Futon Critic's Summer preview - Unscripted series
David
(listed by premiere date)
ALREADY PREMIERED
AIRLINE
(Mondays at 8:00/7:00c on A&E; new season premiered May 3)
How A&E describes it: "Each episode showcases the highs and lows that
passengers and crew face behind the scenes of the Southwest Airlines.
Follow Southwest Airlines pilots, flight attendants, and airport
employees as they experience heartwarming passenger stories, occasional
outbursts, weather-related anxiety and heightened security measuresall
while trying to meet everyone's urgent timetable. A&E Network brings
the viewer behind the counter, onto the tarmac and into cockpit for
this real life series."
B.S.T.V.
(Fridays at 10:00/9:00c on VH1; premiered May 15)
How VH1 describes it: "People will do just about anything to become
famous. Welcome to VH1's new social experiment that delights in pushing
people's limits to find out just how much they'll take for TV fame and
fortune. Each weekly episode invites real people and celebrities to
participate in what they believe to be casting calls and pilot tapings
for the latest, hottest new reality shows coming to the tube. What they
don't know is that every audition is 100% fake. Each concept is pulled
off by our cast of professionally trained improv actors posing as the
show's producers and talent. No matter how much "B.S." is doled out by
our cast of accomplices, eager reality show wannabes and celebrities
always seem ready to believe any bogus concept for their chance at
fame."
BRITNEY & KEVIN: CHAOTIC
(Tuesdays at 9:00/8:00c on UPN; season finale airs June 14)
How UPN describes it: "Britney and Kevin's new series shares their
courtship, engagement and wedding through exclusive, never-before-seen
private home videos, shot mostly by the couple with their own camera.
This fun, uniquely personal series gives viewers a rare glimpse inside
the pair's relationship and life together. The footage begins shortly
after Britney and Kevin first met in Los Angeles and headed off to
Europe together on tour, leading up to and including their wedding day.
UPN is also shooting new footage and commentary with Britney and Kevin
that will guide viewers through their story."
DOG THE BOUNTY HUNTER
(Tuesdays at 9:00/8:00c on A&E; new season premiered April 5)
How A&E describes it: "Fugitives beware! "Dog the Bounty Hunter"
returns for its second season of heart-stopping adventures starring
real-life bounty hunter Duane "Dog" Chapman and his loyal family and
cohorts. This season, watch Dog and his crew capture notorious outlaws
and sympathetic fugitives alike -- all while doing their best to take
care of their marriages, families and communities. Tune in!"
FAMILY PLOTS
(Sundays at 9:00/8:00c on A&E; new season premiered March 6)
How A&E describes it: "FAMILY PLOTS is now in its second season of
ground-breaking entertainment with a full hour of back-to-back
episodes. The series chronicles the curious comings and goings of a
real Southern California family-run mortuary."
THE FIRST 48
(Thursdays at 10:00/9:00c on A&E; season finale TBA)
How A&E describes it: "For homicide detectives, the clock starts
ticking the moment they are called. Their chance of solving a case is
cut in half if they don't get a lead inTHE FIRST 48.Each passing hour
gives suspects more time to flee, witnesses more time to forget what
they saw, and crucial evidence more time to be lost forever. This new
A&E series,THE FIRST 48,follows detectives from around the country
during these first critical hours as they race against time to find the
suspect. Gritty and fast-paced, it takes viewers behind the scenes of
real-life investigations with unprecedented access to crime scenes,
autopsies, forensic processing, and interrogations."
I MARRIED A PRINCESS
(Mondays at 11:00/10:00c on Lifetime; premiered April 18)
How Lifetime describes it: "Once upon a time, there lived a beautiful
princess. One day, she met a hunky Hollywood movie star and the two
fell in love and got married. Wait until you see their crazy fairy-tale
life up close and personal! Don't miss "I Married a Princess,"
featuring real-life royalty and actress Catherine Oxenberg ("Dynasty"),
her husband and leading man Casper Van Dien ("Starship Troopers") and
their five rambunctious kids."
