The Joan Is Back...

TV Land tells us a second season of the popular reality series How’d You Get So Rich? starring Ms. Joan Rivers set to return.

The series will once again take viewers on an escapade to meet mega-rich millionaires who worked hard and struck gold (-?). Rivers introduces viewers to folks who made a lot of money in out of the ordinary, fascinating ways and asks all the questions no one else would while touring some of the most expensive homes– in the way only Joan Rivers can (Of course).

How’d You Get So Rich? will premiere on May 5th on TV Land Network. (Photo/ Mtv Networks, Viacom International, Inc.)

Your Winter 2008 - 2009 TV Schedule

Hi Friends!

Well, first thank you for your responses to my last Blog concerning last week's big debut of The Secret Millionaire (Which really could be you some day), happy to have provided you with some inspiration and glimmer of the possibilities, 'For every cloud, there is silver lining', Babe.

I bring more good news...During our last visit I made mention of my review of the new schedule - looks pretty good thus far, and we have a plethora of new and returning entertainment for your viewing pleasure.

It has been said on previous occasion, Networks love it when I talk about their shows and I love to talk about them...Apparently, I have been lavished as "Voice of Influence" -Ah, well I am certainly no Oprah (Yet, that is...), but I certainly appreciate the intention of the sentiment.

So having said, today's topic is dedicated to your refrigerator list for the remainder of 2008 through the first of 2009.

Ready? Let's begin:

• Intervention (A&E) December 15
• Momma’s Boys (NBC) December 16
• Bromance (MTV) December 29
• The City (MTV) December 29
  
  The 2009 Rundown
  
• Countdown to the Crown (TLC) January 2
  
• Superstar Dancers of the World (NBC) January 4
• The Bachelor 13 (ABC) January 5
• True Beauty (ABC) January 5
• The Biggest Loser 6 (NBC) January 6
• Homeland Security USA (ABC) January 6
  
• 13: Fear is Real (The CW) January 7
• The Real World Brooklyn (MTV) January 7
  
• The Exterminators (A&E) January 7
• American Idol 8 (Fox) January 13
• Hell’s Kitchen 5 (Fox) January 29
• Jockeys (Animal Planet) February 6
• Wingman (Fine Living) February 10
• Survivor 18 (CBS) February 12
• The Amazing Race 14 (CBS) February 15
• High School Reunion 5 (TV Land) February 18
• Celebrity Apprentice 2 (NBC) March 1
  
• Dancing with the Stars 8 (ABC) March 9
  

On the Slate, but not scheduled:

• Project Runway (Lifetime) January 2009
• Gone Country 3 (CMT) January 2009
• Running in Heels (Style) March 2009
• Confessions of a Teen Idol (Vh1)
• The Cougar (TV Land)
• Creature (Animal Planet)
• Dance Your Ass Off (Oxygen)
  
• Ghost Hunters (Sci Fi)
• How’d You Get So Rich? (TV Land)
  
• Jingles (CBS)
• Untitled Larry Birkhead series (E!)
• Make Me a Supermodel 2 (Bravo)
  
• Make My Day (TV Land)
• The Phone (MTV)
  

Of course, the list continues with a number of additional items that have not yet been scheduled, such as Shark Taggers (NBC), Toddlers and Tiaras (TLC) and the uncertain, but long awaited When Women Rule The World (Fox).

However for our time today, I think we have more than enough to keep us watching (At least for the next 3 or 4 months) and you can be assured that we will have much conversation over the next few weeks - we will never be remiss in not having anything to discuss. Talk soon!

She's Got The Look...

Hey you!

What a week. Big huge numbers for old Indy Jones (300+ Million, Worldwide), the season finale of American Idol and Top Chef, and the new Sex and The City movie opens this week - think that about covers everything in world of news, major events and politics (Lol).

