Over the past decade, reality shows have taken over the airwaves. Some are genuine and engaging. Others are exploitative and sink to new lows never experienced previously on television. In honor of More To Love, FOX’s new big person dating show, we’ve put together a list of reality shows that have pushed the boundaries of good taste whether with their content or their marketing. Take a look at the tastless, mean, and misunderstood.

WHO’S YOUR DADDY?

The premise: A woman who was adopted as a child meets 25 men, one of whom is her biological father. If she correctly identifies the baby daddy, she will win $100,000. If she is wrong however, the man that she incorrectly selected will walk away with the money.
The controversy: Adoption groups were in an uproar over the callous presentation of the show and due to low ratings it was shelved after only one episode.

That’s sad. The poor little show that nobody wanted.
 

   ^{Tiiiiiiigggghhhtttttt.}

JOE MILLIONAIRE

The premise: A handsome and rich young man is searching for the woman with who he will spend his life. He romances a group of contestants in exotic locales, eliminating one per episode. The twist however is that he doesn’t have a dime to his name.

The controversy: The woman aren’t exactly painted in the most favorable light. Many of whom come off as greedy and shallow to the viewing audience.

The show made waves when it aired what was believed to be the first reality show blow-job (later debunked). Besides everyone knows that the real first blowie happened on Bug Juice.
 

TEMPTATION ISLAND

The premise: In order to test the strength of their relationships, several couples live in a tropical paradise with single members of the opposite sex. The singles of course are smoking hot and hired to try to break up the couples.

The controversy: The show’s producers essentially hired whores to try to break up the contestants.

Probably the only show where you’ll hear the phrase, "Hey Honey, I just met the nicest hooker out there in that jungle."
 

MR. PERSONALITY

The premise: A woman must choose a husband from a group of men who are all wearing masks that make them look like they’re about to reveal magic’s greatest secrets. The line of thought being that she will base her decision upon their personalities and not their looks.

The controversy: It presupposes that all woman are shallow and that ugly people are not capable of finding meaningful relationships in life.

Hosted by Monica Lewinsky, a woman who would have fit in perfectly on Joe Millionaire.
 

THE LITTLEST GROOM

The premise: A 4’5" bachelor tries to find the perfect woman for himself amongst a group of both dwarf and average-sized women.

The controversy: Though the producers insist that they were celebrating the diversity of their contestants, the show sparked outcry from little people. It’s a complicated issue as the show could have either a damaging or positive effect on the public perception.

Personally I find it offensive that this show was a contest built around dwarfism. If the producers really wanted to create a dialogue they would simply cast people of all different shapes and sizes in their non-themed dating shows like The Bachelor. And I Love New York doesn’t count because a.) that show is a circus and b.) they named the character "Midget Mac".  Why can’t he just be named Mac?
 

THE SWAN

The premise: Less-than-attractive women work with plastic surgeons in order to win a beauty pageant.

The controversy: The show was lambasted for being  devoid of ethics and a commercial for plastic surgery that promoted an unhealthy view of beauty which preyed upon the weak-minded.

Question: Once the ladies got super-sexy did they all quit their jobs at the grocery store?
 

DANCE YOUR ASS OFF

The premise: Overweight contestants team up with professional dancers to win the competition-based show and lose weight in the process.

The controversy: Though the intention of the show is to help people improve their health and sick-ass dance moves, it is presented in a somewhat exploitative way with many of the laughs being based around the humorous appearance of a plus-sized person dropping it like its hot.

This show is the equivalent of chasing a Twinkie on a treadmill.
 

BRITNEY AND KEVIN: CHAOTIC

The premise: A look into the private lives of then-couple Britney Spears and Kevin Federline.

The controversy: This was the first glimpse of crazy Britney. The Britney that would shave her head and bring an umbrella to a car fight.

If memory serves she was talking about her experiences with aliens on the show. And I don’t mean the ones that empty her ashtrays and pick up after her around the house.

CHEATERS

The premise: Cheating lovers and spouses are caught in the act by investigative camera crews.

The controversy: The show often leads to violence. Including one time where the host was stabbed on camera by a man caught in the act. Usually you need to turn on Telemundo to see something like that.