INTERVENTION
(Sundays at 10:00/9:00c on A&E; premiered March 6)
How A&E describes it: "A new documentary series, INTERVENTION profiles
people who are losing the battle with their addictions, and whose
friends and families feel the only remaining option is to hold an
intervention. Each documentary follows the lives of these addicts,
taking an unflinching look at the impact of their addictions on their
everyday lives, all the while the addicts are unaware that an
intervention is being planned. Each airing ends with the friends,
family and a professional interventionist urging the addict to get
treatment. If the individual should choose treatment, the addict
immediately enters a widely respected treatment facility."
KNIEVEL'S WILD RIDE
(Tuesdays at 10:00/9:00c on A&E; premiered April 5)
How A&E describes it: ""Knievel's Wild Ride" features the extraordinary
exploits of daredevil Robbie Knievel. This new real-life series gives
an exuberant and unfiltered look into the day-to-day life of our
generation's greatest living daredevil, a guy who lives hard, plays
hard, and most certainly works hard. Each episode revolves around
Robbie's preparation for his next jump. There are no rules and no
fabrications; the life-or-death stakes are very real."
LIE DETECTOR
(Tuesdays at 8:00/7:00c on PAX; premiered March 8)
How PAX describes it: "In some cases, they are the accused - in other
cases, they are the accusers. Both will be given a fair shake on PAX
TV's new primetime series, "Lie Detector." Hosted by TV
journalist and talk show personality Rolonda Watts ("Inside
Edition," "The Rolonda Show"), this provocative and often
surprising series examines the truth behind real-life stories ripped
from the headlines, using the most powerful instrument to detect
deception - the polygraph."
MEET THE BARKERS
(Wednesdays at 10:00/9:00c on MTV; season finale airs June 8)
How MTV describes it: "MTV: Music Television greenlights the new
reality series, "Meet the Barkers" featuring Travis Barker of Blink
182, his new wife Shanna Moakler, the former Miss USA, and their
family. In this new series, MTV cameras follow Travis and Shanna who
are living the rock n' roll/Hollywood fantasy life together while
simultaneously adjusting to parenthood -- and all that comes with it."
NASCAR DRIVERS: 360
(Fridays at 10:00/9:00c on FX; new season premiered May 13)
How FX describes it: "NASCAR Drivers: 360 is a weekly, one-hour series
that will give viewers an unvarnished look at nine drivers, their
families and teams, primarily focusing on their lives away from the
tracks."
PENN & TELLER: BULLSHIT
(Mondays at 10:00/9:00c on Showtime; new season premiered April 25)
How Showtime describes it: "Winner of the prestigious 2004 Writer's
Guild Award for Best Comedy/Variety Series, PENN & TELLER: BULLSHIT!,
continues its controversial muckraking throughout season three by
confronting many of the institutions society holds dear."
THE REAL WORLD/ROAD RULES CHALLENGE
(Mondays at 10:00/9:00c on MTV; season finale airs June 27)
How MTV describes it: "Executive Produced by Jonathan Murray and
produced by Bunim/Murray Productions, Inferno II is the tenth season of
the Real World/Road Rules Challenge. The series features 20 legendary
veterans of MTV's The Real World and Road Rules divided into two
teams: the Good Guys and the Bad Asses. The teams will compete for more
than $300,000 dollars worth of cash and prizes."
XTREME FAKEOVERS
(Mondays at 8:00/7:00c on PAX; premiered April 18)
How PAX describes it: "In each weekly one-hour episode, two everyday
people undergo a complete makeover, setting out to fool their
unsuspecting family or friends, with the help of a skilled
"fakeover" crew led by award-winning Hollywood make-up effects
artist Kevin Yagher ("Aeon Flux," "Face/Off," "Hulk,"
"Matrix" sequels). Using prosthetic techniques, body sculpting
wardrobe and unique movie magic accessories, Yagher and his team
miraculously transform men into women, young into old and ordinary
people into cultural icons."
PREMIERING IN JUNE
SPORTS KIDS MOMS & DADS
(Wednesdays at 10:00/9:00c on Bravo; premieres June 1)
How Bravo describes it: "Bravo took viewers backstage for "Showbiz Moms
& Dads" and then into the dog show arena for "Showdog Moms & Dads" and
now we're headed to the rinks, fields, courts, and sidelines of
America's aspiring athletes in "Sports Kids Moms & Dads." In this
eight-part documentary series, "Sports Kids Moms & Dads" follows
families' daily struggles and conflicts as their child athletes
struggle to excel in the highly stressful, competitive, "win at all
costs" world of sports. The series examines the highs and lows of
competition and parental "coaching" and uncovers that Moms and Dads are
often more distraught by defeat than their resilient offspring. Despite
injuries and setbacks, these young athletes exhibit fierce
determination and discipline matched only by the undying passion for
their respective sports."
