I find making a choice between American Idol and The X Factor akin to choosing to amputate a limb with a butter knife or a sharp spoon. Maybe a better question is would I rather gouge out my eyes or watch either of these stellar contenders for turning my gray matter to gelatinous goo in a single season? You might as well make me decide whether I wish to join Team Edward or Team Joseph. I got that wrong didn’t I?
I hate reality TV in all of its disguises. It is a cheap substitute for television that has at least the possibility of being interesting, funny, suspenseful, engaging . . . in other words, entertaining. Unscripted does not mean unwritten. J. Ryan Stradal wrote this outstanding article that blows the real out of reality television. He’s a writer for unscripted television. Oxymoronic? Yes, but how appropriate when you think about it. Cheap is the objective and it is apparent in the quality of the offerings of the major networks.
Reality TV, in the form of game and exploitation shows, has been around since the advent of the small screen. These shows were limited in number. Candid Camera and You Bet Your Life were in the vanguard. The Gong Show, Cops and The Real World followed. When the 2001 Screenwriter’s strike threatened, the networks fought back with unscripted programming. The strike never really materialized, but the reality blitzkrieg had been launched.
I have no desire to spend my time with the Kardashians or Snooki. I don’t care who wins Dancing with the Stars. I won’t know a Housewife(sic) of Beverly Hills if one introduced herself to me. I read books. I write. I garden. I practice yoga. I could learn a new language. I could even clean my flippin’ house. I can think of a hundred things I would rather do than reduce my IQ by subjecting my visual and auditory senses to shows like American Idol or The X Factor. My choice is to” just say no” to the devolution of my intellect and the erosion of society at large.
This post was written for The Mindslam Write Wednesdays writing prompt.
164 comments
Comments feed for this article
November 17, 2011 at 10:13 am
OracularSpectacular
We did a skit back in college making fun of these shows. It was called Big Brother’s X Pop Factor Idol….Get Me Out Of Here
November 17, 2011 at 10:20 am
Miss Demure Restraint
I read the writing prompt and I had no idea what I was going to do. When I remembered I didn’t have to like the crap to write about it, I was fine.
Thank you for reading and taking the time to leave a comment.
November 21, 2011 at 4:17 pm
Lucybird
We did something similar in a drama club I attended as a teenager, this was when these shows were in their early days (and at least new if not especially interesting) and it was based on Popstars. The idea was that the nasty judge (who if I remember rightly was called Nigel…it wasn’t Simon Cowell anyway) was actually looking for bad singers to torture people to death. Maybe this is what X-Factor is doing now? I saw the latest British version this weekend (the boyfriend’s Mum is a fan) and seriously the quality of the singers was really not good.
November 21, 2011 at 6:18 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
I think I will try to preserve what brain function I have left. I did see a few minutes of the Glam Fairy yesterday. I have to ask, wasn’t Jerseylicious enough? Is there an intellectual black hole in Jersey that we should be worried about?
November 17, 2011 at 12:05 pm
zendictive
Well, I have to say, I have never seen any of these shows, But then again, it is because we as a family have T.V. time… my daughter comes in from school and gets two hours and her favorite show is Americas got talent then my wife has her shows, Survivor and some cooking shows. Me, I like movies, when I ever get the T.V…I’ll find a movie or watch the news. Our computer is the same way, I get it in the mornings (here I am) my daughter… every now and then, and my wife gets it at night. We share. But I don’t think I have ever seen any of the shows listed above.
November 17, 2011 at 3:00 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
Andy that is why you are so well-adjusted and wise. Personally, I think your morality tales would make an interesting TV series, but think it might cause the watcher to think and reflect.
Thank you for your time and words.
November 17, 2011 at 12:24 pm
Elyse
No one is going to remember the shows of today the way we remember back to M*A*S*H, to Mary Tyler Moore, to Dr. Kildare. There are no lessons to be learned by watching people insult each other, fight each other, be tackier than each other.
Oops sorry. You hit a nerve. I wonder if they make a TV that elminates crap. Perhaps just unplugging it will do.
November 17, 2011 at 3:04 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
I agree. If it weren’t for documentaries and movies, I doubt I would even turn mine on anymore.
No apology needed, I’m glad you dropped in with something to say.
November 17, 2011 at 12:54 pm
Janece
I confess. There are a few reality shows that I’m addicted to (although not so far as to plan my social calendar around them, and I do NOT own a TiVO). Antiques Roadshow (I consider that “reality”) Project Runway, Top Chef, Celebrity Rehab sometimes.
I used to like A.I., but gave that up a couple of years ago. It became too annoying. Tried watching the X factor, but it’s annoying as well.
For me, these shows have taken the place of the ‘mind candy’ novels I used to read – you know, filled with ripping of bodices, and hateyouloveyou romances 🙂
Great post. Love your style!
November 17, 2011 at 3:21 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
Oops. I forgot about Antiques Roadshow. If I happen to notice its on and I haven’t seen it already (they do re-run the bejeezus out of it), I’ll pop in to see what treasures people have brought in. I’m especially fond of the “Feedback Booth.”
Thank you for the kind compliment. You really got my blood boiling with your last post, but then I’m sure you figured that out from my comment there. 😉
November 17, 2011 at 1:35 pm
ldsrr91
WOW! OH HELL YES … WHERE DO I GO TO SIGN UP?
It all turns my brain to Oatmeal and that is fact, she likes it and intently stares at it for the duration, while I sit on the couch and think to myself … “Shoot me, take me out in a field like an old dog, and shoot me.”
DS
November 17, 2011 at 3:34 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
I have often thought of the “Airplane!” sequence where people Ted’s droning at choose various forms of suicide rather than continue listening to him. That’s what I feel like when I’m forced to be in a room with “reality” on the TV.
So . . . “How you doin’?” and “Have A Good One.”
November 17, 2011 at 4:28 pm
ldsrr91
I have to admit, you make me smile. “So . . . “How you doin’?” and “Have A Good One.”
As they say with MasterCard … that was priceless.
DS
November 17, 2011 at 7:23 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
As Elvis always said . . . Thank you. Thank you very much.