Another time the host was attacked with a katana replica. To think, someone who owns a katana replica actually found two mates.

THE WILL

The premise: A wealthy land developer held a competition to decide which member of his family would win his abundant inheritance.

The controversy: I don’t really see a controversy. I mean, it’s gross but not anything to get up in arms about.

When I’m old and rich I’m not going to buy people I am going to hunt them for sport. Run for your life, Letter Carrier!

What do you think? Which shows have made your skin crawl??

By Len Snodgrass

It’s Snodgrass: The Sequel!  And in the vein of all James Cameron sequels, this one is better than the first.  Last week, I brought you THE BEST REALITY SHOWS FOR SUMMER ’09.  Now it’s time to lay out the summer shows – both returning and new – with fictional characters you sometimes wish were real, instead of those shows with real people who often can’t believe actually exist.  Can I get a "Huzzah!" for drama and sitcom writers everywhere?!  There’s a reason the Writer’s Guild of America recognizes you and let’s the reality TV folks fend for themselves…

What it’s about:
Nancy and the rest of the dealing Botwin family are back in season 5 of the marijuana-centric Showtime series. 

When it’s on:
Mondays from 10:00PM – 10:30PM EST on Showtime. Starts June 8th

I’ve never touched chronic, or "THE" chronic as some dangerous-looking hip hop music moguls might say, but if Nancy Botwin (Mary Louise Parker) seductively waved an ounce of that sticky-icky-icky under my nose I might reconsider.  Talk about M.I.L.F.  Boy the things I’d do to her…  We could go grab a nice bite to eat at El Pollo Loco, not touch each other while playing a round of miniature golf, and then retire to my mother’s basement where we would watch "Weeds" and I would repeatedly woo her by telling her, “Hey, that’s you on screen!” 

What it’s about:
A half-hour dark comedy that is at turns wicked, heartbreaking and funny. Edie Falco stars as the title character Jackie O’Hurley, a strong-willed and brilliant — but very flawed — emergency room nurse in a complicated New York City hospital.

When it’s on:
Mondays from 10:30PM – 11:00PM EST on Showtime. Starts June 8th

Edie Falco’s acting chops make me grateful to be a human being and not a robot.  Very few things have this power.  Nine times out of ten if someone asks me, “Hey Len, would you rather be a human being or a robot?” I’d say, “Um, a robot, moron.  Now please just hand over the mail so I can get back to enjoying my loneliness.”  While robots may have jet propulsion packs and laser beam death rays, they can’t feel, and emotions are key to enjoying Ms. Falco’s performances.  Sometimes a soul is a necessary evil.   

What it’s about:
In Season 5 of the acclaimed FX series, Tommy Gavin (Dennis Leary) continues his battle with fires, alcoholism, and his ex-wife.

When it’s on:
Tuesdays from 10:00PM – 11:00PM EST on FX

The season started back in April, but it’s so totally tubular I recommend you catch up by watching episodes online.  There are explosions, ghosts, and naked ladies!  It’s like Dennis Leary pulled material directly from my frequent night terrors.  So invite a few friends over, order a few pizzas, and pull an all-nighter marathon.  That’s what I did.  Except my friends were the pizzas.  And oh what delicious friends they turned out to be.
 

What it’s about:
A new animated series from Mike Judge ("King of the Hill," "Beavis and Butt-head," "Office Space"), John Altschuler and Dave Krinsky ("King of the Hill," "Blades of Glory"). Meet Gerald and Helen Goode, a couple who live by the motto WWAGD ("What Would Al Gore Do?"). Gerald, a college administrator, and Helen, a community activist, are determined to obliterate their carbon footprint on the planet: They’re zealous vegans drive a hybrid, and recycle everything possible.

When it’s on:
Wednesdays from 9:00PM – 9:30PM EST on ABC

Normally I don’t like anything starring any characters that might sound like they could possibly be hippies.  Cartman from "South Park" and I share the same hatred for folks who love the earth to the point where it becomes uncomfortable.  But since Mike Judge is behind this show I’m definitely going to give it a gander.  I just hope it doesn’t shove the whole “go green” cause down my throat too persistently.  I still say food and beverages taste better when served on or in Styrofoam.   

