What"s Really Worth Watching when Reality is in HD?
It all started with the Real World, then Survivor, then American Idol, and now... there seem to be more reality television shows on air than there are "real people" to cast in them. Although indulging in the occasional reality program can be the equivalent of sneaking the infrequent junk food before meals, it's best with both to use moderation. With a menu of thousands of programs via satellite tv, reality-junkies will tell you just how addictive the latest batch of shenanigans from the latest group of groupies looking for love with the latest heartbroken rock star can be. However, there's no need to go to extremes. Reality TV bashing is dangerous as it disregards those few programs using the medium to make exciting, interesting, and dare I say, educational programs. To get the same daily dose of reality while giving your minds something to chew on as well, try out some of the following reality programs.
Expedition Africa. This 8-part series from the History Channel follows 4 explorers on an expedition deep into the heart of Tanzania. They are attempting to recreate the famous expedition of American journalist Henry Morton Stanley, as he searched for Dr. David Livingstone in 1871. With only basic maps and a compass, the program follows their attempt over the course of 30 days. As the journey unfolds drama ensues not only between the explorers and Mother Nature, but between the battling personalities. The program is educational, dramatic, and unexpectedly funny. The audience will be enrapt as the stars of the show face the most wild kind of obstacles and challenges on satellite tv.
Deadliest Catch. When the Discovery Channel does reality they do it big, like with their hit program Deadliest Catch. The show documents the struggles of crews aboard fishing boats in the Bering Sea, as they harvest Alaskan King Crab, and Opilio crab. Considered one of the most dangerous jobs in America, these fishermen are truly fighting for their lives as they fight against the ocean, storms, and bitter freezing cold, not to mention deadlines, stress, and dangerous conditions. Watch in HD as waves reach forty feet, and witness the struggles with crab pots that weigh in around 700 pounds. With Deadliest Catch there's sure to be enough drama and excitement for even the most discerning reality TV fan.
Extreme Makeover Home Edition. After all the intensity of the previous two reality options, head over to ABC for a wholesome dose of people-helping-people with Extreme Makeover Home Edition, hosted by Ty Pennington. By targeting families that are in need of help when it comes to their home, this program reaches out to the community. Extreme Makeover makes it possible to achieve in days projects that would normally take many months, by contracting a team of designers, hundreds of workmen and neighbors. In this race against time, workers have only seven days to renovate every room in the house from top to bottom. Families are nominated to receive this little blessing by friends and family. One of the highlights is watching children's rooms being constructed around their favorite interests, whether they are sports, video games, or princesses. While the work is being done, the chosen family takes off on vacation, making for a moving, tearful, welcome-back moment towards the end of every episode.
Expedition Africa. This 8-part series from the History Channel follows 4 explorers on an expedition deep into the heart of Tanzania. They are attempting to recreate the famous expedition of American journalist Henry Morton Stanley, as he searched for Dr. David Livingstone in 1871. With only basic maps and a compass, the program follows their attempt over the course of 30 days. As the journey unfolds drama ensues not only between the explorers and Mother Nature, but between the battling personalities. The program is educational, dramatic, and unexpectedly funny. The audience will be enrapt as the stars of the show face the most wild kind of obstacles and challenges on satellite tv.
Deadliest Catch. When the Discovery Channel does reality they do it big, like with their hit program Deadliest Catch. The show documents the struggles of crews aboard fishing boats in the Bering Sea, as they harvest Alaskan King Crab, and Opilio crab. Considered one of the most dangerous jobs in America, these fishermen are truly fighting for their lives as they fight against the ocean, storms, and bitter freezing cold, not to mention deadlines, stress, and dangerous conditions. Watch in HD as waves reach forty feet, and witness the struggles with crab pots that weigh in around 700 pounds. With Deadliest Catch there's sure to be enough drama and excitement for even the most discerning reality TV fan.
Extreme Makeover Home Edition. After all the intensity of the previous two reality options, head over to ABC for a wholesome dose of people-helping-people with Extreme Makeover Home Edition, hosted by Ty Pennington. By targeting families that are in need of help when it comes to their home, this program reaches out to the community. Extreme Makeover makes it possible to achieve in days projects that would normally take many months, by contracting a team of designers, hundreds of workmen and neighbors. In this race against time, workers have only seven days to renovate every room in the house from top to bottom. Families are nominated to receive this little blessing by friends and family. One of the highlights is watching children's rooms being constructed around their favorite interests, whether they are sports, video games, or princesses. While the work is being done, the chosen family takes off on vacation, making for a moving, tearful, welcome-back moment towards the end of every episode.