May 23, 2005
Fox Reality Channel, Finally An All Reality TV Network
Tuesday, May 24, 2005 is destined to be an epic day in the annals of reality TV history. An event that reality TV fans have been waiting for what seems like an eternity for will finally materialize. Are we talking about the singing showdown between the rocker and the country girl on American Idol 4? No, that’s not it. Then, surely we’re talking about the blessed union of reality TV’s golden couple. The day when Boston Rob and Amber Brkich truly become Romber. No, that’s not it either. Well, then is it the pounding, fist flying finale to Sylvester Stallone’s The Contender? Wrong, yet again.
The life-changing, earth-shattering, chill-inducing event that we are talking about is what reality TV fans have dreamed about ever since watching the very first season of Survivor. A desire that only grew stronger as Amazing Race, Joe Millionaire, Average Joe, American Idol, and a thousand other unscripted shows starting gracing the airwaves. Yes, we’re talking about the ultimate reality TV nirvana. An entire network dedicated to nothing but reality TV programming.
This isn’t something we talk about lightly. We’ve been teased before. There was that network that was supposed to be launched by that group of reality TV stars. Reality Central that became Reality 24-7 that became Reality Vanished-Off-The-Face-Of-The-Planet. But this time it looks like it is really going to happen. We’ve even seen the schedule for the first week. Yes, Virginia, there is an all reality TV channel.
On Tuesday, May 24, 2005, Fox Reality will hit the airwaves. Fox Reality will be one of the largest launches ever for a new network reaching an estimated 18.5 million homes. Shows that are set to air during the launch week include Joe Millionaire, Cops, World’s Most Shocking Moments, The Villa, Real Stories of the Highway Patrol, Arrest & Trial, 5th Wheel, Xtreme Dating, and Single Girls.
The ongoing planned program line-up is said to consist of “several long and short-form original series, as well as unscripted series newly customized with original bonus features.” The re-airings of reality shows from the past will be supplemented with ”a steady diet of contestant commentary, pre and post-show interviews, auditions, out-takes and behind-the-scenes clips.” Fox Reality also plans to eventually offer video on demand and interactive opportunities. While the new network's launch will surely draw the ire of critics who often can't resist the chance to write reality TV bashing headlines, the network will undoubtedly be a success where it counts. And that is among the millions of reality TV fans that have elevated the reality TV programming format to the top of the television ratings charts.
Posted by Joe Reality on May 23, 2005 at 12:15 AM in Fox Reality Channel | Permalink
http://www.realitytvmagazine.com/blog/2005/05/fox_reality_cha.html#more