What it’s about:
Stars Michael Ian Black and Michael Showalter in a new twist on narrative and sketch comedies that features the long-time comedic partners as the hosts of their own fictitious sketch show.

When it’s on:
Wednesdays from 10:30PM – 11:00PM EST on Comedy Central. Starts July 15th

The Michaels are so funny they make me vomit.  Literally.  When I watch "Stella" and Wet Hot American Summer I puke all over myself.  It’s actually quite frightening at times, but I’ve learned to never watch their material on an empty stomach or in my good t-shirts.  Now you may say that’s repulsive, and you may say maybe the concussion you received when banging your head on the wall after fainting from your hypoglycemia is contributing to the problem, but I say it’s just my body’s visceral reaction to powerful humor.    

What it’s about:
This fast-paced, undercover police drama from prolific producer Jerry Bruckheimer follows the exploits of a crack undercover team of police officers so covert many of their own colleagues don’t even know they are involved.

When it’s on:
Wednesdays from 10:00PM – 11:00PM EST on TNT. Starts July 15th

Mix the brooding intensity of Dylan McDermott with the finely groomed beard of Jerry Bruckheimer and you’re sure to have a gripping drama.  I hope this show is as intense as "The Shield," and McDermott cracks some skulls like Vic Mackey.  If not, they should bring in Bruckheimer’s beard to replace him.  I swear, that facial hair could make you crumble just by looking you in the eye.  It clearly explains how Jerry rules over Michael Bay with an iron fist.  BOOM!  

What it’s about:
When up-and-coming New York doctor Hank Lawson loses everythin fighting for the life of a patient, he escapes to the Hamptons with his younger brother, Evan. After making a dramatic medical rescue at a party, Hank inadvertently finds himself the Hamptons’ newest on-call doctor.

When it’s on:
Thursdays from 10:00PM – 11:00PM EST on USA. Starts June 4th

Doctor to the rich and famous sounds like one heck of a cushy life.  Something tells me though that Hank is going to find himself in all sorts of sticky situations.  A desperate housewife in need of a “check up,” perhaps?  And I bet she’ll have an aloof, impotent husband who won’t even realize she’s an avid philanderer.  That’s right, just drink another glass of Johnnie Walker, you entrepreneur, you.  See, I know all these things are going to happen yet I still feel compelled to watch.  That’s the magic of television. 

What it’s about:
A new 13-part drama series that updates the story of the infamous sorcerer of Arthurian legend for a new audience in the mythical city of Camelot, in a time before history began.

When it’s on:
Sundays from 8:00PM – 9:00PM EST on NBC. Starts June 21st

Did someone say sorcery?  I’m front and center donning my homemade cloak and wand.  They’ve gotten a little tattered from all the Harry Potter midnight showing lines I’ve slept in, but they still impress all my witches.  OH CLICK!  Or is it “oh snap”…  Anyway, if this show is as half as good as Monty Python and The Holy Grail it’ll be awesome.  And even if it’s not, it’s still time away from my thoughts.   

What it’s about:
A forme high school sports legend turned middle-aged high school basketball coach finds a way to benefit from his biggest asset

When it’s on:
Sundays from 10:00PM – 10:30PM EST on HBO. Starts June 28th

His biggest asset is his penis.  Hey, like The Joker says in The Dark Knight, if you’re good at something never do it for free.  Thomas Jane’s character has his male reproductive organ, and I have my cirrhosis.  I haven’t yet found someone to purchase my dead skin flakes, but I’ve infiltrated a forum on the internet that looks promising.  Those people are into some sick stuff.  Someone has to have a need for skin.    

What it’s about:
Vince and the gang are back for season 6 of the hit HBO comedy that draws on the experiences of industry insiders to illustrate both the heady excesses of today’s celebrity lifestyle, as well as the difficulty of finding love and success in the fast track of show biz.

When it’s on:
Sundays from 10:30PM – 11:00PM EST on HBO. Starts July 18th

I watch this show the same reason everyone watches this show: we all want to be rich and famous.  We all want big houses, fast cars, and large-chested women who flock to us with a flash of our pearly, professionally bleached whites.  Or more specifically, we want a friend who has all those things so we can mooch off of them indefinitely.  Now we’re all kicking ourselves for not befriending the drama nerds in high school so we could be part of their entourage today.  Matthew McConaughey if you’re reading this, I will go to the mall with you after class to play with the puppies at Pass Pets!

