Summer: the time when shorts and flip-flops are everywhere, sangria is a drink of choice and TV hits a lull.
But ABC is hitting advertising hard with it’s Summer Fun & Games lineup. And it’s out of control.
Another networks are airing new reality competition shows (See Fox‘s “Beat Shazam” and NBC‘s “World of Dance“), too, but ABC has a plethora of them.
Returning this season are “Celebrity Family Feud,” “The $100,000 Pyramid” and “To Tell the Truth.” Additionally, new shows “The Gong Show,” “Boy Band,” “Steve Harvey’s FUNDERDOME” and “Battle of the Network Stars” will also premiere in June.
That’s seven reality competition shows. In theory, that’s one for every day of the week, but only Sunday and Thursday evening programming will center around these shows.
Is this really necessary?
All types of shows premiere almost year-round these days. Typically new summer shows are lighter, more soap-opera-style or a competition show.
Admittedly yes, this lineup includes all lighter shows. But they’re probably not interesting.
Maybe ABC is going for nostalgia. After all, “100,000 Pyramid” and “To Tell the Truth” are re-launches, as is new show “The Gong Show.” And “Boy Band” seems like a rip off of “Making the Band” made to fill the void One Direction’s hiatus made.
But substance is lacking immensely in these shows. It’s all about catching attention, especially with all the celebrities that’ll be on the shows, but not really keeping it. Yes, you get celebrities acting silly, but who really cares?
I’m always surprised when competition shows last more than a season. Something about “American Idol” worked for a time, but these shows usually don’t have it.
“The Search for Elle Woods,” a competition focused on finding Broadway’s next “Legally Blonde” star, was one season. “The Glee Project” lasted for only two seasons. One Directioners may watch the new show “Boy Band,” but they’ll probably lose interest too.
I’ll stick to “Hollywood Game Night.” And the “Bachelorette”…for the workouts (another blog for another time)