BLOW OUT
(Tuesdays at 9:00/8:00c on Bravo; new season premieres June 7)
How Bravo describes it: "It's more tears, more drama, and more
celebrity hair when Jonathan Antin returns for a second installment of
the successful Bravo series "Blow Out." Season one chronicled the
renowned hairstylist as he laid his reputation on the line to pursue
his dream of establishing Jonathan Salon in Beverly Hills. Now with two
thriving salons under his belt, season two chronicles Antin as he goes
global with the worldwide launch of Jonathan Product - and the pressure
is back on tenfold. As his name is his product - anything less than the
best is unacceptable and tensions build as Antin's product team races
to meet deadlines and still meet the talented stylist's towering
expectations."
QUEER EYE FOR THE STRAIGHT GUY
(Tuesdays at 10:00/9:00c on Bravo; new season premieres June 7)
How Bravo describes it: ""Queer Eye for the Straight Guy's" summer
season is big in scope and emotion and kicks off June 7th with the
premiere of the World Series Champion Boston Red Sox episode featuring
players Kevin Millar, Johnny Damon, Tim Wakefield, Jason Varitek and
Doug Mirabelli. Also this summer the Fab 5 take on 2 year-old
quintuplets, help a veterinarian plan an ambush wedding for his
veterinarian fiance and help the tent master of the Big Apple Circus
live the traveling life in style."
NBA ROOKIES
(Mondays at 11:05/10:05c on Spike TV; premieres Friday, June 10 at
10:00/9:00c)
How Spike TV describes it: "Spike TV and NBA Entertainment (NBAE) have
teamed up to produce a new, original series delving into the
behind-the-scenes world of various NBA first-year neophytes in "NBA
Rookies. "The six-episode series, premiering Friday, June 10
(9:00pm-10:00pm ET/PT) features got milk? Rookie of the Year Emeka
Okafor (Charlotte Bobcats), and got milk? NBA All-Rookie Team members
Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic), Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia76ers), and
Jameer Nelson (Orlando Magic). Other NBA rookies prominently featured
include J.R. Smith (New Orleans Hornets), and Devin Harris (Dallas
Mavericks)."
RUSSELL SIMMONS PRESENTS: DEF POETRY
(Fridays at 11:30/10:30c on HBO; new season premieres June 10)
How HBO describes it: "Mos Def returns to host a fifth season of
Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry, Friday, June 10 at 11:30 pm."
30 DAYS
(Wednesdays at 10:00/9:00c on FX; premieres June 15)
How FX describes it: "FX recently placed a six episode order from
award-winning filmmaker Morgan Spurlock for 30 Days, a
documentary-style unscripted series. The adapted-for-television format
is based on Spurlock's award-winning documentary Super Size Me, will
place an individual in a living environment that is antithetical to
their upbringing, beliefs, religion or profession. Topics for the six
episodes will deal with social and behavioral differences in America
ranging from ethnic to religious to economic. Spurlock, who created the
concept, will host and narrate the series."
PARTY AT THE PALMS
(Wednesdays at 10:00/9:00c on E!; premieres June 15)
How E! describes it: No official description has been released other
than it is an unscripted series about the nightlife at the famed Las
Vegas casino.
THE REAL WORLD
(Tuesdays at 10:00/9:00c on MTV; new season premieres June 21)
How MTV describes it: ""Don't Mess With Texas," the locals are fond of
saying--and that goes double for Austin, the site of this season's Real
World. Shacked up in a tricked-out former warehouse in the heart of
downtown, the new seven strangers are sure to explore Austin's
legendary 'Sixth Street' nightlife--which happens to be just around the
corner from their house. With the usual blend of very different
roommates, tension will inevitably arise, as will romance. Trust us,
you won't want to miss the 16th season of this groundbreaking series."
