The Traitors US is a riveting social strategy competition series that pits strangers against each other in a game of trust, deception, and psychological warfare. Set in a dramatic Scottish castle, a cast of celebrities and civilians are divided into two secret factions: Faithfuls, who must work together to identify the hidden Traitors among them, and Traitors, who scheme to eliminate the Faithfuls one by one. Each episode ends in a dramatic Roundtable where players vote out whoever they believe to be a Traitor, making for some of the most intense interpersonal drama on television.
Hosted by the irresistible Alan Cumming, who presides over each elimination ceremony with delicious theatrical flair, The Traitors US became an instant cultural phenomenon. The series features a mix of Real Housewives alumni, Survivor veterans, Big Brother champions, and other reality TV icons who bring formidable game-playing skills to the castle. What makes the show compulsive viewing is not just the strategy but the genuine emotional bonds that form — and spectacularly shatter — over the course of the competition.
By its second and third seasons, The Traitors US had evolved into one of the most talked-about reality series in America, inspiring watch-along communities and a devoted fandom that dissects every episode for hidden clues. It is proof that reality television at its best can be as psychologically rich and dramatically gripping as any scripted drama.
Whether you are a comic book aficionado or not you might really enjoy watching Comic Book Men, American Movie Classics (AMC) venture into the world of "reality television". Host Kevin Smith, himself a popular director, writer, and actor in his films such as Clerks, Mallrats, and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back in which he usually plays the character of Silent Bob, is co-owner of the Secret Stash along with Walter Flanagan, Mike Zapcic, Bryan Johnson, and Ming Chen. An expert in the world of comic book collecting enters the store and help them rate and buy or turn down some comics brought in by clients. Rob "Jack's Guy" Bruce is an expert and considered a popculturist in the field. Modern comic books are far more than the "pulp fiction" of old and today they are highly collectable along with lots of movie memorabilia that many collect, such as autographs. Those who draw for the comic book industry are now held in high esteem, and even considered artists. We who love comics will appreciate the collectors that preserve them so we can still enjoy those 10c comics of long ago and the Jay and Silent Bob's Secret Stash in New Jersey is the place to find them.
Those who love to get that fuzzy and warm all over feeling while watching the Home Edition of Extreme Home Makeover will surely appreciate the latest concept in trivia game shows called You Deserve It! The show's premise is that the contestant is not trying to win big bucks or great prizes for themselves but rather for someone they care about, someone who deserves a reward. The true winners in this game show may well be us, the viewing audience! The Pay it Forward concept has become a movement lately with people paying off lay away bills for complete strangers and many more than usual buying gifts for children and adults who would otherwise have a bleak holiday season. This trivia game show finds one contestant per show answering trivial but challenging questions and their reward is making someone else happy. The contestant has chosen a recipient based on their needs. The first episode finds a young woman named Stacey who plays the game hoping to win money for her best friend. The friend, a mother of two, has recently lost her husband. This selfless act of kindness can bring us all to tears as we watch her win for her deserving friend. Not just another game show but rather an uplifting emotional study in human nature.
