We’ve talked about the greatest and most memorable TV series of yesteryear that we miss, as well as the TV couples that we loved. We’ve even quickly breezed through some fun facts about your favourite TV shows. But not all TV series have made it into our book of favourites and we’re pretty sure some of you TV addicts can relate. Some TV shows were so bad, we have absolutely no idea how it managed to last a few seasons. Some were so bad, the only thing the show(s) did was take up way too much prime time space. Some were seriously, seriously so bad, why did they even think about making it?
Check out the below list and you’ll know what we mean – we hope:
1. Big Brother
What it’s about: Big Brother is a reality game show franchise created by John de Mol and was originally based on a show from the Netherlands of the same name. The premise of the show is that there is a group of people, dubbed as “housemates” or “houseguests”, living together in a specially constructed large house. During their time in the house they are isolated from the outside world and are not commonly aware of outside events. Contestants are continuously monitored by in-house TV cameras as well as personal audio microphones during their stay. Each series lasts for more than 3 months, with at least 10 contestants entering the house. To win the final cash prize, a contestant must survive periodic (usually weekly) evictions and be the last housemate or houseguest remaining in the compound by the series’ conclusion.
Why it’s horrible: There’s only so much of Big Brother that one can take before it all gets a little too dramatic e.g. backstabbing, crying, arguing, plotting, yelling, crying, more crying. Also, isn’t the concept alone just a tad creepy whether or not the installation of the in-house TV cameras were with consent?
2. The Simple Life
What it’s about: The Simple Life is an American reality television series. The series aired from 2nd Dec 2003 to 5th Aug 2007. The first 3 seasons aired on Fox, and the final 2 on E!. The series depicts 2 wealthy socialites, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie, as they struggle to do manual, low-paying jobs such as cleaning rooms, farm work, serving meals in fast-food restaurants, and working as camp counselors.
Why it’s horrible: It was fun at first to watch Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie attempt “normal lives”. Until it got irritating due to the density level of the duo. After all, there’s that one infamous Paris Hilton quote which goes,“What’s Walmart, do they sell like wall stuff?”. Oh, also, needless to say, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie are no longer BFFs. We wonder why..
3. Temptation Island
What it’s about: Temptation Island was an American reality TV program broadcast on FOX in which several couples agreed to live with a group of singles of the opposite sex, in order to test the strength of their relationships. The first season of the show was taped on Ambergris Caye in Belize and it premiered on 10th Jan 2001. The show was controversial from the get-go, something that FOX hoped would drive ratings. With the 4 male contestants living in one section with a dozen female models, and the 4 female contestants living in another section with a dozen attractive men, the format was perfect for delivering emotional drama. Season 2 premiered on 31st Oct 2001 and delivered poor ratings. After a nearly 2-year layoff, a third edition of the series premiered on 28th Aug 2003. Like Season 2, Season 3 also tanked.
Why it’s horrible: Infidelity on TV? Are you serious? And what values do they expect a “reality TV show” like this (that features real people) to impart upon its viewers? No, just no.
4. Jersey Shore
What it’s about: Jersey Shore is an American reality television series which ran on MTV from 3rd Dec 2009 to 20th Dec 2012 in the US. The series follows the lives of 8 housemates spending their summer in a summer share in Seaside Heights, New Jersey, known as The Jersey Shore House. Season 1 followed cast members Angelina Pivarnick, Jennifer Farley, Michael Sorrentino, Nicole Polizzi, Paul DelVecchio, Ronald Ortiz-Magro, Samantha Giancola, and Vincenzo Guadagnino at the Jersey Shore. Season 2 followed the cast escaping the cold northeast winter to Miami Beach, Florida, with Season 3 returning to the Jersey Shore. The fourth season, filmed in Italy, premiered on 4th Aug 2011. The show returned for a fifth season, at Seaside Heights in New Jersey on 5th Jan 2012. On 19th March 2012, MTV confirmed that the series would return for their sixth season. On 30th Aug 2012, MTV announced that the Jersey Shore would end after the sixth season, which premiered on 4th Oct. The series finale aired on 20th Dec 2012.
Why it’s horrible: Like the O.C., Jersey Shore is a “fine example” of what we would never want our children to grow up to be. Or our children to grow up watching, for that matter. Take it off MTV, please, and bring back real music TV!
5. My Super Sweet 16
What it’s about: My Super Sweet 16 is a MTV reality series documenting the lives of teenagers, usually in the US, Canada, and UK, who usually have wealthy parents who throw huge coming-of-age celebrations, which had a very exclusive target audience, being the 1% of the children of those 3 countries but mainly the US. The show has also covered a number of celebrity coming of age parties. Bow Wow, Sean Kingston, Aly and AJ, Chris Brown, and Soulja Boy Tell Em have all had their parties featured on the show. The show premiered on 18th Jan 2005 and ended its run on 15th June 2008. The opening theme is “Sweet Sixteen”, which was sung by Hilary Duff.
Why it’s horrible: 2 words – spoilt brats. No, 3 words – whiny spoilt brats. Stop, because nobody cares if your Daddy didn’t get you the car you wanted in the right shade of white, sweetheart.
6. The Bachelor
What it’s about: The Bachelor is an American reality television dating game show debuting in 2002 on ABC. For all seasons, the show is hosted by Chris Harrison. As the show is designed, the series revolves around a single bachelor (deemed eligible) who starts with a pool of romantic interests (typically 25) from whom the bachelor is expected to select a wife. During the course of the season, the bachelor eliminates candidates, with the bachelor proposing marriage to his final selection. The participants travel to romantic and exotic locations for their adventures, and the conflicts in the series, both internal and external, stem from the elimination-style format of the show.
Why it’s horrible: C’mon, we’re pretty sure most women have got a whole lot more self-worth than what The Bachelor portrays them to be. To be fair, we’re not fans of The Bachelor spin-off, The Bachelorette, either. Also, real romance over The Bachelor any day!
So, which one did you dislike most from the list above? Or, can you think of any that you dislike more than the ones above? Let us know in the comments box below!
