Hi, my name is Kristin, and I am a Reality TV junkie. Reality TV is my crack. I’m addicted. I admit it. I’m sure it sounds pathetic, but after a day of tending to the kids, the house, the bills, volunteering at schools, and everything else that Moms do, it’s nice to get that break from my reality. I am not ashamed at all (well, some shows I watch I should be ashamed of, so says my husband). I was going to do my normal Top 5 List that you all know I am such a fan of (see Top Books, Top Websites, Top Movies, Top Exercises, etc.), but in this case it seems impossible. I like too many!!! Here is my most recent crack list (and I am admitting all – true confessions):
- Survivor
- The Amazing Race
- Big Brother
- Teen Mom
- 16 & Pregnant
- Jersey Shore
- The Real World
- The Challenge
- The Bachelor
- The Bachelorette
- Bachelor Pad
- Celebrity Rehab
- House Hunters
- Property Virgins
- Hoarders
- Intervention
- Top Chef
- The Hills
- The City
- The Apprentice
- The Biggest Loser
- Secret Millionaire
- Undercover Boss
I will also have to say, I do not watch the Real Housewives series, the Fashion/Runway series, Top Models, American Idol, Dancing with The Stars, America’s Got Talent, etc. I’m sure I would have enjoyed all of these as well, but there are only so many I can keep watching and fit them into my schedule (I do have a family and two book clubs to keep up with!). Here is a list of others I have watched in the past (I had to really think about these, and some I’m not too proud of):
- Rock of Love (all of them)
- The Joe Schmo Show (both)
- I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Outta Here!
- Flavor of Love
- Confessions of a Teen Idol
- Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica
- The Osbournes
- The Mole
- Temptation Island
- Paradise Hotel
- Wife Swap
- The Anna Nicole Show
- The Surreal Life
- Farmer Wants a Wife
- The Swan
- Celebrity Fit Club
- Supernanny
- Pimp My Ride
- Parental Control
- Next
- Elimindate
- Sober House
- Who Wants to Marry a Millionaire?
Well, these are just a few throughout the past few years. I’m sure there are many more since Reality TV as we know it today basically began in 1992 with MTV’s The Real World (yes, I’ve probably seen every season since). I’m not sure what it is that makes me enjoy these programs more than dramas or comedies on television, but once I get hooked on one then I’m hooked! It might be the real tears (in some cases) and real drama (again, in some cases) that happens unscripted. Unfortunately, the “reality” of the shows has become more fake over the past few years, but I do keep watching anyway.
(The original Teen Moms)
Big Brother Season 13 just started this week! I’m a huge fan of this show, and I’ve even printed out the application to tryout a few times (I always chicken out). Already from the first show of the season I am hooked. It probably helped that they brought back six former players, so I already knew them and what craziness they will bring. My husband would like to be on The Amazing Race (I would too), or Survivor (for the record, I would probably NEVER survive)!
Shows that I am currently watching: The Bachelorette, Big Brother 13, Teen Mom, Celebrity Rehab, and The Challenge: Rivals (not too many shows on this summer, but I think Bachelor Pad is starting soon!).
Disclaimer: As labeling myself a “junkie,” I guess my addiction is not a true addiction, as I can read books, go out with friends, and hang with the kids and the hubby, all while missing an episode or two. I will probably check the Internet though to see what I missed, but the “addiction” does not interfere with my normal daily and family life.
* Do you watch Reality TV? What is your favorite show?
Kristin Wheeler
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