Rich people problems

I love reality TV.  There, I said it.  I have never understood why they call it "reality TV" when we all know that nothing about what is filmed is real.  Think about it; they are filming out-of-the-ordinary people/situations, using some very creative editing, and sucking the public into this fantasy land one episode at a time...and yes, I am part of the public and proud of it!  Here are some of my favorite "reality" shows.

The Hills/Laguna Beach - this was really our generation's first dose of reality TV, and it. was. awesome. The love triangle between Kristin, Stephen, and LC.  The impending drama between Lauren and Heidi.  The screwed up relationship between Lauren and Jason.  The ridiculous love story of Heidi and Spencer.  And unusual names like Talon and Cedric.  These "characters" lived such a lavish lifestyle which in no way mirrored any reality that I was used to.  Sure plenty of kids drove nice cars and threw great parties, but we didn't have infinity pools that looked out to the Pacific.  We didn't have run-ins with stars.  And we certainly didn't have an unlimited cash-flow.  Call it jealousy (because that is most likely what it was), but I loved to hate these characters, and I still do!

The Real Housewives of Orange County - I have to pay hommage to TRHoOC because they were the original!  When I first discovered this show, it was like my guilty pleasure.  Vicki, Jo, Lauri, Jeana, (and eventually Tamra and Gretchen) - the first few seasons - were so entertaining; they were wild, crazy and fun and HAD to be them when I grew up!   The women had (and still do have) an insatiable need for wealth and everything they did seemed like a far-fetched dream that one day I had to fulfill.  I know now (being a working adult) that money like that is not normal.  It doesn't mean, though, that I can't continue being envious of their lavish lifestyles and jet-setting ways...b1tches!  Who's ready for the next season?? (They play re-runs of all of the different cities all the time on Bravo).

The Bachelor(ette) - Why I subject myself to this show is beyond me!?  Each season I attach myself to one or two of the top 10 contestants and I glue myself to the TV to watch their progress.  They travel the world.  Eat exquisite cuisine.  They stay in fabulous hotels on some of the world's most gorgeous beaches.  They spend more than half the show in a bathing suit, and the remaining time in a dapper three-piece suit or an incredibly amazing dress.  I don't know about you, but the last time I got dressed up like that was my high school prom; totally "unreal," yet if I can't watch the show live, I sure as hell DVR it so I can catch up later.  I am ridiclous. It is nearly impossible for a couple to see each other once a week for two months and to know that they are soul mates and meant to be together for ever.  It takes more than a few glasses of wine and a sexy waterfall to make a marraige last.  It takes only a few glasses of wine and sexy waterfall for me to be obsessed with this show...ha!  (Mondays at 7:00PM Central on ABC).

Giulana & Bill - I happen to love G+B.  Sure the two of them live lavish lives (he is the former winner of Donald Trump's show, "The Apprentice," and she is the host of E! News), but they tackle real problems, with real emotions.  Unlike TRHoOC where their biggest problem is missing a Tupperware party because they have to actually go to work, G+B struggle with infertility, long-distance relationships, etc.  I love their friendly banter, their positive outlook on life, and their overall love for one another.  Again, this isn't reality with the two of them maintaining a happy marriage with one person living in Chicago and the other in LA, but they have oodles of money so they can afford to fly back and forth and back and forth during a recession.  Lucky them!  I still can't find any reason to not like them though, so they will remain my favorite reality TV couple...for now.  (Monday at 7:00PM Central on Style).

So, as may be evident, I am a sucker for a good reality show.  I can watch the same episodes over and over and over again, much to the dismay of my husband.  I can't explain why I like them, and I can't defend myself when I am challenged about their stupidity, but I will continue to be an avid watcher of "rich people's problems" and bask in the glory of my own "reality."