MSN TV Blog - Reality TV

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Basic-cable network's new reality slate tries to appeal to its core and draw new viewers

By Mekeisha Madden Toby Dec 12, 2012 1:57PM

'Scottie and Larsa Pippen' '/' WE tv

WE tv has found great success with reality shows about manic brides and D-list celebrities and their families. After all, this is the basic cable network that brought us "Braxton Family Values" and its spin-off, "Tamar & Vince," as well as headed-for-the-altar offerings, "My Fair Wedding" and "Bridezillas."

 

So it's comes as no surprise that WE tv, which has been creating women-centric programming for 11 years, announced a non-scripted development slate Wednesday that includes a reality series about former NBA great Scottie Pippen and his second wife, Larsa, and an offering called "Single Brides." The show follows women who plan their dream weddings without even being engaged.

 

Bing: More on WE tv | Scottie and Larsa Pippen

 

"We're extremely excited about our current development slate featuring programs about bold, powerful women who are unapologetic for the way they live their lives," Lauren Gellert, WE tv's senior vice president of original production and development, said in a statement. "The shows we are developing explore women's secret temptations, fantasies, and their exciting and fun adventures."

 

Plus: TV shows men secretly love | 2012: The year in reality TV

 

There are seven proposed shows, all of which are eligible for the 2013-14 season. Read on for more details:

 

1. "Big Pippen" spotlights Larsa and Scottie Pippen, a famous Chicago power couple. She's a self-described Middle Eastern princess from a wealthy family and he's one of the city's most beloved sports icons. From private jets to designer digs, diamond rings and NBA championships, the Pippens live a truly charmed life. Add in her overbearing family and his clan from Arkansas and this duo is perfect for reality TV.

 

2. "Bedroom Confidential" is a docu-soap/social experiment featuring five female friends who allow cameras access to every aspect of their lives, including their bedrooms.

 

3. "Chasing Ballroom" is docu-soap about real-life "Dancing With the Stars" types who indulge their fantasy of being dancers. From the private dance lessons with ballroom pros to the elaborate costumes, high heels and glitter-infused make-up, these women are putting it all out on the dance floor to turn their "what if?" dream into a reality.

 

4. "Divas for Jesus" follows a group of fabulous Christian women whose faith consists of guns, god, gossip and great wine. Monday through Saturday, these glamorous Nashville ladies live upper-class lifestyles working and playing hard. And on Sunday they ask for forgiveness and cleanse their fabulous little souls.

 

5. "Powerlist" takes a look at successful, self-made women who refuse to choose between having an amazing career and a family. Working to have it all, these women -- and their BIG personalities -- have arrived, and they're intent on staying at the top.

 

6. "Shoe Whores" (working title) is a dating show that examines the relationship between women and their shoes. But what happens when a woman is asked to choose between her favorite pair of pumps and an eligible bachelor?

 

7. "Single Brides" examines the newest extreme female phenomenon… women across the U.S. who plan elaborate dream weddings including the venue, cake, music, flowers and, of course, the dress. The only thing missing is the groom. This docu-soap follows fiancé-free ladies as they plan their dream weddings while continuing to date in the hopes they'll find the right bachelor to meet them at the altar.

 

Report says FOX has approached Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson and others

By Mekeisha Madden Toby 11 hours ago

'Kelly Clarkson' '/' FOX

 

"American Idol" is in need of a makeover, and that could mean turning past winners and contestants into judges.

 

FOX and the producers behind "Idol" have approached first-season champion Kelly Clarkson and former contestant Jennifer Hudson to become judges, reports Vulture. While FOX has yet to comment about the show's 13th season and who will be judging, sources tell the website the network has shortlisted Adam Lambert and Clay Aiken as well.

 

Bing: More on 'American Idol' 

 

"I'd like to see a past 'American Idol' contestant," Angie Miller, who finished third this season, told TVGuide.com, when talking about future judges. "They really understand what this process is like and what you do during the week. (It should be) someone who gets it."

 

Plus: Summer shows we're excited about | 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9

 

'Jennifer Hudson' '/' FOX

 

Miller's wish could come true. According to The Wrap, all four judges from Season 12 -- Randy Jackson, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban -- and even producer Nigel Lythgoe are getting the boot. But so far, Jackson has been the only one to officially wave goodbye.