PIMP MY RIDE
(Sundays at 9:00/8:00c on MTV; new season premieres June 26)
How MTV describes it: "After another unforgettable season of turning
less-than-luxurious rides into pimped out masterpieces with "Pimp My
Ride," MTV will head back into the garage with rapper and car
enthusiast Xzibit and the guys from West Coast Customs to make the
dreams of a few young automotively-challenged fans come true."
THE ANDY MILONAKIS SHOW
(Sundays at 9:30/8:30c on MTV; premieres June 26)
How MTV describes it: No official description has been released other
than it is an unscripted series about the off-kilter young comedian's
activities (which include creating absurd short films of himself and
his surroundings) after being trapped in his apartment on Manhattan's
Lower East Side.
PUNK'D
(Sundays at 10:00/9:00c on MTV; new season premieres June 26)
How MTV describes it: "Ashton Kutcher will also return to host another
season of "Punk'd" as he once again takes aim on his hapless
celebrity friends with more over-the-top pranks."
VIVA LA BAM
(Sundays at 10:30/9:30c on MTV; new season premieres June 26)
How MTV describes it: "Finally, also returning are the antics of
skateboarding pro and former "Jackass" star Bam Margera as he lives
at home and wreaks havoc on his unsuspecting friends and family in a
new season of "Viva La Bam.""
RENOVATE MY FAMILY
(Thursdays at 9:00/8:00c on FOX; new episodes begin June 30)
How FOX describes it: "Families also change - and always for the
better - on the unscripted series RENOVATE MY FAMILY, which returns
with all-new episodes starting Thursday, June 30 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT).
Hosted by JAY McGRAW, RENOVATE MY FAMILY is not just a home-improvement
show - it's a life-improvement program that visits families who have
encountered some challenge along the way. Whether it be weight issues,
physical disabilities or a house that is crumbling, RENOVATE MY FAMILY
can overcome any obstacle, get families back on track and help them
forge ahead toward their goals. A team of makeover professionals - a
stylist, an interior designer, a construction crew, and even experts
who re-invent cars and pamper pets - help restore and redecorate the
lives of families in need."
BEING BOBBY BROWN
(Thursdays at 10:00/9:00c on Bravo; premieres June 30)
How Bravo describes it: "This much-anticipated, eight episode
unscripted series explores the exclusive world of the Grammy-winning
performer, Bobby Brown. It's his prerogative and his take on his life,
family, music, and motivations. The series, shot documentary-style,
also allows fans and critics alike to see the real Bobby Brown - as a
family man and husband, apart from the headline scandals and
allegations that have plagued, and at times overshadowed, the
successful musician's career. The series also features Brown's wife,
pop superstar Whitney Houston and the rest of his immediate and
extended family and offers an opportunity for viewers to see the lives
of these icons from the inside. The series will also demystify Brown's
relationships with Houston; their daughter, Bobbi Kristina; his
children from previous relationships, La Princia and Bobby Jr.; and his
brother Tommy, Bobby's personal manager."
PREMIERING IN JULY
THE PRINCES OF MALIBU
(Sundays at 8:30/7:30c on FOX; premieres July 10)
How FOX describes it: "Also in July, it's destination: Malibu and an
insider's view of two brothers who are always on vacation as FOX
presents the new unscripted series THE PRINCES OF MALIBU, premiering
Sunday, July 10 (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT). This series, filled with humor
and some universally relatable family issues, uncovers the comedy that
inevitably arises when a pair of free-wheeling adult brothers live at
home with their mother and stepfather. The difference here is that
their home is a luxurious 22-acre compound by the sea, and their
stepfather happens to be legendary musician, arranger and producer
DAVID FOSTER. Brothers BRANDON and BRODY JENNER, sons of Olympian Bruce
Jenner and songwriter LINDA THOMPSON, who's now married to Foster, are
driving their step-dad to distraction. While Foster is hard at work,
the boys, along with their friend SPENCER PRATT, are working hard at
spending his money - running up tabs at expensive restaurants and
partying day and night. Foster is finally putting his foot down. He
wants Brandon and Brody to grow up and get out."
