Is It Cool to be a Redneck?

For years, Jeff Foxworthy managed to create an entire career out of redneck jokes.  Although many folks enjoyed his humor, I would never have considered being a redneck the cool thing to do.  However, so many reality shows have popped up lately focusing on... well... less than classy southern behavior, I am starting to believe it is actually in style to be a redneck now.

If you don't believe me, let me give you an example of just some of the many shows that highlight southern living:

Duck Dynasty
Swamp People
Cajun Justice
Buckwild (cancelled due to death of cast member)
Deep South Paranormal
Myrtle Manor

This is a reasonably short list.  There are shows one could argue are considered rather redneck, like Honey Boo Boo's show and even Teen Mom.  Reality shows featuring southern life (often at its worst) are popping up all over the place. 

So why is this happening?  Are people in the south finally getting a chance to have their own television programs?  Is it genuinely cool to be a redneck now?  Is it really rednecks watching these shows, or are the viewers really people looking down upon the cast members and having a good laugh at their expense?  My guess would be it is a combination of the two.

No matter what, the cast members in these shows are walking away with a lot of money.  Most of them are doing better than the rest of us financially if their shows are a hit, so maybe they are really getting the last laugh.

Get Ready for Some Classic Real World Episodes this Weekend!

I am not sure if someone at MTV could hear my hopes and my dreams, but for some reason, I am being delighted with the return of some old school Real World episodes this weekend.  Yes, for all you fans out there that loved the original Real World episodes (the best episodes, I daresay!), you can enjoy them this weekend.  For those of you that never got to see the original seasons, sit back and have fun!

Starting Friday night at 8 PM, the original New York episodes from about 20 years ago are going to be running throughout the night.  Later on in the weekend, viewers can watch San Francisco and Las Vegas episodes.  To be honest, I am a little disappointed that I don't see season 2, Los Angeles, on the list, but I will deal with it.  I am so excited to my New York peeps from the past!  And maybe... just maybe, I would not mind seeing Puck from the San Francisco episodes.

If you are interested in seeing one of the first reality shows, you should check out the Real World on MTV this weekend.  If you hate reality TV and blame the Real World for it, you might want to stay away from MTV this weekend.  For me, I will be eagerly awaiting 8 o'clock tomorrow night!

Big Ang is Coming!

If you are a big fan of Mob Wives, then I know you are a big fan of Big Ang.  Luckily for all of us, her new show is premiering this Sunday on VH1.  I am super excited.  Mob Wives Chicago is fun, but doesn't have the edge the original show has.  After all, they were fighting over Facebook a couple of weeks ago. 

So now, I am all about Big Ang and her show.  Give me my original mob wives peeps anyday.  Get ready for all the wackiness and fun that is Big Ang.  I know I'll be watching it.

Jersey Shore - The Educational Aspects

Some people tend to think MTV's Jersey Shore has nothing useful to offer its viewers, but I beg to differ.  I have learned so many wonderful new facts from watching Jersey Shore.  I am ever so grateful Jersey Shore returned to MTV last Thursday.  I am sure there is much more to learn!

I now know the meaning of the terms GTL, grenades, gorilla juicehead, and smushing.  I also understand the importance of a good tan.  I realize it is better to be orange than pale.

Aside from those educational moments, I've also learned some new dance moves, such as the Jersey Turnpike and fist pumping.  I know how to have a great dance battle.  I also know how to dress (or not dress) when going to the clubs.

As if all of that was not enough, I've even learned some awesome fight moves.  I am ready to defend myself at a moment's notice now.

Thanks, Jersey Shore!  You've made my life better in so many ways! 

For even more life lessons from Jersey Shore, check out:

What I've Learned From Watching MTV's Jersey Shore

Jersey Shore Returns to MTV on January 5th!

For all you Jersey Shore fans, you are about to get exactly what you want for Christmas.  The Jersey Shore is returning to MTV on January 5, 2012.  The gang will return to Seaside Heights, which is exactly what fans want to see.  Looks like there is going to be more ridiculous adventures, some fights with the Situation, and the Meatballs will be back to their usual clumsiness.  All seems right in the world.

So, for you Jersey Shore fans, here is a sneak peak showing you what you can look forward to this season:

The Soup is Moving!

