Here's To The Happy Couple...

Production is underway over at ABC on a reality game show competition called, Here Come The Newlyweds.

The 6-episodes (Produced by The Jay & Tony Show) of what ABC calls, "Reality TV's version of a romantic comedy" will feature 7 recently married couples competing against each other in various relationship challenging tests for cash prizes.

Sounds like wedded bliss - or is it?

Ah, after all we are speaking of a reality show, of which never fails to entertain (Okay, so I am somewhat biased on the subject matter). The point - is there ever a moment of peaceful, harmony on a reality show? More importantly, would viewers be interested in watching such mundane reality without larger than life personalities, contrived circumstances, and melodramatics?

Well, the good news is that no matter how you dress up the formula (I mean skein), the game remains the same:

• Reality show ingredient #1: An assorted cast. According to ABC, the couples will be from different backgrounds, including high-school sweethearts, a couple going on their 4th marriage, and an arranged marriage. Translation - Characters are mandatory.
  
  
• Reality show ingredient #2: An altruistic purpose. Further, the idea is to present a show that departs from what my fellow producers are commenting as, "Fun and light - a departure from backstabbing (I will also add "and the mockery") elements that always find a way into reality shows". Translation - You will be better people and you will like it.
  
  
• Reality show ingredient #3: High-stakes elimination. Couples will compete for 'an escalating' cash prizes and at the end of each show, a couple will be 'voted off' the show. Translation - I am in it to win it, no matter what happens.
  
  
• Reality show ingredient #4: Morality check. Challenges are designed to test each contestants' relationship. Translation - Is it me or my money?

Really, the only element that is missing is a mansion where they all must live together under the same roof, for 13 weeks (Oops, here I am again saying too much).

A Modern Day Newlywed Game

Back in the late 70's and early 80's my parents would watch the Newlywed Game (Bob Eubanks/ Jim Lange). The show that was on for decades, was originally produced by the great Chuck Barris (Next to Merv, Chuck is also one of my idols - I have reason to believe that game shows are in my future).

The Newlywed Game also featured married couples competing for trips and prizes. The show became notorious for couples arguing over answers and it was reported that some disagreements between couples, who appeared on the show, had even led to divorce.

As difficult or ridiculous as the idea may sound, the appearance on television with one's spouse can lead to tremendous pressure on a relationship (Newlyweds Nick & Jessica, Meet The Barkers (Travis & Shanna), Dave Navarro & Carmen Electra, and even Bobby and Whitney Houston). The unravel occurs in a very subtle manner and eventually results in an unpleasant to watch series of events in which a 'break-up' seems inevitable.

Producers for Here Come The Newlyweds, say they would not call this a "Feel good" reality show, as there is always tension in a marriage and there will be several comedic elements that are inherent to a marriage. Right....

I am already busy developing my new idea: "Recover your marriage after appearing on a reality show"....You read it here first.