"Project Runway" has always had a knack for locating great, big personalities, but aspiring designer Andraé wept and sniffled his way to center stage last night with this memorable performance. Next stop: Inside the Actor's Studio. (Bonus points to judge Nina Garcia for that priceless look of total disgust as Andraé starts to weep.)
"Big Brother," meet "Survivor"; "Survivor," meet "The Real World"
A throwback to a time when six hours of reality television a week was considered a lot.
By Andy Dehnart, Salon
Three cheers for reality TV
Pundits can tut-tut all they want, but reality shows rule television for a simple reason: The best of them are far more compelling than the worn-out sitcoms and crime dramas the networks keep churning out.
By Heather Havrilesky, Salon
How I learned to love (and hate) "American Idol"
For seven years I ignored the world's biggest pop culture spectacle. But thanks to my daughter -- and the stunningly original Adam Lambert -- I finally caved.
By Gary Kamiya, Salon
I actually was 16 and pregnant
And while TV often bungles what it's like to be a teen mother, MTV's reality series got it (mostly, movingly) right.
By Amy Benfer, Salon
The reality of reality television
n+1 waxes philosophical about the least philosophical medium known to man: reality TV.
By Mark Grief, n+1
Reality TV: what it is, who watches it, and why it exists
A comprehensive history of reality TV, with clips.
There’s Never a Steven Segal Around When You Need One
Fry It Up: Top Chef Las Vegas Episode 13 -- Final Four
The Salahis: Symbol of a Decade?
The Grown Ups: Mad Men, Season 3, Episode 12