Top 5 Reality Shows of 2007

Most Disappointing: Newport Harbor- The Real OC
When the creators of Laguna Beach made the switch to Newport Harbor after a couple of lackluster seasons in Laguna, fans thought we’d get a fresh new crop of spoiled rich kids with too much drama for their mamas. Well the first part was right. Unlike the previous seasons, there was not a single individual or couple that demanded your attention as a viewer. In a season filled with whiney brats asking for more, the death bell tolled for The Real OC.

Honorable Mention: Project Runway
Yes the new season has been slow and uneven at best but I still love it especially after the extended hiatus we had to endure. Tim, Heidi and the whole gang still provide plenty of “talk back” TV and while I think this year’s challenges have been cushy, they are still some of the best on reality TV.

5. Scott Baio is 45 and Single
Once in a while a show comes along and completely surprises you. On paper there was no reason a show about a washed up 80’s star going on a journey of self discovery should make for engaging TV but damn it all Baio made this a winner. From his screwball cast of characters, to his firm and engaging therapist, the show had a wealth of interesting folks other then Scott himself. Baio did turn out to be a fascinating guy though whether it be his skewed view on the opposite sex or his self realization that he’ll always be Chaci he came off as real which is unusual on a reality show. While there was a definite deadline and choice to be made on the show you felt that you watched Baio grow no matter what the outcome.

4. Hey Paula!
While Baio grew on his show, Paula Abdul sank further and further into crazy on hers. At first I deemed the show unwatchable but after catching some reruns and a marathon I must admit the watching Abdul’s nonsensical rants made for some of the best TV of 2007.

3. The Hills
While the original show (Laguna Beach) faded, The Hills came into its own this past year. Sure some of it might be staged and the editors seem to cut together scenes that take place weeks apart but I could care less. The split between Heidi and LC was full of drama and this Fall’s separate but unequal coverage of the two has been equally engaging. The show has made an art out of finding men that give the entire sex a bad name whether it be Jason, JustinBobby or the devil himself Spencer “I’m a” Pratt. This week’s finale was followed by the announcement of more in 2008 and I must say that fake or real, I can’t wait.

2. The Real World
Holy revival Batman! Between Denver and Sydney, The Real World has regained top form. Denver was a sex and booze filled environment that gave previous seasons a run for their money. The dysfunction of Colie, Brooke, and Jen made for the greatest tri-fecta of crazy women folk in the history of a show that has a legacy of crazy women folk. Their job was tough but rewarding and of course the house was sweeter then ever. Sydney has ditched the amount of sex for more quality aftermaths. The cast has shrunk and grown multiple times and while the show has featured some of the most deplorable cast mates ever (Trisha, Dunbar, I’m looking at you), its also introduced us to perhaps the greatest Real World cast member ever in Isaac.

1. Top Chef
What was first thought of as a Project Runway rip-off has now passed its predecessor. Top Chef blends the perfect amount of contestant drama with serious and quantitative challenges. Each and every chef is talented and deserving to be on the show but as the season goes on the difficult challenges cut the fat and leave us with the finest choices. This latest season that ended with Dale and Hung was a perfect example as one chef seemed to need the challenges to find himself while the other found the challenges restricting. In the end though the best shined through and as a viewer that’s what we truly want to see.

Looking Ahead to 2008: Double Big Brother
If there’s one good thing about the writer’s strike its that we are going to get double the installments of Big Brother. With a winter edition set to debut in early February to be followed by the requisite Summer series, my guiltiest pleasure will dominate 2008 reality programming. Chen-bot here we come!