Summer TV: 3 Reality Shows to Watch
The first half of summer shows premiere right before Memorial Day and there is plenty to look forward to. It seems summer is a great time for reality TV. Perhaps, it's the leisurely vibe that makes it more fun to watch an unscripted show. And while quite a few people will be watching "America's Got Talent", "Bachelorette" and "Top Chef", there are many other shows worth tuning into. Here are our picks for the three to watch this summer.
So You Think You Can Dance
FOX, Thursdays, 8/7c. Premieres May 27th.
I am so excited for the return of this thrilling dance reality competition. Now in its 7th season, it is successful for its talent (both amazing new dancers and seasoned choreographers), as well as for its breadth of dance style. It seems that nothing is off limits - krump, russian folk dance, indian dance, quickstep or ballet, not to mention the myriad popular dances. This season, there are a few exciting developments. First, Mia Michaels, the creator of the amazing Calling You number that won her an Emmy, who had worked with Celine Dion, Madonna, Ricky Martin, and Cirque de Soleil, to name a few, is now one of the three main judges on the show. Adam Shankman, a renowned choreographer with a great sense of humor, and top judge and show co-creator Nigel Lythgoe are also on the panel. This means we will hear a lot of candid opinions. Second, in this season there will only be 10 finalists and they will later be paired with some of the former top finalists from previous shows for an all-star cast. Once paired, dancers will dance the style the previous finalists are known for. Some of the names are tWitch, Anya, Pasha, Dominic and Lauren Gautlieb. So much to look forward to!
The Next Food Network Star
FOOD, Sundays, 9/8c. Premieres June 6.
I will always wonder what would have happened if I didn't turn down to participate in the first season of the Next Food Network Star. My video was selected along with other finalists and I was invited to New York to a more serious audition. However, being pregnant at the time, it was not an option. However, I have spent 5 seasons enjoying this delicious show and the next season promises to be even better. The contestants in season 6 seem to be very well educated, with several sporting a cooking degree. A few of them are experienced caterers, some are cooking instructors, and some are beginning chefs. They all have charisma and great knife skills. Now we just need to see who can do it on camera. To help them in their quest for their own show on the Food Network are the new mentor, the bubbly Italian chef Giada De Laurentiis. And, as they compete in various tasks together and individually, they will be judged by Bobby Flay (a fiery top chef and restaurateur well known for his grilling), Bob Tuschman (Senior Vice President of Programming and Production), and Susie Fogelson (SVP of Marketing and a force behind the rise of the Food Network popularity). You will definitely be entertained by this yummy production.
Losing it with Jillian
NBC, Tuesdays, 10/9c. Premieres June 1.
By now everyone is familiar with Jillian Michaels whose "tough love" training has helped hundreds in their weight loss challenge on "The Biggest Loser". In this new show she is the only trainer but she brings her expertise directly to the people in need of help. She travels to eight families featured and spends a week with each of them. During her stay she learns their diet and exercise pitfalls and helps set them on the right track. She then leaves them with the tools they need to change their lives and a plan they need to complete by the time she returns. It's a wonderful undertaking - trying to show America that anyone can make a change. I am sure it will be an emotional roller-coaster, but worth the ride.