HOGAN KNOWS BEST
(Sundays at 9:30/8:30c on VH1; premieres July 10 at 10:00/9:00c)
How VH1 describes it: "Hulk Hogan's famous "Grr" extends way beyond the
wrestling ring and into his home. Not only is he a world famous
wrestler - he's also a very "red state" suburban dad who lives on a
20,000-square-foot estate in Florida with wife Linda, 16 year-old
daughter Brooke, who he won't allow to date and 14 year-old son Nick,
who wants to be a race car driver. "HOGAN KNOWS BEST" takes you inside
the Hogan household as Hulk and Linda wrestle with being PG parents in
an increasingly R-rated world."
BRAT CAMP
(Wednesdays at 9:00/8:00c on ABC; premieres July 13 at 8:00/7:00c)
How ABC describes it: "What would you do with a teen that curses at
you, breaks the law in your house and doesn't listen to anything you
say? Six families with out of control teenagers make the tough choice
and decide to send their kids to Sagewalk Wilderness Therapy Camp, a
boot camp-style program in the wilds of Oregon, in the desperate hope
that, once it's over, they'll get back the children they once knew
and loved. The show is the latest U.K. sensation -- where it aired on
Channel 4 -- to cross the Atlantic to American audiences."
INKED
(Wednesdays at 9:00/8:00c on A&E; premieres July 20)
How A&E describes it: "An inside look at the tattoo craze that has
infiltrated mainstream America. Cameras catch the doings at the Palms
Hotel in Las Vegas, where the first-ever tattoo parlor in a casino has
opened. We follow shop owner John Huntington and his staff of eccentric
tattoo artists, and discover why their customers have made the fateful
decision to mark themselves forever."
CRISS ANGEL: MINDFREAK
(Wednesdays at 10:00/9:00c on A&E; premieres July 20)
How A&E describes it: No official description has been released other
than it is an unscripted series about the magician's unannounced
on-the-street performances and public demonstrations.
VENUS & SERENA: FOR REAL
(Thursdays at 10:00/9:00c on ABC Family; premieres July 21)
How ABC Family describes it: "What is it like to lead the lifestyle of
tennis pros and also deal with the glamour of being celebrities? Find
out in this reality series featuring sisters Venus and Serena Williams.
The six episodes follow these two young women coming of age, as they
find their place in the world outside of tennis. You'll see them
interacting with their family and friends, find out what they do for
fun, and also see them at their best on the court."
MASTER BLASTERS
(Wednesdays at 8:00/7:00c on Sci Fi; premieres July 27)
How Sci Fi describes it: "The Channel's new (8pm-10:30pm ET/PT) 'SCI FI
Wednesday' block, premiering July 27, 2005, takes the genre to new
heights with the series debut of 'Master Blasters' (8pm). Does your
hobby require an FAA launch window? The new daredevil stepchild of the
reality genre pits crews of amateur rocket scientists against SCI FI's
'Master Blasters,' a team headed by father and son rocket men Dan and
Terry Stroud. The 'Master Blasters' team and their opposition are
challenged to a space race of a different kind: design, build and
launch some very bizarre things into the stratosphere. From
rocket-bolstered sofas to fuel injected portable toilets, "one small
step for man" becomes one giant leap for mad science!"
GHOST HUNTERS
(Wednesdays at 9:00/8:00c on Sci Fi; new season premieres July 27)
How Sci Fi describes it: "At 9pm Jason and Grant, SCI FI's favorite
moonlighting plumbers, return for a new season of 'Ghost Hunters.'
Season 2 promises to bring even more excitement, oddities and goose
bumps with brand new investigations and undoubtedly, more strange
paranormal behavior."
KATHY GRIFFIN: MY LIFE ON THE D-LIST
(Wednesdays at 10:00/9:00c on Bravo; premieres July 27)
How Bravo describes it: ""Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List" is a
six-episode, one hour unscripted series that takes a hilariously
unabashed look at the talented comic's life and surreal celebrity
encounters that serve as fodder for her successful stand-up comedy
specials and sell-out live performances. Each episode will include a
portion of Griffin's stand-up act or public appearance, as well as the
behind-the-scenes negotiations and preparations that go into each
performance. It's an insider's look at the indignities and encounters
that can only happen when one is a well-known and under-appreciated
comic doing what it takes to make a living. The series will also
feature Griffin's "peeps," who include: her husband, Matt; her
assistant, Jessica; her live-in decorator, Mike; her "gays" Dennis and
Tony; her overworked public relations team; her parents; her
out-of-town in-laws; and a host of others who manage to both help and
hinder Griffin's quest for fame."