 

But a change in personnel is inevitable. "American Idol" suffered a considerable ratings slump this season. The network and producers are also reportedly fed up with paying out huge sums to big-named stars who don't stick around. Although Clarkson and Hudson wouldn't be cheap, they should be more relatable because they've competed on the show.

 

They might also presumably attract a broader, younger audience. "Everything is on the table," Kevin Reilly, FOX's entertainment chairman, told reporters last week. And if the Vulture story holds true, that means fans of "Idol" could see a judges' table full of familiar and friendlier faces.

 

"American Idol" Season 13 returns to FOX in 2014.     

 

Amy's Baking Company cancels press conference, part ways with PR firm

By MSN TV 16 hours ago

'Kitchen Nightmares'/FOXWENN

 

Lawyers representing Gordon Ramsay's "Kitchen Nightmares" have warned Amy's Baking Company owners to stop discussing their "unflattering portrayal" or face paying $100,000 each. Amy and Samy Bouzaglo were sent a legal notice from the show's attorneys last Friday after "Kitchen Nightmare" bosses learned of the couple's plans to hold a press conference in advance of the restaurant's "grand reopening" to tell their side of the story, according to Radar Online. The couple ended up canceling their press conference. Shortly after receiving the cease and desist from FOX, Amy's Baking Company was dropped by their new PR firm, Rose+Moser+Allyn Public & Online Relations on account of what publicist Jason Rose describes as "differences on public relations strategies."

 

Bing: More about Amy Baking Company

 

According to reports, the letter claims that any media session, especially one derogatory against the show, would constitute a breach of contract and make the couple liable for $100,000 in damages each. It reads, "We understand that you are planning a public event on May 21, 2013, at which you will discuss your experiences and your 'unflattering portrayals' on the show. If you speak about the show without Upper Ground's and FOX's prior approval, and if you disparage the show, its host, or its producers, you will breach your obligations under Paragraph 10 of your Personal Release and Paragraph 14 of your Participant Agreement." The letter goes on to state, "These agreements prohibit you from speaking publicly about Kitchen Nightmares, other than to acknowledge 'the mere fact of your participation in the Series in personal publicity relating to yourself.' Your conduct exposes each of you to liability for liquidated damages of $100,000." In their episode of "Kitchen Nightmares", the Bouzaglos were unwilling to accept chef Gordon Ramsey's attempts to rehabilitate their struggling restaurant.

 

Plus: Summer shows we're excited about | 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9

 

'Voice' coach recounts experience at Denny's with fellow bandmate

By MSN TV 16 hours ago

Adam Levine/WENNWENN

 

"Voice" judge Adam Levine swore off drugs early on in his career after a strange experience on prescription medication Ambien. The Maroon 5 frontman and his bandmate James Valentine mistook the sedatives for stimulants and took them while on tour. But instead of giving a much-needed boost, the drug knocked them out cold -- while they were waiting for dinner. 

 

Bing: More about Adam Levine

 

Levine explains, "We had a brief experience one time with what I guess was Ambien. James Valentine and I, we didn't really know what it was ... It was the first and last time we took this drug. But we were at Denny's at some shady part of the city of whatever part of the country we were in, and we took it and we ordered the food ... and we woke up at the table, what must have been an hour (later) ... I was like, 'Oh, no.' And James had his head down, so I was like, 'Hey, man. Hey, we should get out of here.' We didn't eat our food. We sheepishly paid our bills and walked out, and everyone's looking (at us) like, 'What's wrong with these guys?' And then since then I've never done drugs."

 

Plus: Summer shows we're excited about | 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9

 

Soap veteran and pop star join Jon Lovitz, Sebastian Bach, Darrell Hammond, more

By MSN TV 16 hours ago

Lisa Rinna/WENNWENN

 

Actress Lisa Rinna and pop singer Debbie Gibson have joined the cast of the upcoming reality show "Sing Your Face Off." ABC recently snapped up the rights to the hit Spanish talent show "Your Face Sounds Familiar," where celebrities take on the identity of a legendary singer each week. Veteran soap star Rinna, comedian Jon Lovitz and former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach have signed on as contestants.

 

Bing: More about 'Sing Your Face Off'

 

Toronto Raptors basketball ace Landry Fields and teenage Disney Channel singer/actress China Anne McClain are also gearing up for the challenge. The show will be hosted by "Scandal" star John Barrowman. Their performances will be judged by Gibson and comedian Darrell Hammond. An air date for the show has not yet been set.

