On Survivor’s 15th anniversary, here are 15 of the things we love best from the CBS show’s 30 seasons so far.
Archives for May 2015
Today, 10 years of Gordon Ramsay screaming on Hell’s Kitchen
Hell’s Kitchen, Gordon Ramsay’s first Fox show, debuted 10 years ago today, on May 30, 2005. It’s now in its 14th season and has aired more than 200 episodes, and outlived Ramsay’s other show, Kitchen Nightmares, which ended last year… continue reading
Hoarders live was gross, and not because of the trash
Hoarders has often been accused of sensationalizing and/or exploiting its subjects and their mental illness. I think the opposite is true, and I’ve long championed it and defended it, writing about it extensively, because it was strong reality television and… continue reading
Duggar response from Funny or Die is way too close to reality
There’s a new Funny or Die video with actors playing Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar who respond to the scandal related to their son’s molestation of his sisters. Although the impressions of the Duggars are on-point, and though there are… continue reading
Bullseye is fun, but it’s really Fear Factor light
Let’s not pretend: Fox’s Bullseye is Fear Factor. It looks like Fear Factor, with the same southern California desert locations. It has the same prize, $50,000. It has the same episodic structure, with people being eliminated after each of three… continue reading
In its 10th year, America’s Got Talent has its best start ever
America’s Got Talent started its 10th season last night, and in its first four hours, had what I think is its strongest, most watchable start yet. From its judges’ chemistry–Howard Stern, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, and Mel B work exceptionally… continue reading
Amy Schumer said yes to starring on The Bachelorette. Let this be real
On Tuesday, ABC’s senior vice president for alternative programming, Rob Mills, invited comedian Amy Schumer to be the next The Bachelorette. She accepted. Seriously, just look: . @Millsy11374 Here I come!! #bachelorette pic.twitter.com/tgA1Pzm4oL — Amy Schumer (@amyschumer) May 26, 2015… continue reading
A review of CBS’ The Briefcase and its $100,000 decision
Toward the end of the first episode of CBS The Briefcase, which debuts tonight, executive producer Dave Broome is driving a van with two of the cast members inside. They’ve just visited another family’s house and are now weighing whether… continue reading
First thoughts about NBC’s The Island
NBC continued its obsession with Bear Grylls by debuting his latest series last night: The Island. The show has aired two seasons in the UK, and doesn’t exactly break new ground. Actually, the first episode was very reminiscent of two better… continue reading
Developments in the Josh Duggar molestation story
Over the long weekend, there were several developments in the story of Josh Duggar’s molestation of his sisters and the family’s reaction to it. The Duggars’ TLC series, 19 Kids and Counting, remains off the air but has not been… continue reading
The reality TV I think is worthy of a TCA Award nomination
It’s that time of year when Television Critics Association members get to nominate shows for our annual awards, and thus time for me to offer recommendations/beg my fellow critics to please nominate reality television that represents the peak of what… continue reading
TLC pulls, doesn’t cancel, 19 Kids and Counting
TLC has pulled 19 Kids and Counting off its schedule but not cancelled the series after its stars, the Duggars, admitted their oldest son, Josh, molested younger girls when he was a teenager. When the family learned of it, they… continue reading
Another Big Brother on Survivor; another brawn, brains, beauty season
Survivor‘s 32nd season is returning to the brain/beauty/brawn format, and its cast includes another former Big Brother cast member (Hayden was the first) and a former NBA player. The 32nd season already filmed from March through May, though it will… continue reading
Duggars’ insane response to Josh Duggar molesting girls, including his sisters
19 Kids and Counting star Josh Duggar, 27, molested five underage girls when he was a teenager, including his sisters, according to a police report. The family knew but didn’t go to police, who only investigated after Oprah’s staff went… continue reading
A dramatic reunion and satisfying finale ends a rocky Survivor
At the very end of an incredibly dramatic and overly rushed Survivor Worlds Apart live finale and reunion, Jeff Probst told viewers, “Thank you for your loyalty, even when you don’t like everyone.” You’re welcome, Jeff Probst. And thank you… continue reading