You didn't really care about TV until reality came along. You're always up for a good old-fashioned contest and are just as content watching aspiring fashion designers battle it out on "Project Runway" as you are watching hardcore hip-hop dancers walk it out on the "Randy Jackson Presents: America's Best Dance Crew" stage. Click through this slideshow to check out reality shows that will feed your competitive spirit all summer long.Thursday, June, 12, 2008, 8:12 AM
This talent show on steroids is back for a third season. Hosted by Jerry Springer, "America's Got Talent," showcases performers from all over the country as they attempt to turn their acts -- from violin playing to ventriloquism -- into a million dollars. Mr. Meanie himself, Simon Cowell, is the show's executive producer, while actor David Hasselhoff, music biz whiz Sharon Osbourne, and U.K. TV personality Piers Morgan serve as the judges who get to decide which aspiring star has more talent than the rest. Tuesdays at 8pm ET on NBCNBC/Joseph Viles - Thursday, June, 12, 2008, 8:12 AM
Who could have predicted a somewhat cheesy fitness competition show from the '90s would captivate a new generation of fans when it was resurrected in the new millennium. But that's exactly what happened when the modern reincarnation of "American Gladiators" with its intense events, bulging Gladiators, and splashy special effects came back better than ever this winter. Now, the new version returns for a second season with Hulk Hogan and Laila Ali back at the helm. This time around last season's champions, Monica and Evan, jump over to the other side when they join the big, bad Gladiators in taking on the little guys. Mondays at 8pm ET on NBCNBC/Mitchell Haaseth - Thursday, June, 12, 2008, 8:12 AM
If the new summer season of CBS' longtime reality hit "Big Brother" is anything like it's just-concluded winter season, you can expect lots of plotting and backstabbing, drunken and naked escapades in the backyard, and all kinds of verbal smack-talking between the house guests. In this reality show, people enter the house and then through a series of challenges and competitions, a Head of Household is named each week. That person nominates two house guests for eviction, and one is then sent packing based on the other guests' votes. The last person standing wins a cool $500,000. Not bad for being a hamster in a cage, as the house guests can't leave the house or have any contact with the outside world (save the weekly appearance from host Julie Chen). Premieres Sunday, 7/13 at 8pm ET on CBSCBS/Cliff Lipson - Thursday, June, 12, 2008, 8:12 AM
Put your dancing shoes on for "Dance Machine." In each episode of this reality competition series, six real people from all walks of life will face off against each other in a series of one-on-one dance-offs to the most popular songs of all time. Throughout the night contestants will be eliminated by voters in the studio audience. By the end of the evening, just two finalists will be left to challenge each other for the honor of being crowned that night's "Dance Machine" -- and to take home the $100,000 cash prize. Popular E! News correspondent Jason Kennedy is host. Premieres Friday 6/27 at 8pm ET on ABC ABC/Craig Sjodin - Thursday, June, 12, 2008, 8:12 AM
Can a country boy find true love with a city girl? Well, how about ten of them? "Farmer Wants A Wife" plucks ten women from their lives in big cities and drops them smack in the middle of a small town in rural Missouri where Matt, a 29-year-old third-generation farmer awaits. Are these modern-day gals ready for the realities of life and work on a farm -- driving a tractor, taking care of very large farm animals, sewing quilts and, perhaps most important of all, attending bingo night? Through a series of challenges, group activities, and country-style dates, these metropolitan women will find out just how well-matched they are for a small-town guy looking for true love. Wednesdays at 9pm ET on The CWThe CW/Joseph Viles - Thursday, June, 12, 2008, 8:12 AM
Animal lovers won’t want to miss this new reality competition where 12 amazing dogs (along with their owners) compete against each other for the title of "Greatest American Dog" and a $250,000 grand prize. Hosted by zoologist and pet expert Jarod Miller, the show will feature pooches of all types from show dogs to average mutts trained at home who, along with their owners, will live together and compete in games and challenges that will put the owners' abilities to train their dogs to the test every week. Premieres Thursday, 7/10 at 8pm ET on CBSCBS/Monty Brinton - Thursday, June, 12, 2008, 8:12 AM
