Celebrated actors Hen and Bunny had to fire on all pistons to evoke the deep well of emotions experienced by the Weaver family of CBS's "Amazing Race" in their quest to live a good Christian life. We don't know if the Weavers will win the race (the finale airs Tuesday night). But we do know that whether they were whining about every task, insulting the other teams, or throwing stuff at cars as they drove by, the Weavers always set an example of kindness and grace under pressure.
"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.
The Eternal Urgency of War Hawks
Is Baby Einstein Really the Bad Guy?
Fry It Up: Top Chef Las Vegas Episode 9
The Decade in Music: The 20 Biggest Moments of the 2000s