November 17, 2011 at 1:50 pm
underwhelmer
I’m not going to watch reality TV until those networks take some of my ideas seriously. I mean, who wouldn’t want to watch a season of Survivor where one of the contestants was actually a real serial killer?
On those rare occasions when I actually do flip through the channels, I feel a twinge of disappointment everytime I see that one of the American Idol judges has not been replaced by starving Kodiak bear. I guess there isn’t room for my kind of vision in reality TV. Oh well, there’s always next season. 🙂
November 17, 2011 at 1:52 pm
underwhelmer
whoops, typo, “…by a starving Kodiak bear.”
November 17, 2011 at 3:48 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
As Flo would say,”I do it all the time.”
November 17, 2011 at 3:48 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
Now if they started using hungry, wild animals as judges, I might be interested in watching.
So thanks for dropping by and the networks will be taking your suggests under advisement.
November 17, 2011 at 2:29 pm
thewaiting
I’ve always wished I knew someone who was on a reality show, before they were on a reality show. Mostly because I want my beliefs confirmed that these people are from another planet and/or engineered in a lab somewhere.
November 17, 2011 at 3:54 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
Oh no, they are everyday people. I mean isn’t that how we all live our lives. My deepest fear . . . kids will start getting the idea that these clowns are role models and it is acceptable to conduct themselves like these dimwits. So, your job is to make sure Bebe is not exposed to this crap!
Thank you for taking time to read and comment.
November 17, 2011 at 3:02 pm
Antigone's Clamor
Ugh, I’m with you! It makes me wonder what we’ve become as a society if we’re entertained by another’s shame……even if that person doesn’t know enough to be embarrassed!!
November 17, 2011 at 3:56 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
I’m with you sister! I’d rather be boring than a public fool!
Nice seeing you and thanks for the comment.
November 17, 2011 at 3:39 pm
Mindslam
See, that was perfect to me..doesn’t matter if you like either one. You took a simple idea I had & wrote a brilliant post. I don’t really like the shows, just enjoy seeing some of these people that are really good sing & get a chance. I’m with you on alot of the other shows…take that garbage off. Thanks Miss Demure.
November 17, 2011 at 3:57 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
No, no . . . thank you for the inspiration.
November 17, 2011 at 3:51 pm
prenin
Never watch them – in fact I rarely watch TV, apart from Batman which amuses me because it is so camp and I remember lapping it up when I was a kid!!! 🙂
Love and hugs!
Prenin.
November 17, 2011 at 3:58 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
I’m with you on this one Prenin.
Glad to see you are feeling better.
Miss D
November 17, 2011 at 5:47 pm
prenin
Thanks hun – sleeping the clock round with two doses of medication and I’m right as rain! 🙂
Love and hugs!
Prenin.
November 17, 2011 at 8:04 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
Happy for you dear. I must run . . . the craziest thing happened . . . I got Freshly Pressed. Now isn’t that a hoot! I’ll be by your place tomorrow or the next day. I’m not as good as you at processing a lot of e-mail.
Later,
Miss D
November 17, 2011 at 4:23 pm
lorrelee1970
Guilty pleasures for me. I like listening to the singing, but I “DVR” everything. Sooooooo…..I zip through the comments, the back stories and singing that sucks. I can watch an hour show in 8 minutes.
November 17, 2011 at 7:02 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
We all need our “guilty pleasures.” So long as you keep your exposure under 10 minute brain gel-ification should be minimal.
I’m going over to your blog for more Barbie fun now.
November 17, 2011 at 4:26 pm
MisplacedBoy
Hmmm…would I rather hang by my toes and be slowly nibbled by fire ants, or have a root canal performed without anesthesia by a team of chimps?
These days the only things allowed on my TV are (non Fox Noise) news channels, Adult Swim, the Sunday Night Fox and Thursday night NBC lineups, and (when I remember) Zooey on ‘The New Girl.’
Some of these shows can be compelling if they have good contestants, the first season or so of Survivor, and the second and third seasons of the US Big Brother were pretty good. The types of people who go on these shows, however, are not people you would ever want to know in real life (please God no). But as they go on, the contestants got stupider and just unwatchable. It’s like after a while the gene pool of reality show contestants gets corrupted.
Tania and I watched the first season or two of American Idol, but when the “winners” started coming out with soulless records that went immediately to the top of the charts I realized that I didn’t want anything to do with that crap factory anymore. Tania continued to watch the audition phase at the beginning to see Simon take apart the really bad singers: “That. Was. Dreadful.”
And don’t even get me started on ‘Jersey Shore,’ this comment has already gone on long enough.
November 17, 2011 at 7:22 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
No you didn’t . . . you did not go there! I refuse to even stop for 30 seconds on Jersey Shore. My exposure to it is limited to the South Park episode.
So thanks for stopping to conversate.
November 17, 2011 at 4:29 pm
Kana Tyler
Yet another reason why we don’t have any Channels at home… 😉
November 17, 2011 at 7:24 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
Should my unemployment crisis continue, I assure you the cable will be the first thing to go. Honestly, I don’t think I’ll miss it.
Nice seeing you again Kana.
November 17, 2011 at 4:48 pm
John
Alert! Alert ! Alert! Misleading post title!!!
November 17, 2011 at 7:26 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
That’s right I’m just an SEO Ho! I’ll do anything for a hit!
November 17, 2011 at 6:06 pm
Sheeple Liberator
Well said! It’s funny, when I first came to the States I had to watch an episode of the Kardashians just to see what all the fuss was about. I was totally mesmerized. Not because it’s great, but because I was genuinely trying to work out why they’re famous and what the point of the show was.
My significant other scoffed at me and declared that he had too much of a life to care about that family. Then one day I called out to him, “Hey honey, the news is saying that Kim K is getting divorced”. He came running out of the bathroom and was like “What? How? OMG!” Ha ha! It’s amazing how these people like Kim K work their way into out culture and become “stars”.
November 17, 2011 at 8:13 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
Amazingly creepy. “Oh, yes . . . I’m famous for . . . being famous.” I believe in some distant future they will credit reality TV with the downfall of Western Civilization.
Nice to see you Sheeple Liberator. I just love that name. Viva la liberation!