While most high schoolers will be working minimum wage jobs or getting dragged along on family vacations this summer, one talented teen will end the summer with the surreal opportunity of a lifetime: a role in Disney's "High School Musical 3: Senior Year." Hosted by Nick Lachey, "High School Musical: Get In the Picture" follows young contestants as they participate in a summer music program to hone their singing, dancing, and acting skills, all while competing for a shot at becoming a part of "High School Musical" history. Premieres Sunday, 7/20 at 8pm ET on ABCABC/Greg Zabilski - Thursday, June, 12, 2008, 8:12 AM
"I Survived A Japanese Game Show" gives viewers a behind-the-scenes at what happens when ten Americans from different backgrounds travel to Japan to compete on a -- you guessed it -- Japanese game show. Those contestants who best adapt to the Japanese culture and crazy challenges in the wild world of Japanese television will be named the winners and garner big prizes they can take back to the good old U.S.A. Premieres Tuesday, 6/24 at 9pm ET on ABCABC/Craig Sjodin - Thursday, June, 12, 2008, 8:12 AM
"Legally Blonde The Musical: The Search For the Next Elle Woods" follows ten hopefuls who will sing, dance and act as they vie for the ultimate shot at stardom: the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to star on Broadway and replace the Tony Award-nominated Laura Bell Bundy in the leading role of Elle Woods in "Legally Blonde: The Musical." Haylie Duff will host the show and offer the girls advice based on her own experience in the biz. In addition to a grueling audition schedule, the ladies will learn to deal with being both competitors and roommates as they live together in a New York City loft, all hoping to get their careers jumpstarted with the role of a lifetime. Mondays at 10pm on MTVMTV/Justin Borucki - Thursday, June, 12, 2008, 8:12 AM
Get your groove on this summer with "Master of Dance." In this new series, contestants' moves are tested by changing the song mid-performance to see if they can really go with the flow and stay with the beat. Only the dancers with a full repertoire and the flexibility to keep up will be able to claim the grand prize of $50,000. Host Joey Lawrence will offer guidance and a panel of judges will critique the performers as well. Each episode pits five dancers against each other through three elimination rounds, during which they will be tested on style, genre and personality. The winners from the first five episodes will move on to the Tournament of Champions Grand Finale for a dance-off to win the cash prize and the coveted title of "Master of Dance." Mondays at 8pm on TLCTLC - Thursday, June, 12, 2008, 8:12 AM
Regis Philbin is at it again as he hosts yet another million-dollar game show. This time, he's at the helm of "Million Dollar Password" a modern update of a classic game show from the '60s. As with the original version, each contestant is paired up with a celebrity. One player from each team is told the secret passwords and can use only one-word clues to get their teammate to guess the word. So what's new? The stakes are higher than ever as contestants are competing for a hefty grand prize of $1 million. You can also expect to see celebrities, including Rosie O'Donnell, Rachael Ray, and Neil Patrick Harris as well as "Password" alum Betty White. The legendary TV actress frequently appeared on the show's first in carnation and will join the crew of "Million Dollar Password" to help a new generation of contestants try to win some cash. Sundays at 8pm ET on CBS CBS/John Paul Filo - Thursday, June, 12, 2008, 8:12 AM
Yes, it's been a few years, but "The Mole" is finally back. And the big question remains: Who is it? Hosted this time around by "Extra" anchor John Kelley, this reality competition follows a group of 12 players as they try to figure out which of the contestants is actually a saboteur trying to keep them from winning the money. Players must decide who they think "The Mole" is and then learn as much about him or her as they can. At the end of each one-hour episode, the player who knows the least about "The Mole" is knocked out of the competition, while the rest advance towards becoming the last player standing and winning the big cash prize. Mondays at 10pm ET on ABCABC/Adam Larkey - Thursday, June, 12, 2008, 8:12 AM
