Survivor, American Idol, High School Reunion, The Swan, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Miracle Makeover, etc.  

For the most part, some are very entertaining.  'Queer Eye for the Straight Guy' is one of those that tends to be funny, sometimes touching and very upbeat.  Carson is the best on their for his quick quips and just downright funny adlibs.  

American Idol has been a disappointment from the start, what with mediocre talent and Simon who finds nothing positive in anything (The man who gave us 'Spice Girls' is worthy of judging anybodies talent?).  Most of the contestants at best are talented but not what would be called 'Idol' status.  Not one of them really shines or sings the socks off anyone.  Makes one wish for just one Aretha Franklin or Marvin Gaye in the bunch.  It is very sad when talent is made with looks and how much you shine, not how well you sing.  Duh!  None of that translates well onto a DVD or radio!!  

The Swan makes one think a lot deeper than any other reality show I can think of.  First of all, they are dealing with women who frankly, if they just took better care of themselves, got some counseling and fixed their hair, would be allright without all the plastic surgery.  It is sad when it comes down to having confidence and poise and self worth all due to the fact you look like a Hollywood Starlet.  Some of the makeovers are fantastic, but they look so different, makes you wonder if they even know who they are when they finally see themselves. (These women go for 3 months without seeing themselves, no mirrors).  They have to go through a rigorous physical exercise regimen and lots and lots of plastic surgery (also dental work which I am for as your teeth are important to your health and well being no matter what!).  The women get intensive therepy to help them like the woman inside, all this being done while they don't see what they look like.

The deal is, they see themselves in front of a mirror for the first time after 3 months on an episode to show the audience the dramatic changeover.  It leaves you feeling somehow drained and sort of wondering what in the hell did these people need to feel worth something?  All the women so far have been absolutely gorgeous when done with the transformation, but you wonder if they wouldn't have been just as happy with all the the stuff going on, minus the plastic surgery, once the 3 months was up.  Counseling can do wonders for your self esteem. Looks cannot change you on the inside, not really.  What happens when they gain weight or get older and start to lose the looks.  Are they back to square one again?

Not being a huge fan of tv in the first place, it has been a adventure to watch some of these shows and see how tv has evolved into this mirror into others lives, Hollywood style.  In a nutshell, it looks as though the audience has been duped again!!  We are really just watching soap operas with low budget actors, encased in a golden presentation to get you hooked.  Nothing new really.