November 17, 2011 at 6:15 pm
granbee
Saying no to rotting your brain and thereby contributing to the decay of society at large is certainly NOT demure or restrained: it is a very proactive, strong decision by a strong woman. I have been onboard with this since before reality TV!
November 17, 2011 at 8:32 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
Thanks for the supportive comment. Its funny . . . I’ve always subscribed to the theory that television is bad, but this newest assault is beyond my worst nightmares. I think I’d rather have Big Brother (Orwell’s, not the reality show) broadcast into my home 24/7. At least, it wasn’t masquerading as entertainment.
Thanks again for your regular insight and contributions.
November 17, 2011 at 6:24 pm
adollyciousirony
Just like you said, “My choice is to” just say no” to the devolution of my intellect and the erosion of society at large.” I second the motion 🙂
Sad to say I cannot add more because, I do not watch TV. Funny I just have no time for it. And if I do, I prefer cartoons.
Dolly
November 17, 2011 at 9:19 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
Thanks for the second. I rarely watch television myself, but since Mum has been staying with me I’ve had the constant murmur of it in the background. I use the tube for movies and Netflix marathons of shows that are usually no longer on the air.
Glad you came by today, Dolly. I’m a little overwhelmed with Freshly Pressed newcomers (yeah, isn’t that a hoot). Its good to see a familiar face.
November 17, 2011 at 6:30 pm
annmariedwyer
Gradu on a stick. I absolutely despise the “reality” shows. Not a whiff of reality to any of them. The voices in my head are more entertaining. Thank you for voicing this! I am with Elyse. Television needs a renaissance of shows with some shred of moral fibre or some semblance of socially redeeming quality.
Personally, if I wanted a window into someone’s life, I would befriend them and be inside the window..not standing, like a peeping Tom, outside looking in, satisfying some repressed voyeuristic tendency.
Red.
November 17, 2011 at 7:39 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
You are so right. But then today, people are lossing touch with each other more each day. They judge their worth by the number of their Facebook friends or how many Twitter followers they have. I’ve said it before and I’ll probably say it again and again. Nobody has 1,000+ friends. Hell, I don’t even know 1,000 people! Sorry, I just stumbled over my soap box.
I appreciate your support and regular comments, Red.
November 18, 2011 at 2:35 am
annmariedwyer
Let me straighten it for you. No need to trip on it! I love Twitter. I followed about 30 people when I first got on there. All colleagues of mine. Followed some news outlets. And then got a life.
When I returned a mere TWO YEARS later, I had picked up 300 followers without tweeting a thing. I use it to market and never reach out to new people. Now, 2,000 people are following me. Friends. Right. PFT. Red.
November 18, 2011 at 2:47 am
Miss Demure Restraint
Wow. I left my blog and when I came back it was a wasteland. That must be some marketing you got going there. I still plan to contact you via e-mail regarding the HP thing, but I’ve got my hands full for the next day or so. Be catching up then.
Thanks for coming by, Red. You are always welcome. I’ve be over to get caught up on your blog as soon as the dust clears. Have I said that already? My brain is going into overload. 🙂
November 18, 2011 at 6:19 pm
annmariedwyer
*Passes Dee a tall, cool one* When you have a moment. In the midst of a campaign myself. Opening a new page in the morning for my authors and musicians. Looks like it will not be too long before I open a page just for the music.
You know where to find me. And I have a dust broom handy 😉
Happy Friday, my friend,
Red.
November 18, 2011 at 7:25 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
Thanks for understanding Red. Talk to you later.
November 17, 2011 at 8:06 pm
♡ The Tale Of My Heart ♡
I dont really watch X Factor its boring and too commercial doesnt help the world much. We need some contructive works rather to save human lives, while they are dying with hunger, and we sing songs to fill there hunger. 🙂
November 18, 2011 at 1:34 am
Miss Demure Restraint
You couldn’t be more right.
Nice to see you again. I have to get over the your place for my music fix. Just a little busy at the moment, but be there soon.
November 17, 2011 at 8:37 pm
Bobsscrapbookandjournal
Well, if I HAD to choose, I would say American Idol. Only because that guy, Kris Allen, who won a few years back is from my home town. I know, BIG DEAL. Also, I know a few people who tried out for Idol and bombed out big time at the audition. Haha, you looked stupid on TV.
I had to watch the X Factor as part of my household’s ‘you watch my show and I’ll watch your show’ television trade agreement. After two episodes I was like, “Ewwwww, not effin’ way I am watching the crap”. It’s really quite hideous.
OMG, what am I doing, writing a book?
Anyway, I do watch SOME ‘reality’ shows. I guess what you would call the ‘A’ list reality shows. Survivor, Big Brother. Oh yeah, and I watch some of those reality shows on the food network.
November 18, 2011 at 7:27 am
Miss Demure Restraint
If you keep posting stuff like this: http://bobstuff100.wordpress.com/2011/11/17/night-of-the-living-dead-meets-threes-company/#comment-55, you can watch anything you want and its okay with me.
Thanks for coming by and thanks for that video.
November 17, 2011 at 9:12 pm
xdeviantonex
I miss the OLD American Gladiators! Talk about reality. Contestants thinking they can go head to head with a man dedicating his entire career to body building, inevitably being turned into a human punching bag. They need that on XFactor.. call it the last man standing challenge for a contract.
November 18, 2011 at 1:32 am
Miss Demure Restraint
You may have a very good point. It certainly would more exciting.
Thanks for the comment and stopping by.
November 17, 2011 at 9:55 pm
barkinginthedark
what…you don’t like watching either the talentless or the mindless strut thru their glorious 5 minutes? i’m gonna stop now and watch “the amazing race”…busted! continue…
November 18, 2011 at 1:23 am
Miss Demure Restraint
Oh no. I’m much too busy reading my favorite snarky, political commentator. *wink*
I may be a little bit delayed reading your next installation. Got a bit of a mess on my hands right now. But I’ll be there as soon as I can though.
November 17, 2011 at 10:17 pm
Anne Schilde
Oh, this is awesome! Now I’m ashamed of myself for chickening out. Love it!
