• ABC Family Channel refocuses on reality TV

  January 15, 2003
  According to the Boston Herald, the ABC Family Channel has decided to refocus on reality TV. Not only is ABC Family rerunning reality TV shows that previously aired on ABC, such as The Bachelorette and Celebrity Mole: Hawaii, but it is also creating at least three original reality TV programs

• 'Star Search,' 'Bachelorette,' & 'Celebrity Mole' continue week of strong reality TV show ratings premieres

  January 9, 2003
  Variety reports that a great week for reality premieres continued Wednesday, with CBS' "Star Search" and ABC's "The Bachelorette" and "Celebrity Mole: Hawaii" all premiering to strong ratings. "Bachelorette" was the night's top-rated show in key demos, and "Star Search" and "Celebrity Mole" delivered their networks' best series scores in their time slots in more than two years.

• 'All My Children' to feature reality show storyline within the fictional series

  January 9, 2003
  Reuters reports that in a novel blend of TV formats that could hardly be further apart, ABC plans to inject a bit of "reality" -- in this case a search for five of America's sexist men -- into the fantasy world of its popular soap opera "All My Children."

• FOX to air 'Bridezilla' special January 27th at 8PM

  January 7, 2003
  Variety reports that FOX will air an upcoming special entitled "Bridezilla" that will feature a full hour of what the network is calling "matrimonial monsters" who wreak havoc on their loved ones as they prepare to walk down the aisle.

• Cameraman stabbed on Madonna husband's new reality TV show

  January 6, 2003
  Reuters reports that a cameraman working on a new British reality TV show produced by pop superstar Madonna's husband, was stabbed while filming a stunt designed to trap would-be car thieves. The cameraman was working on a new series called "Swag," produced by Guy Ritchie which uses hidden cameras to film people being tempted into illegal acts, British broadcaster Channel Five said Monday.

• Fox to launch three new wacky reality specials, starting with 'Man vs. Beast'

  January 6, 2003
  Variety reports Fox is developing a trio of way-out-there reality specials -- including a doggie beauty pageant some are dubbing "Miss Bitch" and a multi-species athletic competition boasting, among other things, a team of little people squaring off against an 8,000 lb. elephant.

• 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.

• 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.

• HBO to air Nevada brothel 'Cathouse' reality TV "documentary" on December 8th

  November 23, 2002
  Call it "Big Brother" meets "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas." Reuters reports that HBO will air a documentary next month in which patrons of a Nevada brothel happily appear on camera negotiating and consorting with prostitutes. "Cathouse," a one-hour special that HBO will telecast after the season finale of its mob drama "The Sopranos" on December 8th, takes viewers behind closed doors at the Moonlite Bunny Ranch in Carson City, Nevada, where prostitution is legal. The film is part of HBO's "America Undercover" documentary series.

• Fallen pop stars might receive 'Second Chance' on new FOX reality TV show

  November 2, 2002
  The Hollywood Reporter reports that FOX and Simon Fuller's 19 Entertainment are working on a variation on the "American Idol: The Search for a Superstar" theme revolving around former pop stars and one-hit wonders looking to resuscitate their careers. Dubbed "Second Chance," the show was dreamed up by Fox's alternative programming guru, Mike Darnell.

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