Feb 12 2008NBC Finds New Way To Make TV Stupider
There is a dilemma right not facing all soulless television executives. Now that reality TV has explored everything from You'll Listen to Whatever Crap We Feed You (American Idol), to You're a Fucking Liar: The Series (Moment of Truth), to My Dad Can Kill Your Dad (I think that's actually what it's called), where do you go from there? NBC, falling quickly behind Fox in terms of depravity entertainment, think they have the answer: comedically boring sports.
The network has confirmed that they have rights to a 10-episode curling competition, Rockstar Curling, in which winners get a shot at competing in the national championship. Curling, like the thing with rocks and brooms that no one seriously watches? That's the one.
"This show is all about the opportunity to expose American viewers to curling," said Colin Campbell, Canadian president of mktgpartners and one of the creators of the show. "We feel there might be some great athletes out there who might develop into good curlers given the chance."
I know what you're thinking. When even the best curlers--whoever they might be--are complete unknowns in the U.S., where does the "Rockstar" aspect come in? I'm glad you asked. NBC hopes to get rumored "closet curlers" Bruce Springsteen or Jon Bon Jovi in on the action, possibly as the host. Whether or not they succeed in this mission, "Wanted Dead or Alive" will forever be tainted by the knowledge that Bon Jovi may have been riding his steel horse to a curling tournament.
Rock stars courted for curling reality show [The Star]
Reader Comments
1. J - February 12, 2008 4:32 PM
This fails on so many levels. Which means it will be a huge success
2. The Moat - February 12, 2008 4:35 PM
Isn't the WGA strike basically over, now? Can't they go back to creating ACTUAL TV SHOWS?
Is there any reason for us to continue to put up with this crap?
3. Uncle Eccoli - February 12, 2008 5:28 PM
You're crazy. Curling rules!
4. Doug Nelson - February 12, 2008 11:38 PM
This sounds like something out of a Will Farrell movie (and not the good one).
5. The Observer - February 13, 2008 8:40 AM
I actually like watching curling (every four years), but oh boy does that network exec have the wrong idea. Not that any network execs have had a right idea in like ten years.
6. S - February 13, 2008 9:33 AM
I find it funny that Canadians actually think that someone who curls is an athelete
7. molly - February 15, 2008 2:27 PM
Thought you would like this: http://www.salon.com/sports/col/kaufman/2008/02/15/friday/index.html
(you're my favorite blog, by the way)