November 18, 2011 at 1:14 am
Miss Demure Restraint
Believe me, Anne, it was not pretty. I didn’t know what I was going to do, but I felt bad about backing out of last week’s prompt. I think I deleted twice as much as I kept. But you know, in the end it was really good for me to write something that didn’t just pop willy nilly into my head. Now I have no excuses for not writing.
Thanks for dropping in and liking this silly little post.
November 18, 2011 at 5:10 pm
Anne Schilde
“deleted twice as much as I kept” I do that all the time!
November 18, 2011 at 7:31 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
Sometimes I have to “prime the engine.” Oh for all the words that have gone into the ether. 🙂
November 18, 2011 at 12:23 am
aNOLAwriter
Amen, Sister! LOL I couldn’t care less about all of the “reality”…besides, the reality in my head is SO much more entertaining most days 😉
November 18, 2011 at 1:08 am
Miss Demure Restraint
Yes, I believe you have enough “reality” in your head for two or three shows that would be way more interesting than the drek on the boob tube.
Thanks for coming by. Be out to see you and all my regular friends as soon as I can.
November 18, 2011 at 12:39 am
Androgoth
I can answer this question rather simply Miss. D as I cannot stand those reality type offerings, so I will have to say that both are equally as horrible as each other, and some of those idiots that they have on there (Including the Judges) need a fully charged cattle-prod up their… Well you know? 🙂 lol
I do hope that you are enjoying your day / afternoon and looking forwards to a fangtastic evening with lashings of everything wicked that you can think of, but not that ‘American Idol’ or the ‘X- Factor’ as those two shows are much too boring to mention, well in a nutshell, they are the worst programmes ever thought of… Unless you know different of course? 🙂 lol
Androgoth XXx
November 18, 2011 at 12:58 am
Miss Demure Restraint
Thanks as always for your fabulous input. Oh yes, I’m getting lashed! Somehow, I got Freshly Pressed and now I have 90 comments to reply to. I’m running through my comments to approve looking for my friends, so they aren’t overlooked in the hoopla.
I’ll be over to see you once things have quieted down.
Nothing but wicked thoughts for you in the meantime, my friend,
Miss D xxx
November 18, 2011 at 2:12 am
Androgoth
Wow fame at last and you certainly deserve it Miss. D and no mistake, hey with all this new blood those lashings could be rather delightful, you thought I was going to say something negative there I bet but, and there is always a but isn’t there Miss. D? 🙂 lol
But… If you hadn’t got all of this new attention then you would have to be thinking of yet another posting for us but now you are far too busy for any of that, nooooo not that, I mean the other, no not the other either I mean, oh you know what I mean? 🙂 well hopefully you do anyway 🙂 lol
Now as you are famous am I expected to take a bow as I leave your Space or do I wait for your autograph? 🙂 Or both? 🙂 Just kidding, in fact I should be getting on with my next offering, I am in the process of writing a Roman script but at the moment I am too busy wittering on and bowing and holding out this Zombies hand for your autograph to be bothered with Nero, Tiberius, Otho, Titus and of course the naughty than most other Romans, that dirty little stop-out called Caligula 🙂 But I might start that one on the morrow, well maybe? 🙂 In the meantime have fun and be good too, if you can I mean? 🙂 lol
Androgoth XXx
November 18, 2011 at 2:42 am
Miss Demure Restraint
Androgoth, you will never have to bow with your hand out or your zombie buddies either. You are more than welcome and always an honored guest in this house. Help yourself to whatever’s in the fridge and things will be back to normal in no time.
Sending you wicked winks and a few sensous giggles,
Miss D xxx
November 18, 2011 at 3:09 am
Androgoth
Okay I am not greedy so I have just made a chicken sandwich with coleslaw and also took the opportunity of having one of those vine tomatoes as I always like tomato with chicken and coleslaw, don’t worry there is plenty left 🙂
I didn’t drink the wine either, I had a nice cup of coffee and just a very small piece of that delicious carrot cake, it was very nice too and thank you for your fine generosity…
Yes I know, I am crackers… lol
Have a very nice rest of
Thursday and do enjoy your Friday 🙂
November 18, 2011 at 3:45 am
Miss Demure Restraint
Thanks you for the smile and giggle. I believe it may sustain me throught the next batch of replies!
You have a frightfully, fun Friday,
🙂
November 18, 2011 at 1:24 am
whiteladyinthehood
I agree – reality t.v. stinks..but, I was guilty of watching American Idol for a few seasons…(I’d rather read or watch a good movie)..I saw you on the FP a few minutes ago!! Bravo to you Miss Demure!!
November 19, 2011 at 12:20 am
Miss Demure Restraint
Thank you so much “Lady.” Reading . . . seems to be less and less reading with each passing generation. It wasn’t all that long ago when reading was a primary source of entertainment.
Glad you came by and I got a chance to read your blog.
November 18, 2011 at 2:52 am
avomnia
You know, I have thought, for a long time, that I was in the minority regarding the IQ lowering properties of reality television. I have never been able to achieve the slightest thread of fascination or intrigue in any of these shows.
My faith is buoyed — there are at least a few of us!
November 19, 2011 at 1:52 am
Miss Demure Restraint
I just don’t see the fascination with these shows. I guess there’s something for everybody and somebody for everything.
Nice to see you again and thanks for reading more than the “Pressed” post.
November 18, 2011 at 3:47 am
Simply Tim
There’s WAY too much reality happening already. Who the hell needs MORE of it?
November 18, 2011 at 3:51 am
Miss Demure Restraint
I agree. When I want to be entertained, its got to be full of fantasy and fun, not bickering and bullshit.
Thanks for coming by Tim.
November 18, 2011 at 4:50 am
barkinginthedark
Dee, i must also confess, in the interest of full disclosure, that i am addicted to all cooking “reality” shows…top chef, chopped, etc… i can’t help myself here…oh well. continue…
November 18, 2011 at 6:11 am
Miss Demure Restraint
I’ll give you a pass. I thought you showed signs of being a foodie. We all have to have our “quilty pleasures.”
November 18, 2011 at 5:50 am
patricemj
We used to enjoy watching American Idol as a family, we love music and it was fun, even though over time we came to be a bit disillusioned by it. Since we don’t watch much TV, it was our indulgence. This year we decided to watch x-factor and were just sadly repulsed by the entire affair. It was just rude, and ridiculous. We’ve really lost our way.
