Too dumb for prime time

St. Paul Pioneer Press (from Chicago Tribune) ^ | 6/3/03

[rhema]

Is America running out of nitwits? That would be the logical conclusion from this encouraging news in a recent New York Times article: Producers of reality shows are having a harder time convincing people to become contestants.

Well, glory be. We thought there was an inexhaustible supply of people willing to risk the possibility of humiliation — make that the certainty of abject, public and utter humiliation — just to get their 15 minutes in the television spotlight, with the alleged payoff that maybe they'd get engaged to someone they hardly know.

[mewzilla]

If they're looking for nitwits, I'd say the NYT would be a good place to start actually...

[Conspiracy Guy]

REALITY is such a concept. No wonder TV execs have trouble grasping it.

[dighton]

Being from the Chicago Tribune, this should be posted as an excerpt only.

AM, could you please work the necessary magic?

Related Publications in the LAT/WP vs Free Republic Settlement Agreement

[Maceman]

Maybe they should post an advertisement for contestants on DU. No shortage of idiots there.

[demlosers]

There seems to be an endless supply of nitwits who go on Judge Judy's show. I read on some Internet board about a pseudo plaintiff/defendant complaining she only got $200 to be ridiculed. What some people do to get on TV.

[whereasandsoforth]

Greed and over-kill. Who, beyond a white-trash mentality, would watch such drivel? This latest "fashion" is a throw-back to European television. And Lord knows we don't want to see that. Name one show worth a dang we have imported here from Europe. And don't give me that Brit-crap-o-la.

[Dr. Eckleburg]

Reality shows are the cheapest entertainment to produce ever put on the tube.

They'll continue as long as the ad revenue exceeds the budget.

More's the pity. They're trash. Stop watching, America.

[lilylangtree]

Keep thinking about Anna Nicole Smith and Jerry Springer--talking about really dumb, trashy shows. Have to wonder if Smith and Springer pay the network to stay on tv.

[rhema]

Greed and over-kill. Who, beyond a white-trash mentality, would watch such drivel? This latest "fashion" is a throw-back to European television. And Lord knows we don't want to see that. Name one show worth a dang we have imported here from Europe. And don't give me that Brit-crap-o-la.

I've never seen a minute of any network's reality show, but I do admit a fondness for a few silly Brit imports: Keeping Up Appearances, Mr. Bean, and Are You Being Served?

[dfwgator]

Ever heard of All in the Family, Sanford and Son, Three's Company? All were based on British sitcoms.

[ladyinred]

Couldn't be, Jerry Springer is still on, and people still vote for democrats.

[gitmo]

The Duke of Whellington was host to a nobleman from a nearby castle. Unfortunately, the Duke was involved in some urgent paperwork. "My friend, may I suggest you take the dogs out for a bit of a shoot while I complete this dreadfully boring deskwork?" His friend agreed. After a short while he heard the baying of the hounds, the sound of hoofbeats, and the occasional sound of gunfire.

Satisfied that his neglected guest was entertaining himself, the Duke turned his attention once more to his work. Before long, his guest came back in.

"I hope you enjoyed your sport. I thought you would be gone much longer."

"Oh, I had a delightful time. But, unfortunately, I ran out of dogs."

Reality shows must be having the same problem.

[whereasandsoforth]

Ever heard of All in the Family, Sanford and Son, Three's Company? All were based on British sitcoms.


Yep, I've heard of 'em. And I have also seen the originals. American TV made them almost palitable. Your point?

[whereasandsoforth]

Ever heard of All in the Family, Sanford and Son, Three's Company? All were based on British sitcoms.


Yep, I've heard of 'em. And I have also seen the originals. American TV made them almost palitable. Your point?