It is no secret that one of my favorite shows is The Soup on E! Channel.  The Soup has been airing on Friday nights for what seems like forever now.  For some reason, E! has opted to switch nights.

Starting November 30th, The Soup moves to Wednesday nights at 10 pm.  I am trying to decide how I feel about that move.  In some ways, it is better that way since there are a number of other cool things a person can be doing on a Friday night.  However, I like to watch the SyFy channel on Wednesday nights (I am watching it now!) so that will take away from my usual schedule.  Of course, I will probably pick The Soup anyway... I just love Joel McHale.

So, for any of you fans out there, remember that next week you need to start watching The Soup at 10 pm on Wednesday.

The X Factor vs. American Idol

There has been much talk about The X Factor the last few days.  Many people say The X Factor is just like American Idol.  Although it has some obvious similarities, it is not just like American Idol.  I would like to break down some of the differences between the two shows for anyone that might be curious.

• The X Factor is missing two likeable personalities from American Idol: Randy Jackson and Ryan Seacrest.  I never imagined I would miss the two of them, but I actually do.
• Simon Cowell actually seems a bit nicer on The X Factor.  I am not sure if he is trying to turn over a new leaf, or he is just enjoying being on a different show.
• The auditions for The X Factor are in front of a huge live audience.  This gives you an opportunity to see if someone will freeze on stage as opposed to just performing in front of a small group of judges like American Idol.
• The X Factor performers are allowed music in the background for their performance.  In my opinion, this helps many of them. 
• All the judges are drinking Pepsi for The X Factor.  For American Idol, everyone always drank Coke.  Interesting all of the judges would drink the same soda, huh?  Oh, that is right.  TV is just all about the endorsements anyway.
• The prize for The X Factor is enormous: 5 million dollars.  It makes that once exciting 1 million dollar prize on American Idol seem small. 
• Anyone 12 years old or older can audition for The X Factor.  There is no such thing as being too old to audition for the show, which is really nice.  American Idol now accepts those from the ages of 15 to 28.  Let's face it - some people who are way older than 28 have talent, so now they can audition for The X Factor.

It's Jersday!

Yes, it is Thursday evening and time for another exciting night of The Jersey Shore.  It is amazing how entertaining the show can still be.  Yes, Ron and Sam continue to fight.  Yes, the guys still pick up grenades all the time.  Yes, Deena continues to fall down all the time.  But still, I watch it.  The Jersey Shore always promises to be entertaining, but how real is this reality show?


Tonight's episode is the same episode that aired on Sunday night before the VMA's.  If you saw the two episodes back to back, Crime and Punishment and And the Wall Won, did you notice how the fight scenes were edited in completely different ways depending on the episodes?  If you haven't seen them yet, make sure to catch them tonight. 


In the Crime and Punishment episode, it makes it appear that Ronnie hit the Situation so hard, he is the reason the Situation goes to the hospital.  It ends on a cliffhanger so you have to watch the next episode.  When you see the actual And the Wall Won episode, the footage is edited in a totally different way.  It is obvious that the Situation's injury is self-inflicted.  This is a good example of how reality shows edit all footage to convey whatever message they want to send.  They could have never shown us the truth and allowed us to believe Ronnie was guilty. 


The next time you watch any reality show, just remember they are creating a story for us.  You never know the whole story unless you are actually there.  We are only shown what producers want us to see.  It is all a clever story laid out before us for our entertainment.  If you ever wonder how real The Jersey Shore really is, just watch those two episodes back-to-back.  You will see how easy it is to manipulate an audience. 

Too Much Towing?

Source: TruTV.com - Operation Repo

I know what you probably lie awake asking yourself at night: How many reality TV shows can actually be about tow trucks and tow truck adventures?  Apparently, you can have at least 4 reality shows that completely revolve around the concept of repossessing or towing vehicles.  Amazing, isn't it?  How?  Why?  Can it really be that interesting?  Furthermore, one channel, TruTV, is the source for all these shows.  Is there really that much of an audience for this?  Obviously they must be getting ratings or these shows could not exist.