November 18, 2011 at 6:16 am
Miss Demure Restraint
I’ve been seeing a lot of people talking about something called “America’s Got Talent,” but then I’ve never seen it myself.
Thanks for adding to the fun.
November 18, 2011 at 7:24 am
beautifulchaos2
I don’t watch either of those shows but I am a little addicted to the Real Housewives series, it’s like watching a well dressed train wreck.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend Miss D.
Hugs. Nikki
November 18, 2011 at 9:16 am
Miss Demure Restraint
Train wrecks can be fascinating. Thanks for coming by and you have a great weekend too.
November 18, 2011 at 7:57 am
Connie T
Xfactor does sing more modern songs. I am tired of American Idol. I don’t think anybody on Xfactor is good enough for me to buy their music.
November 19, 2011 at 6:09 am
Miss Demure Restraint
Sadly (not), I don’t know. I never watched American Idol when everyone was raving about it and it seem people aren’t all that crazy about X Factor. I do appreciate your contributing to the discussion here though.
Thank you.
November 18, 2011 at 9:54 am
Arjun Sharma
Hey nice post 🙂 do drop by my blog sometime. thanks
arjun1097.wordpress.com
November 19, 2011 at 8:30 am
Miss Demure Restraint
Thank you for the comment and the Nickelback review.
November 18, 2011 at 10:00 am
wordsfallfrommyeyes
Hey, I’ve clicked on you because I just read Barkinginthedark’s blog award thanks to you!
You’ve totally hit on one of the reasons I watch telly two nights a week (nothing else interests me much). I LOVE X Factor. Of course, I’m in Australia so watch the Aussie one, but I love these shows – Idol too. We don’t have Idol going at the moment though, only X Factor.
There was a really quirky guy I LOVED watching – ONLY 15 YEARS OLD, left the show last week, it killed me. If you’re curious, google Declan Sykes. You’ll get SOMEthing for sure.
We sometimes get American Idol. I love ’em all. Amazing talent in the back streets.
November 18, 2011 at 10:29 am
Miss Demure Restraint
Everybody has something that they get really excited about. I’ve seen you around Bloggyland and welcome you.
Thanks for commenting.
November 18, 2011 at 10:20 am
Finding Alyce
my thoughts exactly – it always boggles my mind to see how people are actually taken in by the ‘reality’ part of reality TV. ‘Survivor’ is my worst!
I love your blog, by the way 🙂
November 19, 2011 at 8:41 am
Miss Demure Restraint
Maybe it’s an acquired taste. If so, like spinach, I’ll pass.
Thanks for “loving” my blog . . . I love your’s too. Are we like BFFs now. 🙂 If we were, maybe we could figure an angle to pitch for our own reality show? Maybe living with some poor farmers or something?
Seriously, thank you.
November 18, 2011 at 10:46 am
imperfectous
got to admit that i do not mind the reality shows,but after reading this im kinda asking questions???????the thing is though,tv can never ever replace reading or writing.there was a time my boyfriend was complaining about how i almost do not exist when deeply engrossed in a book or writing.it’s just so much fun being creative on your own terms with no rules and i guess that’s what i get from reading and writing that tv can never give me.the ability to have anything possible because i am the one who decides what happens.i think writing is like the best gift ever that God gave me.id simply be lost without it!
🙂
November 19, 2011 at 9:12 am
Miss Demure Restraint
I understand completely. There was a new blogger, came in on the “Pressed” tide, talking about being a “boring” writer and not a “pro.” How do you explain to someone . . . It’s not something you do. It’s part of who you are. It’s a gift, most of the time and as with all gifts, it can be infuriating a times.
Glad to have you around MDR.
November 18, 2011 at 11:29 am
johnhauge
i’ve seen both shows once. that was enough for me. why watch if there is absolutely no way i would buy any of their music let alone listen to any more of their stuff? music passed away for me in the mid 80’s. RIP popular music.
November 19, 2011 at 9:23 am
Miss Demure Restraint
Oh come on. There has to be something in the last two decades that you’ve liked. Hey, I like Lady Gaga. I never imagined that would happen, but I can’t help it. She’s got great hooks . . . its got a beat and you can dance to it. I give it a 7. 🙂
November 19, 2011 at 12:42 pm
johnhauge
ok. busted. i do like hank lll very much. all of it.
November 19, 2011 at 3:55 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
LMAO
November 20, 2011 at 1:07 pm
johnhauge
in truth hank lll is the only new music i’ve purchased for myself in a long time. they get very little respect from everyone but their fans. i have purchased music for my wife. such as rod stewart’s new stuff and diana krall as well. i can listen to it but i’d never buy it for myself. purchasing some ones music is, i think, is key to saying you really embrace their work.
November 20, 2011 at 4:27 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
You have a very good point there. Why else would one spend their hard earned money. I’m going to have to check out this “hank” you keep talking about.
Good to see you again.
November 20, 2011 at 5:33 pm
johnhauge
hank williams the 3rd. grandson of hank williams sr. son of hank williams jr. the band kicks some @@@.
November 21, 2011 at 1:33 am
Miss Demure Restraint
Wow. Do I live under a rock or what? I knew about the first two, but III? Must be in the DNA.
November 18, 2011 at 2:25 pm
nadbugs
Right on board with ya, Miss DR — and let nobody say J. Ryan is anything but a Writer. He has Chops: “Other times it is like pushing a fish taco through a garden hose. The average day for most unscripted TV writers would make an amateur storyteller light his or her own face on fire and put it out with a rake.” Paint a picture, much? Grinning and appreciating you for the link, and for your own spot-on thoughts. Gelatinous brains fighting the trend.
November 19, 2011 at 7:55 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
His writing is pretty amazing isn’t it. I do research the stuff I write so as not to look like a complete lunatic and in the process I found his article. I’m glad he’s making a living, but I think his talent is wasted on reality TV. I had to put in the link. I don’t do it much, but this guy blew my socks off!
Thanks for coming back by.
November 23, 2011 at 12:13 am
nadbugs
Coming back by heck. I’m subscribed! Not rid of me that easily!