— LEN SNODGRASS    

P.S. if Avatar is supposedly so amazing that the people seeing it are literally evacuating their bowels, do you think the sequel will signal the apocalypse?

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By Len Snodgrass

Len Snodgrass here.  When I recently informed ScreenJunkies that my love of television rivals my love of MMORPGs they requested I generate a commentary on this summer’s upcoming reality program offerings.  I weighed the toll this assignment would take on my actual viewing of television, and ultimately decided the minimal rate I’d be receiving for my contribution would suffice to fund my Xbox Live subscription.  I dove right in to my research and emerged with ten unscripted shows that should keep your interest through the summer season.  Some of them are on simultaneously, so be sure to get your DVRs properly configured. 

What it’s about:
Continue to follow the Gosselin family, comprised of parents Jon & Kate, plus eight-year-old twins and a set of sextuplets, as the family celebrates the sextuplets’ fifth birthday, tackle training the new puppies, and much more.

When it’s on:
Mondays 9:00PM – 10:00PM EST on TLC

I will continue to watch this show out of pure morbid curiosity.  It is often perplexing to me how a couple handles the stable rearing of one child, let alone eight.  It is not for certain that Jon cheated on Kate, like the tabloids so adamantly claim, but it isn’t difficult to understand why he would.  I haven’t yet had the pleasure of engaging in sexual intercourse with a woman, but I imagine the experience is much more enjoyable when the female hasn’t pushed out eight babies.    

What it’s about:
Each week explores two individual cases where the subjects face debilitating extreme anxiety disorders, their struggle and the process of rehabilitation.

When it’s on:
Mondays from 10:00PM – 11:00PM EST on A&E

Personally, I find it comforting to watch people struggle with a few of the same disorders and phobias that I battle with on a daily basis.  Due to my social anxiety disorder, I live in constant fear that my mother is going to come down the basement steps and force me to go outside into the sunlight.  I also have a phobia of all things that may hinder my efforts of completing Fallout 3.  These include snacks, software bugs, and walking Chi Chi, our Chihuahua/Poodle mix, until she makes poopies.

What it’s about:
Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin and Spike TV are on a quest to give a football hopeful a shot at making the Dallas Cowboys roster.  The show will chronicle the rigorous training, heated competition, and compelling moments among 12 talented unsigned football players.

When it’s on:
Mondays from 10:00PM – 11:00PM EST on Spike TV

I know less about football than I do about appropriate advances towards the female persuasion.  I’m hoping this program will enlighten me, teach me the ways of the game, and help me blend in at the local bar and grill so that I may join in on the exclamations when my home team scores a touchdown (correct term?).  According to my calculations, this knowledge should also advance me closer to the possibility of getting laid (correct term?).      

What it’s about:
Focuses on master baker Buddy Valastro, and his big Italian family, as he struggles to make his bakery in Hoboken, NJ a household name.

When it’s on:
Mondays from 10:00PM – 11:00PM EST on TLC

It’s like The Sopranos, except flour and icing replace complex moral and family dilemmas.  Buddy employees his four older sisters and three brothers-in-law in a small bakery in New Jersey.  With a work environment like that, if everyone isn’t dead by the end of the season I’ll be surprised.  I attempted to work for my brother once at his tire shop and for payment he punched me several times in the back, causing me to urinate blood.  If I was baking elaborate cakes it might have been more worth it.

What it’s about:
Seven families from divergent backgrounds are selected to take the journey of a lifetime. Over eight episodes, the families will travel through cities large and small all while competing in a medley of humorous challenges that will ultimately lead one family to victory.

When it’s on:
Tuesdays from 8:00PM – 9:00PM on NBC. Starts July 7th       

I look forward to living vicariously through the families on this show as they go off and experience the great U.S. of A. together.  Iconic American backdrops such as The Grand Canyon are breathtaking sights to behold (on television), and sharing those moments with a family that you only wish was as supportive and loving as yours makes it all that much more special.  Not to mention the prizes!       