It's amazing, I have been meaning to talk to you about a few things and when I am away - I have thousands of ideas of topics for our discussion; A literal firestorm of thought. Then, for some reason, as soon as I step back into the office *Presto* all thoughts are gone.

Let us Return to T-V LAND
As I am in my office, I had a chance to review the promo episode for a new show called She's Got The Look (TV LAND, Allison Grodner Productions) and I have a few comments (Mostly praise) and a few hand slapping complaints....

First the good:
As you may recall, I have a certain fondness for the fashion industry and just as you, a fascination concerning the world of modelling (Thank you Tyra "Bringing it to us, for we would all be lost" Banks).

Really my interests are related to fashion in general and when I am not pursuing my latest entrepreneurial muse (My Internet companies and investments), dreaming up new bombastic ideas for TV shows (It always begins with "Wouldn't it be great?"), or romancing my gorgeous 'Comic-Book Movie lovin' man (He is waiting for HULK 2 and largely disagrees with my analysis that ALL COMIC BOOK MOVIES ARE THE SAME)...I LOVE to go shopping!

Fact is, I have concluded that it does not really matter the object of desire as long as there are plenty in various colors and styles...I have only met one other person who could out shop me - my own dear mother. I displace complete blame on the fashion industry.

Now then, back to the subject. Some time back, I had Blogged about a show for aspiring models over 35 titled, Timeless Beauty. As you know I rarely ever re-visit a show after a Blog, however this one is going to receive special Blog time compliments of Yours Truly.

Models All Grown Up
So far from the promo, it appears that we can expect an entirely different kind of modelling show, with actual real grown-up adults...How refreshing.

Perhaps I may have missed something while multitasking...

In the initial promo, there does not appear to be dramatic childish in-fighting over trivial nonsensical matters, over the top make-overs, incessant crying, distorted self confidence, age, weight, and race issues, social disdain, idolatry and general self loathing?

Wait, wait, wait, what is there to watch - I mean, how are we going to keep the audience hooked each and every week (For 6 weeks, this time) to watch these divas fight it out on the catwalk for a fierce modelling contract with a top agency and a spread on the cover (Insert magazine name here)? There goes our plush office on the studio lot, our power "I'll just have bottled water" lunches, our exclusive gym "I don't sweat, I glisten" membership, and our shiny new Jag!

Your Mom's a Model.

While watching the show (Formerly titled, The Next Great Supermodel Age 35 and Older), judged by the beautiful, does not look a day over 35 supermodel Beverly Johnson - Not only is this my sister's name, but I admired Ms. Johnson growing up as a young St. John. Considering the general unruliness of supermodels, Ms. Johnson's class, humility and poise are an amazing, mature and eloquent statement of what it means to be a SUPERmodel.

And Now for the not-so-good (The hand slapping complaints part):

Most of the aspiring are actual, real life moms -Again, I might have missed something, much of the reason why many of the moms were hoping to compete is for a 'second chance' - was there not a first? This is moderate concern of disappointment in general.

Furthermore, are none of these women professionals with professional careers, businesses and media empires? What is this saying about women of a certain age - they all gave up career potential and personal aspirations to be stay at home moms without an inkling of a career? What year is this 1950?! Careful, I am already dangling the show off the edge of the balcony...

Now for hand slap #2

The 'other' programming on the network - I always happen to arrive on the network when The Andy Griffith Show appears to be airing - either I am always consistently tuning in at the same time or TV Land is always consistently airing the old black and white show.

Friends at TV Land - Please stop airing any show that is not in color or exceeds my age in the number of years since the show was first considered 'original'. So, what would I suggest? If I were in charge of programming, my line-up would include Charlie's Angels, Chips, The Bionic Woman/Six Million Dollar Man, The Incredible Hulk, The Love Boat, every season of all previously ran reality shows (2nd run reality would be the Primetime schedule), a plethora of popular shows from the 80's (Cheers, Miami Vice, St. Elsewhere, 21 Jump Street - Viewers never tire of cop shows and medical shows), Dallas, Dynasty and Melrose Place.

