What could be left?
We’ve had real-life families holding public interventions, gone on deadly crab chases and watched Tila Tequila try to get a date – with someone of any sex.
Well, the reality TV machine keeps churning, and this summer brings all-new shows featuring everything from cowboys to real-life lesbians – even Tony Robbins. Some have already hit the air – though just barely, so you still have plenty of time to catch up. Others are just gearing up. (See accompanying article: "10 Returning Reality Favorites.")
Here’s the best of the summer newbies.
1.
"Bachelor Pad"
ABC, Mondays at 8 p.m., starting Aug. 9
Features former contestants from "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette" searching for love under the same roof. The producers have picked out some of the more colorful and controversial characters from the popular franchise for the chance to fight for dates. Expect plenty of sex and drama.
2.
"Bert the Conqueror"
Travel Channel, Wednesdays at 10 p.m.
"The Amazing Race," without the race. Comedian Bert Kreischer criss-crossed the country in search of unique competitions and adrenaline-fueled stunts — everything from bungee jumping to roller-coaster riding to scrambling across a grease-covered pole. Combines the old-fashioned travelogue with the pleasure of watching another person performing terrifying stunts.
3.
"Breakthrough With Tony Robbins"
NBC, Tuesdays at 8 p.m., starting July 27
Motivational speaker and bestselling author Tony Robbins uses his "extraordinary skills" to help people who are down on their luck make major life changes. See his methods — without paying for them.
4.
"Jersey Couture"
Oxygen, Tuesdays at 10 p.m.
Yes, everything is funnier if it's set in the Garden State. Oxygen jumps on the "Jersey Shore" bandwagon, offering viewers a behind-the-scenes look at a family-owned dress boutique in Freehold. The main pleasure is watching the staff's utter lack of fashion sense and self-awareness.
5.
"Last American Cowboy"
Animal Planet, Mondays at 10 p.m.
Following the families who own and operate traditional cattle ranches in Montana. And isn't it about time the reality show circuit caught up with cowboys!
6.
"The Mel B Project"
Style Network, starting in September
A behind-the-scenes look at the life of former Spice Girl Melanie "Mel B" Brown, whose post-Spice years have been chiefly distinguished by an ugly paternity battle with comedian Eddie Murphy. No word on whether there will be any appearances by Posh Spice and hubby.
7.
"The OCD Project"
VH1, Thursdays at 10 p.m.
Sufferers of obsessive-compulsive disorder deal with crippling phobias and irrational anxieties about germs live in a house together where they're treated for severe cases of the disorder. Dr. David Tolin's methods involve forcing the patients to confront their fears directly, so expect extra stress and emotion.
8.
"Ochocinco: The Ultimate Catch" and "The T.O. Show"
VH1, Sundays 9-11 p.m., starting July 11
Two of the most controversial and outsized personalities in the NFL come to VH1 — Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens. Both are notorious for outrageous trash-talking, over-the-top on-field celebrations and ridiculous off-field antics. An up-close-and-personal look at two stars that seem so hell-bent on turning the NFL into their own personal playground — actually, the second such look for "Dancing With the Stars'" Ocho.
9.
"The Real L Word"
Showtime, Sundays at 10 p.m., starting Jun. 20
An unscripted take on the original "The L Word," which followed beautiful, wealthy, trendy lesbians in Los Angeles.
10.
"Work of Art: The Next Great Artist"
Bravo, Wednesdays at 10 p.m.
Bravo has built a cottage industry out of creating judged competitions based on upscale industries like high fashion, gourmet food and high-end hair salons. This features up-and-coming artists battling each other to create pieces in a variety of mediums on deadline. The best part is watching the artsy challengers attempt to explain the meaning behind their often hastily created artworks.
