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reality TV reviews, news, and analysis since 2000

Here’s how I imagine Simon Cowell invented his ABC reality show, American Inventor 2: He thought to himself, “You know what’s missing from American Idol? Long, tedious periods of silence, awkward pauses, and time-wasting moments that stretch 10 minutes of content into 44. Also, more sappy videos. And judges who make you realize just how …

Read More about Greg Chavez wins American Inventor 2 for his angel-shaped Christmas tree sprinkler

Following an often dull and drama-less first season, one that lost viewers as it progressed, American Inventor 2 will look significantly different. First, all of the show’s judges–Ed Evangelista, Doug Hall, Mary Lou Quinlan–are all out, except for Peter Jones, who Variety notes is “also one of the show’s exec producers.” Stepping in as a …

Read More about American Inventor host, judges fired; George Foreman will judge second season

American Inventor aired its “finale” episode tonight, and the phone lines opened so viewers could vote for the four finalists: Ed Hall, with Word Ace; Janusz Liberkowski, with Anecia, the spherical safety seat; Francisco Patino, with the Double Traction Bike, and Erik Thompson, with The Catch, the receiver’s training pole. Thankfully, this Simon Cowell-produced disaster …

Read More about American Inventor opens phones for voting and is even more boring than usual