The writer's strike has been pulling the plug on all the popular network television shows since Nov. 5. False.
While "Grey's" and "Colbert" are showing re-runs, there is another brand of television thriving in their absence. You guessed it: reality TV. No actors, no writers, no problem. The reality surge is heating up even more with season finales coming up this week. Who will New York choose: Buddha, Punk or Tailor Made? What's next for the loveable girl-next-door Lauren Conrad? Who really is America's Most Smartest Model? All of these questions will be answered during primetime this week; with no interruptions from those sitcoms and dramas.
While some viewers hate reality TV, it is the only option if you're too bored to watch re-runs. I, for one, love reality TV. I never miss a minute of "I Love New York" or "The Hills" and I am not ashamed of that.
Sure, I enjoy "Grey's" and "The Office" as much as the next person, but there's something about the rawness of reality in "The Real World" and "Tila Tequila." Unpredictable. Riveting. Awesome.
Reality TV is a guilty pleasure because although you know the shows are ridiculous, stupid, heart wrenching, it's so hard not to watch. Do you really want to be the only person who doesn't know who America's Next Top Model is? Probably not.
The other great thing about reality TV is that it's real - or as real as it can get with 15 bachelorettes fighting for the affection of one undeserving guy. No regular person can relate to a brain surgeon, but we can relate to someone who is just livin' the life and lookin' for love.
There's no telling how long the strike will go on, but even though reality TV has been compensating for its absence, all good things must come to an end.
In the coming weeks, there will be no more "Kid Nation." No more "Top Model"...and still no network TV.
Enter: "American Idol." Jan. 15.
Five sweet, sweet months of singing, neurotic and cruel judges and audience interaction. Some people watch "Idol" in the beginning to make fun of all the William Hung wannabes. But the select few (of us) stick it out to the end, thereby being able to fully appreciate the greatness that is Kelly Clarkson.
I like drama. I like comedy. I like the occasional TV break. Reality TV gives you a chance to satisfy all three of those needs.
Even though the writer's strike has been going on for far too long, it's nothing a bit of reality gold can't fix.