"Nashville Star," the grassroots talent search to find America's next great country music star returns for a sixth season with plenty of changes. The series jumps from the USA Network to NBC's primetime lineup and welcomes a new host, Billy Ray Cyrus (best known for hit song "Achy Breaky Heart" or as Miley Cyrus' dad, depending on how old you are). More than 20,000 hopefuls auditioned for a spot on what's sure to be the most exciting season of the competition yet as the winner will receive a major recording contract and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform at the Summer Olympics in Beijing. Mondays at 9pm ET on NBCNBC/Frederick Breedon - Thursday, June, 12, 2008, 8:12 AM
You know it, you love it. Yes, "Project Runway" is back for another season of fun, fashion, drama and tips from mentor Tim Gunn. Incidentally, this is the show's final season on Bravo before it catwalks over to Lifetime later this year. Last year's winner was 21-year-old Christian Siriano, who remains all over the media, proving that this show can definitely launch a successful career (at least so far). Who will be in, and who will be out? Tune in for some unforgettable challenges and to get your fashion fix. Premieres Wednesday, 7/16 at 9pm on BravoBravo/F. Scott Schafer - Thursday, June, 12, 2008, 8:12 AM
At first "She's Got the Look" sounded just a wee bit familiar... a supermodel host, a bunch of aspiring models living in a Manhattan apartment together, weekly challenges resulting in eliminations, and a modeling contract on the line. But then we learned one tiny detail that sets the show apart: All of the undiscovered models are over 35 years old! Supermodel Kim Alexis hosts the show while celebrity stylist Robert Verdi, Wilhelmina modeling agency's president Sean Patterson, and supermodel Beverly Johnson serve as judges. Wednesdays at 10pm on TV LandTV Land/Robert Ascroft - Thursday, June, 12, 2008, 8:12 AM
Mario Lopez returns to "Randy Jackson Presents: America's Best Dance Crew" as host along with judges JC Chasez of 'NSync, recording artist Lil' Mama, and choreographer Shane Sparks. Crews from around the country auditioned in New York, Houston, Los Angeles and Chicago for the opportunity of a lifetime, but only 14 of the most exceptional crews will be chosen to come to Los Angeles for the Live Auditions Special during which last season's champs, JabbaWockeeZ will reunite with judge Shane Sparks to discuss the hottest dance moves on the streets and in the clubs. After the 14 crews are narrowed to 10, they'll go head-to-head each week busting moves from all sorts of genres trying to impress viewers at home... and make it all the way to the big title. Thursdays at 10pm on MTVChris Polk/WireImage.com - Thursday, June, 12, 2008, 8:12 AM
Hosted by award-winning actress, designer and entrepreneur Jaclyn Smith, "Shear Genius" gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the competitive, creative, and often kooky world of high-end hairstyling. The series' second season will bring another group of talented hairstylists together from around the world as they compete in creative challenges -- from bobs and bouffants to perms -- to determine which contestants are a cut above the rest. The deserving stylist who blows away the competition will be named this season's "Shear Genius" and walk away with a $100,000 grand prize. Premieres Wednesday, 6/25 at 10pm on BravoBravo/Matthias Clamer - Thursday, June, 12, 2008, 8:12 AM
Let the hunt for America's best dancer begin! Hosted by top Australian TV personality and "The Tonight Show" correspondent, Cat Deeley, "So You Think You Can Dance" tests dancers on everything from hip-hop to salsa to quickstep to jive. In the fourth season, producers travel to New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Atlanta in search of the country’s most talented dancers. The ones whose moves impress them the most will be invited to call-backs where they’ll work with top choreographers and compete to become one of the top 20 dancers who will continue with the competition... attempting to strut their stuff all the way to the grand prize. Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8pm ET on FoxFOX/Joe Viles - Thursday, June, 12, 2008, 8:12 AM
It's not often that the goal of a contest is to fall down, but that's the case on this new competition show which finds 24 contenders competing in an extreme obstacle course designed to provide the most crashes, face plants, impacts and wipe outs possible. At the end of each episode, one contestant will garner the coveted title of "Wipe Out" champion and will walk away with $50,000. John Anderson of ESPN's "SportsCenter" serves as host of this crash-crazy contest. Premieres Tuesday, 6/24 at 8pm ET on ABCABC/Adam Larkey - Thursday, June, 12, 2008, 8:12 AM