To convince people to sit through its dreadful new design show, "Top Design," Bravo promised cranky outtakes from the finale of "Top Chef," which picked a winner in the timeslot just before. It wasn't worth it -- the only interesting color scheme we saw on "Design" was the heavy, clashing bronze hues on Todd Oldham's face. But there were some fun moments, like when delightfully pompous runner-up Marcel went after winner (and longtime tormentor) Ilan.
"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.
Reality TV Gets Real: "Find My Family"
Fry It Up: Top Chef Las Vegas FINALE
There’s Never a Steven Segal Around When You Need One
The Grown Ups: Mad Men, Season 3, Episode 12