Paul Fisher has been a modeling agent since the 1980's and he knows the business inside out. He has witnessed the poor treatment of models and how much trouble most of them have managing their own lives and keeping healthy. Now Fisher plans to bring the many hundreds of smaller modeling agencies across the world together in what he is calling The Network, to help the models help themselves. From Fly on the Wall Entertainment as well as Sony Pictures we can learn all about the modeling industry from the inside out on their new television show titled Remodeled. With many well known names in the fashion modeling industry including Allison Grodner, executive producer and formerly on Big Brother, She's Got The Look, Rich Meehan also from Big Brother, You're Cut Off, and Amy Palmer from Plain Jane and You're Cut Off. Additionally we will learn from Paul Fisher himself who's previous credits include I Want To Be A Hilton, Erik Stone from Live at the Fillmore Aisha Tyler is Lit, and Greg Suess from Tug, What's Wrong with Virginia. Should be an interesting insiders look at what it takes to become a super model
Ever since Candid Camera way back in TV show history there has been a wicked delight in watching ordinary people be caught up in pranks that wind up being out loud laughably funny. Shows such as Totally Hidden Video, TV's Bloopers and Practical Jokes, Pranked, and Punk'd have each had something in common and that was to watch as ordinary people who do ordinary things can be extremely funny when things don't go just quite right. Betty White takes that brand of humor to another level when her crew of blue haired senior citizens turn the tables on much younger people. They play pranks on the young resilient generation and show they still have a broad sense of humor too. Starring and hosted by the venerable 90 year old Betty White who has seen her career blossom and her life become increasingly busy recently gives us the chance to laugh out loud at ourselves through the cameras provided by NBC. If the younger set were to play practical jokes on the seniors the show would lose much of its humor but in this case the senior citizens prevail. Also on Betty White's Off Their Rockers are Madison Dylan (Entourage, Accidentally on Purpose), Elizabeth Carlisle (Pretty Little Liars, Parenthood), Reatha Grey (Baby Boom, The Fabulous Baker Boys), and Ann Benson (A Little Push, Patrick Carman's Dark Eden).
With a spin off reality series from "The Rachel Zoe Project" Brad Goreski appears to have struck out on his own and finds his own set of troubles and tribulations in the world of show business and styling for the stars. It's not easy to be "real" with a camera crew trailing along with every business transaction. As assistant to Rachel Zoe he found life less complicated but now he "runs the ship" and finds it more difficult than he thought. US Weekly magazine finds Brad one of the hottest in Hollywood and interviews him. And while he appreciates the attention he does feel uncomfortable being the one on the red carpet. Now we get a look into his private life with partner Gary Janetti as well as his dog Penelope. Brad Goreski previously appeared on The Rachel Zoe Project and as himself in a TV movie titled 2010 New Now Next Awards. Gary Janetti has been supervising producer for Family Guy as well as a long run on Will & Grace.
After a hiatus of several years Fear Factor is back bigger and more daring than ever before. Reality shows are so popular today, mainly because they give viewers a glimpse into lives of real people who are living real events most of us seldom encounter (or would ever choose to). With a theme similar to the enormously popular Survivor, Fear Factor makes reality stars out of everyday people who can stand the test of some pretty dangerous stunts and dares when they compete against one another for a monetary reward. The prize of $50,000 is a big incentive and one that makes otherwise sensible folks take risks most of us are barely able to watch! Now there are four teams, each consisting of two people to a team who have been involved in some previous relationship with each other. Not being able to complete a stunt spells elimination and as host Joe Rogan says in a disclaimer "The stunts were supervised and designed by professionals! They're extremely dangerous & shouldn't be attempted by anyone at any time or anywhere!"
Back in the 1960's there was such a thing as "swapping" with couples trading spouses for a "swingers" affair. This was not common practice but had an ancient history with the first known affairs with consent happening back in the 16th century! Today it's all part of reality television and aimed at an audience with curiosity in poor taste. For two weeks (in virtual time) we view how well celebrity guests cope with each other's spouse. The first episode illustrates how different we all are. Carnie Wilson and Tracy Gold exchange hubbies and households. Carnie is part of the musical group Wilson Phillips and daughter of Beach Boy Brian Wilson and a self proclaimed "slob". She lives a truly casual life with her musician husband Rob Bonfiglio. Tracy Gold, who was a child star on Growing Pains back in the 80's, is a control freak who is madly in love with her hubby Roby Marshall and their four kids. The first week of the "swap" we'll see the celebrities live by rules dictated in the host's home but the next week they turn the tables and rule the roost of their new temporary spouse. Interesting concept that may grow thin after a few celebs self implode! Watch for Gary Busey exchange wives with Ted Haggard next time!
