TV's Reality Recession
By Lacey Rose - Forbes.com | Tuesday, January 13, 2009, 2:32 PM
"Crowned: The Mother of all Pageants"
The CW/Michael Becker
Though long-running hits like Fox's "American Idol," which returns for its eighth season, continue to dominate the Nielsen charts, the rest of reality TV has failed to produce a similar-sized success in years (check out the reality TV airing this Winter).
From mom and daughter beauty pageants to celebrities displaying off-the-wall talents some of these reality disasters couldn't capture much of an audience at all.
Here's a look at some recent reality losers:
"Opportunity Knocks"
Network: ABC
Average Audience: 5.9 million viewers
The Ashton Kutcher-produced game show based on trivia about your family set right in your own backyard. The family-friendly ABC show hosted by J.D. Roth failed to lure big viewership. Knocks was yanked after just three episodes.
"Secret Talents of the Stars"
Network: CBS
Average Audience: 4.6 million
The short-lived competition show featured an array of stars and their hidden skills. Think Olympic figure skater Sasha Cohen performing with a Chinese acrobat troupe. The series achieved a rare feat: It was canceled the day after it premiered.
"High School Musical: Get in the Picture"
Network: ABC
Average Audience: 2.7 million
Despite a hit film franchise, strong branding and relentless promotion, the televised talent hunt more Grease: You're the One that I Want than American Idol failed to score the buzz of its predecessor. Instead, the Zanessa-free summertime series hosted by Nick Lachey limped along in the ratings.
"Celebrity Circus"
Network: NBC
Average Audience: 5.5 million
Though the Australian import lasted far longer than rival CBS' Secret Talents of the Stars, which was yanked after just one episode, the critically panned NBC series hosted by former 'NSYNC member Joey Fatone wasn't the breakout the network hoped it would be. No wonder. Among the star talent: The Brady Bunch's Christopher Knight, soap opera star Antonio Sabato, Jr. and Olympic swimmer Janet Evans.
"Greatest American Dog"
Network: CBS
Average Audience: 6 million
Despite high hopes and heavy promotion, the summertime talent competition--think American Idol meets Big Brother, with canines--lacked the bite it needed. In the end, the show's cliché formula--fighting contestants and communal living--proved a turn-off for viewers.
"Crowned: The Mother of all Pageants"
Network: CW
Average Audience: 1.7 million
The mother-daughter beauty pageant competition series was hardly the lift the ratings-challenge network needed. Among other things, the show's three judges--Queer Eye's Carson Kressley, Miss USA 1995 Shanna Moakler and TV personality Cynthia Garrett--lacked the chemistry of Idol's famed trio Randy, Simon and Paula. The result: Unlike the CW's other buzz-worthy shows, Gossip Girl and 90210, Crowned was virtually ignored.
"My Dad is Better than Your Dad"
Network: NBC
Average Audience: 6.1 million
The American Gladiators meets Double Dare strike-time series featured fathers and sons battling out in a series of stunts and trivia. The show, which premiered in February, failed to score big buzz or viewers.
"Amnesia"
Network: NBC
Average Audience: 5 million
Despite weaker competition during the strike-roiled season, the truth-or-consequences game show failed to drum up the excitement--or audience--it needed. After its lackluster run on Friday nights, the Dennis Miller-hosted series will not return for a second season.
"Dance Machine"
Network: ABC
Average Audience: 3.3 million
The dance-themed game show hosted by E! News' Jason Kennedy proved a summertime flop for ABC. Without ratings to dance about, however, the network announced the series was kaput after three episodes.
"Wanna Bet?"
Network: ABC
Average Audience: 3.4 million
Despite a constant stream of stars, including The View'sSherri Shepherd, former 98 Degrees band member Drew Lachey and former figure skater Scott Hamilton, the network's gambling-variety show struggled its way through its summer run.
Talk About It: Which reality show do you think is the absolute best?
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