album in the U.S. right now, has been signed by MTV for a reality series. The show, tentatively titled Rod: Live and Uncensored, will focus on Rod's personal and home life, similar to MTV's The Osbournes.

• 'Survivor' producer Mark Burnett launches new scripted show, based on himself

  October 30, 2003
  Without Mark Burnett, reality TV as we know it today might not exist. We may soon learn whether his own life is as interesting as his reality shows.

• Indiana U. telecommunications course focuses on reality TV

  October 21, 2003
  According to the Indiana Daily Student and WTHR-TV 13 in Indianapolis, a new telecommunications seminar for freshmen at Indiana University takes college students inside reality TV, for better or worse.

• Networks face sharp decline in young adult viewers; lack of reality shows blamed

  October 12, 2003
  The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) reports that the first Nielsen ratings of the 2003-04 season contain bad news for the six broadcast networks. Viewership in the critical 18-34 demographic has dropped from the prior year by 12%.

• Fox TV plans production of 'Making the Cut' reality show about hairdressers

  October 2, 2003
  According to Hollywood Reporter, Fox TV Studios is about to produce a new entry in the "docureality" genre -- one modeled strongly on NBC's The Restaurant. Entitled Making the Cut, the show will focus on a group of apprentice hairdressers, fresh out of cosmetology school, who go to work at a new hair salon In downtown Manhattan being opened by top New York hair stylist Rodney Cutler.

• Bobcat Goldthwait and Jimmy Kimmel team to produce 'Joe Schmo'-like "reality film" for Comedy Central

  September 22, 2003
  Comedy Central and Jackhole Industries have teamed-up to pull one of the greatest and most elaborate prank ever played. Premiering Sunday, October 12, at 9 PM on Comedy Central, "Windy City Heat" is a two-hour original reality film that is the climax to a decade-long practical joke played on its "star" Perry Caravello.

• New Euro reality show offers fashion internship with Stella McCartney to winner

  September 19, 2003
  Daily Variety (registration required) reports that a new reality show being produced in Italy offers fashion students a chance to win an internship with newlywed British designer Stella McCartney.

• U.S. Emmy Awards overlook reality TV, with one chance left to make amends

  September 17, 2003
  Back in July, we were enthusiastic that U.S. reality TV shows were nominated for Emmys in eleven different categories. Today, all we can say is ... ten down, one to go.

• One-time hard rock stars Ted Nugent and Gene Simmons explore reality TV

  September 11, 2003
  Move over, Ozzy Osbourne -- other one-time hard rock stars would like a piece of your TV turf. The Associated Press reports that Ted Nugent, once dubbed the "Michigan Madman" for his wild guitar work and on-stage behavior, will host a two-hour reality competition show on VH1. Meanwhile, former KISS frontman Gene Simmons is also seeking a reality-TV deal.

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