Of course, we would not have any budget remaining due to all of the expensive licensing fees for said shows, but hey, we can garner more high-level advertisers to subsidize our new, crisply targeted programming. How's that for solution? You're welcome.

Starkly, I realize that perhaps just maybe this time I am not be the intended audience - maybe I am not at the center of everything after all? But wait, I AM Pop-Culture TV...

Alright, you can read more about the show on the TV Land site:

http://www.tvland.com/originals/shesgotthelook/

*The TV Land logo above is the property of Viacom International, Inc.

Our Summer of Reality

Here we are...

Welcome friends, we are in the middle of yet another week on the dry arid wasteland (aka Los Angeles) - hot enough for you? The weather is certainly delivering more sunshine and heat than one could have hoped and I will finally admit to being 'a little warm' in this pre-summer season.

Let The Season Begin.

While everyone is busy viewing the season ending episodes of the network ratings behemoths, America's Next Top Model, The Bachelor, Dancing with the Stars (Congrats to Kristi Yamaguchi), and American Idol - I am simply too busy (Meaning, I refuse to make time) to sit down to watch regular television, when all of the 'great' entertainment is on the web (Gasp!).

Having said, we can all commend the networks for trailing into the Internet space with carefully selected clips (Rather than full-episode) - all we need are the highlights. However, the cable networks have the right idea and a clear vision of the inevitable future of distribution, as they are presenting a much better offering of original web based content AND complimentary full-episodes.

On The Web

Admittedly, I watch more shows on the web, than on regular television...As peculiar as this may sound, I am all about 'Control'. Oh, read this now networks and cable companies of America, I need to watch what I want, when it is convenient for my schedule!

What upwardly mobile person has time to sit around waiting for a scheduled program to air, and provide viewership at the same day and time for 13 weeks? Of course, the measure of convenience would simply be to just make the show available on the web and it will somehow, miraculously make my schedule.

Speaking of schedules...

The summer officially begins this week and we should look ahead with giddy excitement to this summer of reality - Alas, there are plenty of season ending episodes to watch from your lovely air conditioned (I hope) abode.

So as promised, let us proceed to the line-up (Again, you are encouraged to fax, email, and re-broadcast this list - I grant you temporary reprint rights):

• The Bachelorette 4 (ABC) May 19
  
• So You Think You Can Dance 4 (FOX) May 22
  
• Last Comic Standing 6 (NBC) May 22
  
• Bridezillas (WE), June 1
  
• The Next Food Network Star 4 (Food Network) June 1
  
• The Mole 3 (ABC) June 2
  
• Legally Blonde The Musical (MTV) June 2
  
• 30 Days (FX) June 3
  
• She’s Got the Look (TVLand) June 4
  
• Design Star 3 (HGTV) June 8
  
• Master of Dance (TLC) June 8
  
• Ice Road Truckers (History) June 8
  
• Nashville Star 6 (NBC) June 9
  
• Celebrity Circus (NBC) June 11
  
• Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List (Bravo) June 12
  
• America’s Got Talent 3 (NBC) June 17
  
• Flipping Out (Bravo) June 17
  
• Baby Borrowers (NBC) June 25
  
• Shear Genius 2 (Bravo) June 25
  
• Dance Machine (ABC) June 27
  
• Greatest American Dog (CBS) July 10
  
• Big Brother 10 (CBS) July 13
  
• I Love Money (Vh1) July 13
  
• High School Musical: Get in the Picture (ABC) July 20
  
• Jingles (-Working Title) (CBS) July 27
  
• How to Look Good Naked (Lifetime) July (Re-scheduled)
  
• My Super Sweet 16 Presents: Exiled (MTV) August 25

So, there you have it - Your Summer Reality TV schedule for 2008. Some of the shows you know, by way of this what I would like to believe is an informative, entertaining, witty and insightful Blog. Rest assured, looking at the above list, we will have much to keep us talking for a long, long, long time this season.