The 4 reality TV shows on the air about towing companies are now:

• Operation Repo
• Lizard Lick Towing
• South Beach Tow
• Bear Swamp Recovery

Each show claims to be totally unique.  For instance, it appears each person starring in Bear Swamp Recovery is overweight.  Stop laughing... really, this is how the commercial makes it seem.  I am not sure how America can possibly be ready for 4 tow truck shows, but TruTV thinks we are.  So if you are really into seeing people have their cars repossessed, this is a great time for television programming for you. 



Guilty Pleasures: VH1 Reality Shows

Much to my delight, I have just learned Celebrity Rehab is returning to VH1 tonight.  Now, I know, it is not the happiest show on the planet.  I am sure I could watch something else, but it is one of my guilty pleasures; I cannot stop watching this show.  It is just fascinating.  I like watching the first episode of each season to see which celebrities are going into rehab this time.  Then I follow the show as if I know the people in it.  Obviously, I do not hang out with celebrities.  I have no reason to care if they get better, except that they are people and I hope nothing but the best for them.  No doubt, I will be watching each week and crying along with them. 

If crying along with celebrities in rehab is not your thing, the season finale of Mob Wives is also on tonight.  I will admit, I do like this show.  I would not watch it at first, but it does grow on you.  I have a feeling a major catfight is going to break out tonight, so if catfights are your guilty pleasure, you might want to catch it.  Apparently, a big secret is coming out tonight. 

America's Got Talent (or does it?)

America's Got Talent is back back back!  It is perhaps more ridiculous than ever, but yes, it is back.  So far, I've seen people fall off the stage, sing horribly, scare Howie, offend Piers, and just plain weird everyone out.  Let's face it, America's Got Talent is the new Gong Show.  They do not have a gong, but they can sure "X out" a bad performer. 

I will admit, I do miss David Hasselhoff a bit.  I mean, can you really keep the show going without the Hoff?  I guess you can, actually, since it is still airing without him, but it is not the same.  I like Howie, but he is no David Hasselhoff.  I will admit, as much as I enjoyed Jerry Springer hosting the show in the past, I do really like Nick Cannon now. 

For now, I need to run.  After all, America's Got Talent is on right now!  Even if I can't have the Gong Show come back on TV, I can still watch terrible performers on America's Got Talent.

Reality TV and How to be a Star

I have to admit it, as much as I will make fun of reality TV, I sit there and watch it just like anyone else.  I watch reality shows all the time.  Usually the worst shows are the most entertaining to watch.

Since I watch these shows all the time, I thought it would be fun to create a "How to" guide on Hubpages about becoming a reality show star.  Now, obviously I am not a reality show star or I would not have time to constantly write blog posts and write articles.  I just thought it would be funny.

Enjoy! How to Become a Reality Show Star in 10 Easy Steps

Photo source: www.mtv.com

My Great Reality Show / Two and a Half Men Idea

News just in!  Charlie Sheen has been fired from Two and a Half Men.  So that leaves us with the question: who will replace him?  I have the perfect idea!

CBS should start a new reality show called, "Who Wants to Replace Charlie Sheen?"  They can go from city to city auditioning Charlie wannabes.  Even better, there could be 3 judges just like in American Idol.  My vote for judges would be Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, and Jon Cryer (since he'd be working with the replacement).  It would be the perfect way to cash in on a bad situation!

Seriously, if anyone is reading this blog from CBS, people would watch this show!  It's a win-win situation.  You would get 2 hit shows out of the deal.  Who wouldn't watch Two and a Half Men after a reality show like that?  I don't even watch the show now, but I would start watching it after finding a replacement like that.  Give it a chance, CBS!

First Blog Ever!

I have never really blogged before, so if you are reading this, thanks.  Your bravery is much appreciated.  Apparently, I know a lot about crappy television.  I am not talking about the TV people watch when they want to increase their knowledge or expand their mind.  I am talking about the TV that no one admits to watching.  That is my area of expertise. 

Don't get me wrong.  I am not the type that follows every little piece of celebrity gossip.  I love Twilight, but I totally do not care what Rob Pattinson and Kristen Stewart did last weekend.  I do, however, care if the cast of Jersey Shore is going to Italy.  

Also, I care about food.  As a couch potato, I have to eat something while I am watching horrible television programs.  I obsess over food.  I love food.  I especially love junk food, but I am trying to cut back.  I will tell you something - a salad sure doesn't taste as great as chips when I am watching episodes of Teen Mom.