KILL REALITY
(TBA on E!; premieres in July)
How E! describes it: No official description has been released other
than it is an unscripted series about New Line Cinema's upcoming horror
film "The Scorned," the cast of which includes several former reality
TV stars.
LAGUNA BEACH: THE REAL ORANGE COUNTY
(TBA on MTV; new season premieres in July or August)
How MTV describes it: "It's one of the wealthiest, most beautiful
beachside communities in the world and MTV has unlimited access to the
tight-knit power clique of eight rich, beautiful teenagers that live
there. Their lives intertwine in ways you won't believe, until you drop
in for a visit. Laguna Beach is paradise--a little slice of heaven on
earth--why would anyone want to leave? The answer will come as you
watch the best friends share experiences through parties,
relationships, love and small town injustice. This is where the angst
and the tumultuous affairs are the stuff of prime time drama, except
this is all REAL. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Welcome to
paradise, otherwise known as Laguna Beach, California."
MY SUPER SWEET 16
(TBA on MTV; new season premieres in July or August)
How MTV describes it: "MY SUPER SWEET 16 follows young people, and
their friends and families, for the planning of their coming-of-age
celebrations."
PREMIERING IN AUGUST
MEET MISTER MOM
(Tuesdays at 8:00/7:00c on NBC; premieres August 2)
How NBC describes it: "Under-appreciated Moms are given a surprise
luxury vacation while Dad is left to run the household and mind the
kids for a week in the hilarious new comedy reality show "Meet Mister
Mom." This show is every Mom's fantasy and every Mom's revenge. Each
episode showcases the comedy that ensues when two very busy families
realize just how irreplaceable Mom is in their daily lives. Humorously
told from the children's perspectives, every episode will also include
valuable information for families on how to better manage their lives
together. Soon after the game begins, the Moms are whisked away to a
spa for a week of exciting adventures and rejuvenation, leaving Dad and
the kids to juggle the daily tasks of the household. The Dads from each
family compete head-to-head to see who can best handle the pressure of
keeping the family together despite a jam-packed schedule. All the
while, the Moms are secretly watching the madness on closed-circuit
TV."
CATTLE DRIVE
(Sundays at TBA on E!; premieres August 7)
How E! describes it: No official description has been released other
than it is an unscripted series in which the children of the rich and
famous (including the kids of Yahoo! CEO Terry Semel and rocker Pat
Benatar) are sent to work a cattle drive.
THE GIRLS NEXT DOOR
(Sundays at TBA on E!; premieres August 7)
How E! describes it: No official description has been released other
than it is an unscripted series which eight-part series chronicles the
lives of Hugh Hefner's girlfriends at the Playboy Mansion.
TOMMY LEE GOES TO COLLEGE
(Tuesdays at 9:00/8:00c on NBC; premieres August 16)
How NBC describes it: "The University of Nebraska at Lincoln (UNL)
welcomes a motley new student to its campus - notorious rocker Tommy
Lee. At 19, Lee formed "Motley Crue," sending him on a meteoric rise to
fame and fortune - who had time for college when Lee was busy touring
the world and living the fast life for two glorious decades? Cut to
Tommy Lee today -- twice divorced and a single father of two boys. Most
men in their midlife crisis buy sports cars and date young women. Lee
wants something different, something money can't buy - he wants
academic redemption. So he heads off to UNL, but it won't be class as
usual when the new student is Tommy Lee. Each of the six half-hour
episodes will find Lee floundering in a new fish-out-of-water situation
- quintessential collegiate challenges such as finding his roommate
Matt, trying out for the marching band and cramming for finals in true
Tommy Lee fashion with his hot tutor, Natalie, in tow."
UNTITLED SCHOOL PROJECT
(TBA on ABC Family; premieres in August)
How ABC Family describes it: "Four college kids at Philadelphia's
Drexel University are enjoying it all...partying, friends, and the
freedom that comes from living away from home, but their style is about
to get seriously cramped when one of their parents moves in! The
parents have never had the full college experience, and they'll not
only be living with their kid, but going with them to classes, parties
or to their part-time job. Both family members are sure to be
confronted with truths about each other that they didn't know."
Additional premieres may be announced at a later date. And let us know
if we forgot anything!