November 23, 2011 at 12:58 am
Miss Demure Restraint
I’m thrilled you subscribed. I’m thrilled a lot lately. Regardless, thank you.
November 18, 2011 at 3:20 pm
Phil
I have mixed emotions about this one. On the one hand I detest just about all the “reality” shows that litter the screen and medium we call television today. On the other hand I detest just about all the other programming this isn’t “reality” shows that litter the screen and medium we call television today. It’s a virtual tie…
November 18, 2011 at 3:59 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
You have a very valid point. I have been disappointed with the new season’s sci-fi offerings. That’s my personal weakness. I know a lot of people that think sci-fi in all its incarnations is crap, but I love it anyway.
Thank you for adding your insight and humor to this one.
November 18, 2011 at 7:55 pm
Phil
I like Sci-Fi along with documentaries, and the occasional Opera offering. And of course to balance the Dorkie-Geek factor, I am a nut for College Basketball, since I coach basketball at the High School level. What Sci-Fi shows do you watch?
November 20, 2011 at 1:55 am
Miss Demure Restraint
Walking Dead. I’m struggling with Terra Nova. Supernatural. (I’m hot for Dean. Don’t see why the young girls are all gaga over Sam). The Doctor, of course. I was also really into Falling Skies. I like Haven, a lot. Sanctuary, Amanda Tapping rocks! I’m a Browncoat and a Trekkie. Thought the Doll House was cancelled too soon. Jericho was cool. I eventually warmed up to Jeremiah, once I got past the Luke Perry thing. Farscape, Stargate, Eureka, Alien Nation, Sliders, Babylon 5, Andromeda, Dresden Files, Torchwood, X-Files, Dark Angel, Max Headroom, Battlestar Galactica, Earth 2, Red Dwarf, Sliders, Lexx . . . sorry you asked yet?
You know as soon as I send this I’m going to think of more. 🙂
November 18, 2011 at 3:46 pm
MegansBeadedDesigns
Reality TV will be the demise of good American television.
However, at least these “talent” competition type shows have actual musical performances to enjoy, which says a lot more than the Kardashian and Jersey Shore stuff (which I can’t comment on too much because I refuse to even watch a single episode after learning of the effects these programs cause to our country’s image overseas.)
November 19, 2011 at 10:46 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
I can imagine what people in other countries think of us when they see Jersy Shore. OMG. I think we are idiots when I see these morons becoming celebrities.
Thanks again Megan.
November 18, 2011 at 7:11 pm
sleepinghorse
My sister is visiting at the moment and one of these things is her favourite program and I had to sit though it! I was trying so hard not to groan. I was able to roll my eyes though. She couldn’t see my eyes.
Now and again a groan escaped but she must have thought it was an ecstatic sound and she then took it upon herself to “agree” the edits of the singer with me! Argggghhhhhh.
Then to top it off she wanted to watch The Bachelor. I nearly cried. Thank god for my iPad. At least I could visually get away from the television.
November 20, 2011 at 1:15 am
Miss Demure Restraint
Visions of you making throat slitting motions behind her back. Not the Bachelor. Different strokes.
Thanks for such a show of support. I really needed it here at the end.
November 18, 2011 at 7:37 pm
revtona
Amen! Sing it, Sister! I own a television set and DVD/VCR. I control what I see by using only DVDs and the occasional video. “Reality TV” in all its forms is strictly banned. Like you, “I have no desire to spend my time with the Kardashians or Snooki.” I’m just glad to know there are more of us out there who read. My partner and I read aloud to one another. I also crochet. And I did learn a language, well two of them actually. I also write. And I read some more.
November 19, 2011 at 9:46 am
Miss Demure Restraint
Two languages WOW. I’m still working on English.
Nice to see you again. Let’s make it a habit. I’ll be able to reciprocate soon. I’m working my way through the comments queue . . . slowly, oh so slowly.
November 18, 2011 at 9:52 pm
afrankangle
As a whole, I’m not into reality TV. OK … we love Dancing with the Stars – but that has more of a variety show aspect. OK … Food Network’s Chopped – but that is a competition.
OK … done … butter knife or spoon amputation? Nada … take my TV away.
November 20, 2011 at 2:14 am
Miss Demure Restraint
Great comment. I always love it when the comments make me laugh.
Thanks for dropping in.
November 18, 2011 at 10:17 pm
Kana Tyler
Tag, you’re it! I’ve just nominated you for the “Versatile Blogger Award”–details at http://kanatyler.wordpress.com/2011/11/17/boxers-blugs/
Thanks for the great reading! 🙂 Kana
November 24, 2011 at 5:55 am
Miss Demure Restraint
Thank you for this recognition. I will be setting up Pages to handle blog awards. They should be ready to go by the weekend.
November 18, 2011 at 11:40 pm
the island traveler
I used to watch American Idol. I enjoy the Simon and Paula wacky tandem. Simon frank and ruthless, Paula sweet sometimes crazy, funny with her blank moments…. Regardless, love them for that so I’m X-factor team now. Cool post. Thanks….
November 19, 2011 at 9:41 am
Miss Demure Restraint
Like I’ve said, something for everybody . . .
Thanks for coming by again.
November 19, 2011 at 12:03 am
Rebecca Latson Photography
Your last paragraph of this post summed it all up perfectly – I’m in total agreement. And I laughed all the way through this.
November 20, 2011 at 2:32 am
Miss Demure Restraint
The last sentence is a little over the top though. Glad it made your laugh.
Thanks for the comment and the visit.
November 19, 2011 at 12:52 am
kristina@beancakes ★
i must admit that i love some reality t.v., but with this being said, i don’t care so much for american idol and the x-factor ~ and although reality t.v. is probably somewhat staged, it’s still based around relationships ~ and this subject matter appeals to me more than reality competitions. . . p.s. thanks so much for visiting my blog and taking the time to comment!
xx ~ kristina
November 20, 2011 at 2:34 am
Miss Demure Restraint
You are very welcome, Kristina. I appreciate your coming back to visit and letting me know you got the comment.