 

Plus: Summer shows we're excited about | 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9

 

'Giuliana and Bill' star returns for third year, Kevin and Joe set to appear with brother

By MSN TV 17 hours ago

Giuliana Rancic/WENN

WENN

 

NBC announced on Tuesday that Giuliana Rancic would return for her third year as host along with the 20-year-old singer, who will co-host for the first time. Kevin and Joe Jonas will also be on hand to back up Nick, as the trio are set to perform for the contest held in Las Vegas before kicking off their North American tour in July.

 

Bing: More about the Miss USA pageant

 

A statement from the President of the Miss Universe Organization, Paula M. Shugar, reads: "We are excited to announce a veteran and a newcomer as hosts for this year's Miss USA Competition. The diverse backgrounds of Rancic and Jonas in the entertainment industry will bring a new and exciting energy to the stage."

 

Plus: Summer shows we're excited about | 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9

 

Host offers insight into why NBC series is beating 'Idol,' 'X Factor' in ratings

By MSN TV Tue 8:10 AM

Carson Daly/WENNWENN

 

"Voice" host Carson Daly has credited the show's blind auditions as the reason for the its success. Unlike rival shows, the coaches on the show can't see the auditioners: Their evaluations are based solely on singing quality. Daly believes the format is the prime reason it has trounced "American Idol" and "The X Factor" in TV ratings.

 

Bing: More about 'The Voice'

 

Daly tells Zap2it.com, "We just liked the pureness of it, hearkening back ... Is there a place for pure? In this day where you have to be beautiful and popular ... Yeah, they can sing, but what do they look like?" Daly also pinpoints another interesting dynamic only present on "The Voice": the judges being rejected. He explains: "It's the power shift. A 24-year-old sandwich maker, and he gets three chairs to turn around. Now they are in it for the right reason, and he, all of a sudden, he gets to interview them. And where else do you get that shift in power? Multimillionaires interviewed by a kid who makes sandwiches for a living."­

 

Plus: 'Dancing With the Stars' finale preview | 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9

 

'X Factor' judge says she and ex enjoy a 'great friendship'

By MSN TV Tue 8:06 AM

Demi Lovato/WENN

WENN

 

"X Factor" judge Demi Lovato has developed a "great friendship" with Joe Jonas, three years after their breakup. In an interview with ABC's "Nightline," the singer admits to having been "really mad at him" following their decision to call it quits in 2010. But time has healed old wounds, and the two are good friends once again.

 

Bing: More about Demi Lovato

 

Lovato says, "I can fortunately say that him and his brother Nick have always been there for me and are literally family and like brothers ... We have a great friendship. And we may not be as close as we used to be, but that's OK." Jonas, 23, proved the former couple had buried the hatched by tweeting his support for her new album Demi on May 14. He wrote, "Congrats (Demi Lovato) on the new record! So happy for you!"

 

Plus: 'Dancing With the Stars' finale preview | 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9

 

Wanted star says he 'felt like a king,' eager for fans to see how group really lives

By MSN TV Tue 8:03 AM

Max George/WENN

WENN

 

Wanted star Max George hopes the group's new reality TV show is a big hit because he became quite accustomed to life in Hollywood while filming it. "The Wanted Life" debuts June 2, and George, for one, loved the idea of having his own mansion with his band mates for the show. He says, "It was a little bit different than being in Manchester, England. I could definitely get used to it. First of all, it was nice to wake up every morning and see the whole of the city ... That was just insane. But it was the little things to me that meant the most, like having your own bar, your own swimming pool and the run of Los Angeles. I felt like a king."

 

Bing: More about the Wanted

 

George will definitely be watching the show because there were a few unexplained mysteries that might be solved on the program -- like which band mate left their underwear hanging from the chandeliers and who trashed the Jacuzzi. He tells Ryan Seacrest, "I think we'll have to watch. I think we'll find out a lot of mysteries when we see it ... I think I'm probably going to learn a few things about myself I didn't know." As for what fans will learn about him from watching the show, he adds, "Definitely the bond I have with my brother ... and the bond I have with my mom ... I'm very, very close with them two. As a group, I think people will realize when we say we get on like brothers actually do. I think a lot of the time bands have to say that or if they didn’t people will think, 'Surely it doesn't work.' But we genuinely do really get on, and we don't just work together. We actually do everything else away from work most of the time with each other, as well. (And) we actually do party as much as we say we do."

 

Plus: 'Dancing With the Stars' finale preview | 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9