What it’s about:
Follows a single average guy with a big waist and an even bigger heart as he romances several confident and secure plus-size women.  Each week, the husky hunk will wine and dine a group of curvy women to determine if they have more love to give or if they are truly more than he can handle.

When it’s on:
Tuesdays from 9:00pm – 10:00PM EST on FOX. Starts July 28th

Talk about reality television, now here’s a show a can get behind.  I’ve grown tired of the world’s fascination with exceedingly attractive, healthy, well-toned citizens.  It’s time to exploit all the fatties out there.  People carrying a few extra pounds feel things just like everyone else.  Especially love.  We all need love, you skinny bastards!  In fact, the show is still looking for it’s hefty bachelor star.  Maybe I’ll consider auditioning.  Oh wait, my agoraphobia is telling me that’s a negative.

What it’s about:
Chronicles the lives of a group of privileged teenagers who are key players in Manhattan’s elit high school scene.  Students who travel in packs – whether it’s on sophisticated vacations or to a townhouse for an exclusive midnight party, their lives intertwine as they network, shop, party, study, date and write college applications.

When it’s on:
Tuesdays from 10:00PM – 11:00PM on Bravo. Starts June 23rd

Another show concept that makes me so frustrated and irate I will want to vigorously shake my fist at the TV screen while being unable to peel my eyes away from the teenage angst drama-filled spectacular.  Damn you, wish fulfillment.  Why is it network execs know precisely how to satisfy that “I-wanna-be-popular-and-rich-too!” craving that tickles the inside of my brain?  Millions in market research combined with the decline of human civilization, perhaps.

What it’s about:
You guessed it, animal nightmares.  In the first episode, a grandmother jumps on the back of a crocodile to save her family, and teenagers are stalked by a shark.

When it’s on:
Wednesdays from 9:00PM – 10:00PM on Animal Planet

Nothing is more satisfying than watching evolution in action.  Survival of the fittest all the way.  Like my No Fear t-shirt states: If you can’t run with the big dogs, stay on the porch.  A crocodile is hardwired to attack food, and guess what human peons, we’re food to them!  Hello, they’re f*cking dinosaurs!  So don’t be surprised when you take your little rug rats to taunt them in socialized captivity, otherwise known as the zoo, and a croc bites off one of their arms.  Score one more for the dinosaurs.       

What it’s about:
Pit 24 world-renowned chefs against each other and sees how well they fare in the tried and true format of "Top Chef."  In each episode, money is at stake for the chefs, with the winners of eliminations awarded cash donations for their charities.

When it’s on:
Wednesdays from 10:00PM – 11:00PM on Bravo. Starts June 10th.

When I watch the regular Top Chef I’m astounded as to what the contestants do with mere food, so I can only imagine the delectable treats the world-renowned chefs will whip up.  The only issue I have with the show is it makes my mouth salivate uncontrollably, the spit often dripping into the crevices of my ergonomic gaming keyboard and shorting it out.  Note to self: descriptions such as these do you no favors in acquiring friends or lovers.

What it’s about:
Takes tattoo television on a road trip through the cross-country travels of master tattoo artist Thomas Pendelton. Pendelton and his business partner and wife Monica have transformed a 1970s tour bus into a tattoo parlor on wheels, featuring a swanky interior and top-of-the-line tattooing equipment.

When it’s on:
Wednesdays from 10:00PM – 11:00PM on A&E

I wish an artist such as Thomas had traveled to me when I received my first, and last, tattoo.  Instead, a few of my LAN party buddies got me heavily intoxicated on Mike’s Hard Lemonade one night and drug me unconscious to a nearby tattoo parlor.  Now I have a slapdash version of my Or avatar from WoW, or World of Warcraft for all you non-questers out there, burned into my lower back.  Maybe on his trip Thomas can drop by my house and add some much needed flare to the crude rendering.  At the moment, there’s absolutely no intensity to Mogmar’s scowl.

CHECK BACK NEXT WEEK FOR MY TAKE ON THE TOP 10 SCRIPTED SHOWS OF THE SUMMER SEASON.       

– LEN SNODGRASS

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