November 19, 2011 at 4:42 am
Sparks In Shadow
Like Tony, I can get into the cooking shows, but I prefer ones that feature baking. I also hate to miss the “Bethenny Ever After” show. Something about that one appeals to the writer in me, because I recognize so much personality in those ‘characters’ that hasn’t quite been bastardized yet.
Interesting, because “Jersey Shore” (which I watched once to have a cultural clue and to be sure that I hated it) almost depressed me.
I love sci-fi, too, and am also disappointed by this season’s offerings. But my new old favorite “Fringe” makes me cry, it’s so good.
November 20, 2011 at 3:08 am
Miss Demure Restraint
You know I’m not surprised. A lot of my sci-fi buddies are foodies. I don’t know what the connection is but someday I’ll figure it out. I really should poke fun at the reality TV junkies. I’m so bad about my sci-fi, its ridiculous. Poor Phil made the mistake of asking what I watched. Muahaha.
That’s for coming over and commenting. Sorry it took so long to reply.
November 19, 2011 at 12:27 pm
writingfeemail
You have apparently hit a nerve with this one and I say ‘Write on!’ Come on producers – there’s a reason hit shows die when the writers strike. Most of this stuff is garbage and it portrays women in bad light. Though I have never watched a single episode of any housewife, snooki jersey shore, x-factor, or any of the numerous kardashian ‘keep up wih me’ spin offs, I have seen enough clips on news shows to feel like I have missed nothing.
But for the Max fans – can I just say that watching him dance on DWTS is a testament to what male bodies can do. Yes, my name is Renee and I am addicted to DWTS as pertains to Max Chmerkovsky. Will stop drooling now.
November 19, 2011 at 3:58 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
Funny thing reality TV shows . . . Secretly, it seems everyone has one hidden in their closet.
Thanks for coming by again and commenting.
November 19, 2011 at 1:33 pm
Androgoth
Hey there’s nearly a hundred comments on this one already Miss. D so how about that for being wicked? 🙂 I do hope that you are enjoying a fine weekend with lots of thrills and excitement? And lots of yummy turkey too 🙂
Be good now, if you can I mean? 🙂 lol
Androgoth XXx
November 19, 2011 at 3:54 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
Thank you my dear and wicked friend. I will be spending my weekend finishing answering comments and moving Mum back home.
Sorry I can’t talk longer, but duty calls.
Have a wild and wicked weekend yourself,
Miss D xxx
November 20, 2011 at 1:42 am
Androgoth
Well you will do a wonderful job I know that, and your mum will soon be settled back into her own surroundings, and you, well you can plan a nice little party, nothing too risque, but certainly one that gives you lots of unwinding and wicked attention, actually it could be very entertaining too if the right guests are calling in 🙂
Right get your party dress on it’s time to party Miss. D and make sure that you have lots of those funtastic moments too, or else? 🙂 lol
Androgoth XXx
November 20, 2011 at 2:02 am
Miss Demure Restraint
Mum is delivered to her house. 🙂 Oh yeah, I’m planning a party just as soon as I replay to these last 25 comments from the “Pressed” people. I can’t believe I’m not done. I feel so isolated from my blog friends, not being able to read and comment on their blogs. Thank you so much for leaving me this note. I really needed it.
Thank you my wild, wick and wonderful friend.
Miss D
November 19, 2011 at 4:04 pm
Bob T Panda
I’m so glad I gave up TV. I don’t even know what you are talking about. (but I love how you say it.)
November 19, 2011 at 4:53 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
Secret between you, me and the Pandas . . . neither do I. Isn’t the Internet grand?
November 19, 2011 at 11:27 pm
JSD
No cable here. I don’t know the first thing about DVR…did I get that right? The only time the TV is on is to check the weather forecasts and to watch certain shows on PBS.
I love your post…there’s too much to do and too little time to waste it on television.
November 20, 2011 at 4:25 am
Miss Demure Restraint
Amen! Thanks for commenting and reading. I do appreciate it.
November 20, 2011 at 8:37 pm
prenin
Hi sweetheart! 🙂
It’s a case of being a speed reader and a fast typist, both of which come with practice.
You did amazingly well hun, but for God’s sake get some sleep!!! LoL!!! 🙂
Three days without medication and I know exactly how you felt! 😦
Love and squishy hugs!
Prenin.
November 20, 2011 at 10:09 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
Thanks Prenin.
I’m finished other than a stray comment here and there. Just a couple left and those made recently. I’m out catching up on all the blogs I love. (Did you see I was over to see you?) I feel like I’ve missed so much. Yeah, I’m tired. Maybe that’s why last night, I just started crying because I missed my blog friends. I never cry, but I have missed you guys terribly.
I’m off to see everybody. Talk to you later.
Miss D
November 21, 2011 at 2:55 am
prenin
God Bless my friend and lots of love and hugs!
Prenin.
November 21, 2011 at 5:43 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
Smiles and winks back at you Prenin.
Miss D
November 21, 2011 at 12:16 am
gaycarboys
My other half loves these shows SO much. I don’t watch them but feel I know everyone of them intimately. The good thing is they launch people who normally wouldn’t get air time but to date no artist has been another Madona (or Kylie Minogue) and I can’t help ut feel that a lot of people don’t really consider an artist the real thing unless they have done the hard yards, but of course I could be wrong and often am:)
November 21, 2011 at 12:36 am
Miss Demure Restraint
I tend to agree with you on this one. Instant fame, like anything else gained so easily, is hard to maintain. If you didn’t work your way to it, you don’t know how to maintain it.
Nice to see you again. I’ll stop over and visit again once I get caught up and my new post up.
November 21, 2011 at 12:16 am
gaycarboys
By the way is “talk to me harry winston” a line from Marylin Munroe?
November 21, 2011 at 12:37 am
Miss Demure Restraint
It most certainly is. From the song, Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend.
November 21, 2011 at 1:00 am
gaycarboys
not JUST a GIRLS best friend if my man is anything to go by!
November 21, 2011 at 1:32 am
Miss Demure Restraint
You must spoil him. 🙂
November 21, 2011 at 4:23 pm
Lucybird
I think I gave up on reality shows after Popstars and the first Big Brother, back when I was a teenager, or I suppose I should say those types of reality shows because I watch The Apprentice, and Come Dine with Me, oh and occasionally Dragon’s Den, and Masterchef. They seem somehow less manufactured though…and less inane.
