My speculation is that the networks are hurting by the writer and actor strike. They are trying to get shows to restart any way they can to show they don't need the writers and actors. Personally, I was long ago tired of scripted reality shows that are anything but reality. The only thing going for them is they are relatively cheap to produce.

Even reality shows are starting to crumble though. I recently read that word is getting out of bait and switch tactics, skulduggery to get their contestants to do what they want. Such as NDAs to prevent them from talking about how they are treated, the confiscation of all ID including passports, wallets and purses, cell phones, so that these contestants can't leave and can't quit. The contracts they sign pretty much give the producers lord rights over them, turning them into slaves to do what is commanded of them.

Be that as it may, I've pretty much had it with TV. I watch the weather mostly, some news, and other than that, I don't much care what they broadcast, the audio is turned off. Ads are spoon-fed at such a rate to make tv watching not worth the break up time from whatever the program is. Personally I can't stand ads. They are trying to convince you to spend money you normally would not do on products you don't need. If a product is really good, your neighbor will tell you about it, unpaid.

Maybe Bill has been sniffing some of that Ajax.

#1 | Posted by BBQ

As someone with insider info let me correct some of your fallacies.

Shows have people sign NDAs so they can't blow all the stories for the audience before it airs, which is logical and not a scandal. Competition reality shows confiscate cell phones from contestants for the same reason.

Idiots sign these contracts for low amounts of money because they are lazy narcissists who want to be on tv instead of getting a real job. If the show is a hit and they are critical to it's success, they get new contracts that can make them very wealthy.

Some of the people who are no longer on the shows are bitter that they're not making money any more, so they're suing some media corporations in order to continue to make money without getting a real job.

I can't stand commercials either, which is why I pay extra for commercial free content. Hulu cuts out commercials for you in the higher tier. HBO has no commercials. Apple+ has no commercials. Amazon has no commercials. Youtube TV is cheaper than cable, but allows you to fast forward through commercials.