As they say, Check your local listings....

*The image above is the cover of TV Guide Magazine featuring Dancing with Stars, provided by Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc.

Timeless Beauty

Alright Model Citizens - Are you up for another model show?

Wait before you respond, let's take a quick inventory of what 'goodies' we already have: America's Next Top Model (CW), The Janice Dickenson Modeling Agency (OXY) to name a few current favorites.

We also soon have the following 'treats' or 'tricks' depending on your mood: America's Most Smartest Model (Vh1), Make Me Supermodel (Bravo), Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Search (NBC), Manhunt: The search for America's Most Gorgeous Male Model (Bravo) - yes, there will be more from me on this show later....and lastly, The Next Great Supermodel (TV Land).

Alas, The Next Great Supermodel

What makes this show (brought to you by Allison Grodner Productions) particularly clever and witty is that fact that it is a competition for women (aspiring models) over the age of 35.

TV Land President Larry Jones said, "We’re so excited to move forward with this project to give much-needed representation on television to the beauty of women in their Power Years.

The 6-part reality competition (formerly had a working title of "35 and Beyond Supermodel Search") will put its own unique spin on the ANTM concept by limiting contestants to the 35 and over crowd.

Jones finished by saying, "Clearly, we are at a point in American culture when being 35 and over in the modeling industry no longer means over the hill, it means big bucks and lots of opportunity."

One Size Does Not Fit All

Thanks to shows like ANTM or if you are at all familiar with the modeling and fashion industry, you know well of the many superficial underbelly 'issues' of the industry (Age, size, gender, race) and you may also know well of the "-1 (and counting)" clothing (aka couture) for adult models the size of infants. Yes, infants.

After all if you think about it, babies and models do already have many things in common (Diva like behavior, plenty of crying, and they are always hungry), so it makes sense to design clothes that are small enough for them both to share (-?).

Fine, some of my good friends are models and I appreciate fashion as a work of art...ON A WALL, not a walking clothes hanger. Okay, I have finished my tangent...

Take Me To T-V- Land
The Next Great Supermodel is another step into the present (Besides last year's I Pity The Fool, a reality show starring Mr. T) for the network best known for Miami Vice, Brady Bunch, and Star Trek syndicated re-runs.

If you are not in the 'Baby Boomer' age which is clearly the TV Land target audience, you may not watch the net with noticeable regularity.

Personally, I love classic Star Trek episodes, but have never viewed them on the network. However, a few years prior I had seen a few episodes of Miami Vice on the channel - growing up my parents would not allow me watch the show. Now as an adult, I have understanding of the reason and comprehend the complexity of the show's storyline, dark subject matter and flawed characters.

It's amazing how everyone appears to become a boomer - right, but you never hear of anyone becoming a Generation X-er or Y-er...

On With The Show

Auditions began here in L.A. just this morning with local news crews out in force. Further, as we speak a search team is combing the country to assemble the aspiring hopefuls.

This weekend, the series’ host and a panel of judges will attend regional auditions across the country including Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta and Chicago to pare down the group to just 20 contenders.

In comparison with other fashion shows like Project Runway and America’s Next Top Model, the format will also include challenges, eliminations, and the winner will receive a modeling contract with Wilhelmina (The greatest agency on the planet).

The chosen few will then be flown to New York, where they will live together (Of course - remember your list of reality show ingredients?). It is uncertain if the living quarters would be a mansion (Mandatory in all reality shows) or a loft (Mandatory in all modeling shows).

The Power Years

Having said, the question becomes, with such imposed "drama ripe" conditions and perilous social competition will the group of advanced years behave on a more mature level? Will the disagreements be logical and thoughtful? Can we expect better? We can only anticipate.

Wilhelmina president Sean Patterson said: “We are looking for women who embody what every model should regardless of age and that is the utmost beauty and confidence.”

Here -Here!