November 21, 2011 at 6:23 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
I’m not saying there isn’t a place for shows about real people in real situations. I just think they need to raise the intellectual bar a bit and stop promoting the dumbing down of viewing public.
I think some of the reality-based shows (like those on cooking) can be most informative. Its when the purpose of the show is overrun by manufactured drama that I start having a hard time. 🙂
November 21, 2011 at 7:14 pm
Lucybird
I think I’m the same. I like it when it has a bit of intelligence…possibly with the exception of Come Dine With Me which seems to just make fun of the contestants, although it is rather humourous
November 21, 2011 at 9:03 pm
Wayside Artist
Oh my! I’m so glad I don’t watch TV. I don’t even know enough to “get” any of the references. I don’t watch for any high-brow reason. It’s just that it seems like whenever I turn the tube on the program is a rerun from the last time I watched!!
November 22, 2011 at 12:12 am
Miss Demure Restraint
There are time I look for the re-runs rather than watch the reality offerings.
Thanks for stopping, my artist friend.
November 21, 2011 at 10:34 pm
Soul
Have a great week Miss Demure R.
Soul.
November 22, 2011 at 1:19 am
Miss Demure Restraint
Thank you. I will certainly try.
You enjoy your’s also,
Miss D
November 21, 2011 at 10:42 pm
prenin
Hi hun! 🙂
Glad to have you back – it was one hell of a journey, but it’s almost over, so just be glad it happened!!!
For a few short days you were famous!!! 🙂
My mum is also in pain, she fell over in the street and is now enjoying the effect of the landing and her newly aquired aches and pains! 😦
Yes, I have my meds, but it’ll take weeks before I’ll sleep normally again – by which time I’ll have to re-order my meds…
Love and squishy hugs!
Prenin.
November 22, 2011 at 1:21 am
Miss Demure Restraint
Oh, I’m thrilled it happened and must better now that I got some sleep.
You take care to try to get som sleep yourself.
Miss D
November 22, 2011 at 7:27 am
prenin
Bed time for me will be 2pm – good job I don’t work for a living… 🙂
Love and huge hugs my friend! 🙂
Prenin.
November 22, 2011 at 3:35 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
Nite Nite.
November 22, 2011 at 12:24 am
Androgoth
Wow it was a long, long, loooooong way down here Miss. D but don’t worry I took the lift 🙂 Actually I will be taking it back to the top too as this is the 146th comment on this posting so well done to you, I have never had that many on one posting before so it just goes to show how terribly wicked and naughty you really are, of course I already knew that you were anyway so it is of no surprise to me 🙂 lol
Thank you for calling round to check up on the filthy habits of those Romans, oh yes they were a bunch of perverted know-it-alls and exceedingly kinky too, but the chocolate handcuffs came in very handy as a lot of those avid Toga enthusiasts were chocoholics too, well not really I guess, but we can fib a little if we like can’t we? 😉 lol
Right I will scoot off next and see if I can add
another posting? well I might do so watch out
for that one Miss. D 🙂 Be good now 🙂
Androgoth XXx
November 22, 2011 at 1:25 am
Miss Demure Restraint
I’m always watching for your next offering. I’m not sure how well I read that last one. The eye candy you included for us girls was a bit distracting. 🙂
We never fib, my wicked friend. Its called artist license. 😉
You have a totally, tantalizing Tuesday,
Miss D
November 22, 2011 at 6:54 am
pepsoid
Wow! Comment-tastic!
Can’t believe I just said something-tastic…
Well anyway you get the point.
On the subject matter… here here! I am pleased to say I am also not a partaker of such televisual trash – except to occasionally dip in, see what I am missing, then dive straight out again in a manner akin to having heard someone shout, “Get out of the water! Get out of the water!”
Speaking of gouging one’s eyes out, I have just read the passage in ‘The Dark Tower’ where Mordred hypnotises Walter O’Dim into removing his own eyes and tongue to feed to said son of two fathers – King, you sure can do gruesome! Not as gruesome as reality TV, though…
November 22, 2011 at 3:22 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
Nothing is as gruesome as reality TV. Comment-tastic . . . may I use that?
Funny you should mention King doing gruesome. I don’t think a lot of people that only see the movies realize just what is in the books. Enjoy the read. You know there’s suppose to be another one coming out next year.
Later.
November 23, 2011 at 6:26 am
pepsoid
Really?! Is that what your previous (slightly confusing) “looking forward” comment was about? Hmm, you may not remember. Well either way…
Looking forward!!
🙂 🙂 🙂
November 23, 2011 at 3:16 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
No, I don’t remember the slightly confusing “looking forward.” Maybe I just didn’t finish the sentence. I’m afraid that has happened more than once lately.
But I’m talking about the new Dark Tower book here. I think the name is going to be “Wind through the Keyhole,” but don’t hold me to that. Its an out-of-order book in the series, meaning to doesn’t follow the last one (the you are reading). Not sure how that’s going to work.
Nice to see so much of you lately. Its fun.
November 24, 2011 at 6:30 am
pepsoid
Ditto!
December 13, 2011 at 4:08 pm
divaofdelicious
So this is where all the like minds have been hanging out! I stumbled upon this entry clicking around. (I’m slow to react but..)I’m loving the massive reaction! I was worried that since everyone sees local and web news reports about Idols or X Factors EVERY DAY that it has taken over as the fodder with wich we should be stuffing our heads. Can’t do it! I can’t believe the producers and directors don’t already know what’s going to happen in the end…the “Survivors” in the lonely woods aren’t in the air-conditioned make-up trailer or taking a smoke break with the hundreds of grips, gaffers, interns, assistants, sound techs, and all the staff involved in filming/redcording when off camera. Reality-makeover now counts as reality? It’s an insult to inteligenge all right Thank YOU for being real!!Take care (prayers for your situation) and I’ll be back 🙂
December 18, 2011 at 1:35 am
Miss Demure Restraint
It often feels like all the world has been taken over by reality TV . . . much like the “Invasion of the Body Snatchers,” but there are hold outs and pockets of resistence everywhere. 🙂
So very glad you found you way here and hope to see you again.