The MoleReality TV: The
The Mole
Reality TV: The race is on. Not the race to identify the fink in ABC's new reality series"The Mole,"but rather the network-wide scramble to create a new"Survivor"– that is, other than"Survivor 2."The Alphabet net thinks it has a winner with this action mystery series, mainly because"The Mole"is a big hit in Europe. But then again, so are plastic sandals for men.
Bands on the Run
Reality TV: If video did indeed kill the radio star, then made-for-reality TV bands have their weapons drawn for the gussied-up video stars who fill what's left of musicvideo in music television. VH1 updates"It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World"for a trio of scruffy rock bands, adds an element of the entrepreneur contest at the heart of"Risky Business"and then gets it all on tape for"Bands on the Run."It's"Survivor Rock'n'Roll"for these bands of dubious distinction competing for fans'dollars and VH1 fame.
Text-message'Star'voting cut off
Reality TV: Mobily acts on fatwa issues by Islamists — A mobile operator in Saudi Arabia has banned cell phone users from sending votes by SMS text messaging to top-rated pan-Arab show"Star Academy,"which airs on Lebanese satcaster LBC.
Adler's new reality at Par
Reality TV:'Survivor'producer new veep of laffer development — Paramount Network TV is going off the script in its attempt to find new sitcom hits, tapping"Survivor"producer Kate Adler to serve as VP of comedy development. Adler worked on the Guatemala and Palau editions of Mark Burnett's reality hit.
Temptation Island
Reality TV: A knock-off of"Survivor,"Fox's"Temptation Island"is merely a lightweight libido experiment. The network behind"Who Wants to Marry a Multi-Millionaire"continues to churn out copies, and this one is nothing but a trip into the shallow thought processes of unstable dudes and dudettes.
New co-host cutting in on next'Stars'
Reality TV: Harris is'Dancing'to hosting gig formerly held by Canning — ABC has checked Lisa Canning off its dance card. Net said Thursday that E! News correspondent Samantha Harris will join Tom Bergeron as co-host of the upcoming second season of"Dancing With the Stars."