Truth be told, I've never been much for reality TV (I know, I know quelle horror!).
Unlike the majority of my fellow Americans, I've never watched a full episode of "Survivor," "The Hills" or even "The Amazing Race."
And the one time I tried watching "Dancing With the Stars," well, that sure wasn't pretty. For me, the pure cheese factor was sooo off to charts that I simply had to change the channel to keep my sanity intact. And I'm guessing a perfect ballroom display by some D-list celebrity isn't about to change my mind any time soon.
Since I'm in full-on confession mode, I'll even admit that my knowledge of what's happening on "American Idol" pretty much comes straight from Entertainment Weekly. I think the last time I sat through an entire episode was when Kelly Clarkson won, which tells you something right there.
Like everyone else, even I have my weaknesses. Thanks to my sister Lindsey, I was recently introduced to the guiltiest of guilty pleasures—"The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette." Yeah, I know, if I can't sit through Idol, how I could I possibly sit through that?
I think I liked it for the same reason that people often gawk at car accidents. I just couldn't tear my eyes away from the trainwreck. I mean, how weird and ridiculous is it for someone to even attempt to find true love that way? I mean, don't these guys/girls feel a little skeevy when they make out with half of the contestants?
After a few episodes, even I have my threshold, and thanks to the oh-so-witty recaps on Entertainment Weekly's website that are often more fun than actually watching, I'm not entirely devoted yet. After all, there's only so many hot-tub dates a person can sit through without feeling a little ill.
But given my disdain for most reality TV, there is one show that I never, never miss, even in the craziness that's been this summer: The Next Food Network Star. Anyone who knows me well already knows how much I love watching Giada, Ina, Paula and Rachael (yeah, I'd like to think we're on a first-name basis...ha ha), so there's nothing more fun than seeing a bunch of foodies compete (and the challenges are nothing but over-the-top) for a new show on the network.
In fact, I even christened my DVR (yep, I'm finally on the wagon, and yes, it's changed my life) by programming "The Next Food Network Star" in, knowing full well that I'd be watching right when it aired. But I guess in case of meteorites or some other natural disaster, I wanted to make sure I'd see it. Although I'm guessing if meteorites really did hit, that would probably affect the DVR too, but I digress.
For once, I actually like the frontrunner in the competition, too, Ms. Aarti Party herself. Not only does she have some serious culinary chops (and when Bobby Flay and the rest of the Iron Chefs want to open an Indian restaurant with you pronto, that pretty much seals the deal), but I know I'd love watching her show—even if I probably wouldn't attempt making any of the dishes (I always leave Indian food to the experts).
So it pretty much goes without saying that given my love of the show, I seriously can't wait for the finale tonight. While I wouldn't be sad if Tom the Sheep Dog (a.k.a. "Big Chef) won, I think it's going to be Aarti's big night, and I already can't wait for the party to begin...
Spoken like a real addict, huh?
Ok, now I want to hear from you. What reality TV shows are must-watches for you (and why)? And now that I have DVR, is there anything I should be adding to the queue pronto?
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