This past Thanksgiving week on television offered a familiar format for reality show enthusiasts: the clip show. While networks promoted “previously unseen footage,” the reality was often more of a recap, padded with minimal new content. This reliance on recaps is almost redundant, given how many shows already begin each episode with extensive summaries! However, amidst the clip show trend, two significant reality TV events stood out: the season finale of Dancing With the Stars and the debut of Snoop Dogg’s Father Hood. Each catered to distinct audiences and represented different facets of celebrity entertainment.
A Week of TV Twists and Turns
Another season of the popular Dancing With the Stars has concluded. Predictions were proven wrong as Warren Sapp, despite strong support, didn’t take home the mirrorball trophy. While Brooke Burke was acknowledged as the most technically skilled dancer among the finalists – Brooke, Warren, and Lance Bass – Warren Sapp’s entertaining performances were a highlight for many viewers. Ultimately, Lance Bass was eliminated first, leaving Brooke and Warren to compete for the win, with Brooke emerging victorious. For those preferring dance-focused competition, So You Think You Can Dance remains a favorite. This season of DWTS will be remembered for its unexpected mishaps and the memorable, if unconventional, presence of Cloris Leachman.
Other networks opted for clip show formats during the holiday week. Stylista also aired a clip show, providing a season overview for its viewers. Similarly, Survivor presented audition tape highlights. These clips offered surprising insights, such as Crystal’s self-proclaimed “blazing speed,” a claim that perhaps doesn’t entirely align with her recent performances on the show.
Top Chef delivered fresh, holiday-themed content this week. The chefs faced the challenge of preparing a holiday meal for the band Foo Fighters and their crew of sixty roadies. This episode was a must-watch, featuring not “food fighters” in a combative sense, but rather the actual rock band. Set in Rochester, NY, the episode also showcased some prominent product placement for Swanson’s broth. Adding to the culinary complexity, the chefs had to accommodate the vegetarians within the group, a significant challenge. Richard’s unconventional s’mores, featuring bananas and chocolate, proved to be his downfall, leading to his elimination. Traditional s’mores, as many viewers know, typically exclude bananas.
Sunday night marked the premiere of rapper Snoop Dogg’s new reality show, Snoop Dogg’s Father Hood on E!. Driven by curiosity about Snoop Dogg’s multifaceted persona, viewers tuned in. Known for past legal issues and his open cannabis use, Snoop Dogg also coaches youth football, presenting a compelling contrast. The show offered a surprisingly positive glimpse into his family life, portraying his children as well-behaved and engaging. A particularly humorous moment involved Snoop Dogg recounting a young girl’s disappointment that Joe Montana had no familial connection to Hannah Montana, highlighting the generational differences in celebrity recognition. Snoop Dogg’s Father Hood shows potential for repeat viewing, especially given the limited alternative programming in its time slot.
Departures from the Small Screen
Until the next episode, that concludes this reality TV week.
Categories: | Clack | Columns | Dancing with the Stars | General | Top Chef | TV Shows |
