Summer Winners
By
Laura Nachman
Philadelphia Metro
August 11, 2005
Here are my winners of the summer television season.
Kyra Sedgwick – She’s the star of the top rated cable show of the summer, “The Closer,” on TNT and seen continuously on replays of “Phenomenon” on HBO.
“Dancing with the Stars” (ABC) – The surprise hit even surprised ABC, as it ordered only six episodes. For the next installment, bet on bigger names than Trista Rehn-Sutter and Kelly Monaco. The loyalty of those intense soap opera fans helped Monaco win over the voice of BEN 95.7-FM, John O’Hurley. And once again, Tom Bergeron (“Hollywood Squares,” “America’s Funniest Home Videos”) lucks into another gig.
“Brat Camp” (ABC) – The network is doing well with bratty children (“Super Nanny”), and now teens (“Brat Camp”). Could “Grandparents Gone Wild” be next?
“Being Bobby Brown” (Bravo) – “Hell to the Yes!” It just got extended until August 25.
“Celebreality” (VH1) – “Celebrity Fit Club” is the show to watch this summer. Scary Gary Busey is tame compared to former teen idol Willie Aames and former Warrant lead singer Jani Lane. Throw in Wendy the Snapple Lady, Jackee, and Victoria Jackson and it’s a party!
“Surreal Life” continues to deliver. This summer’s wacky cast includes Omarosa from “The Apprentice,” Janice Dickinson (who gets double-exposure on reruns of “America’s Next Top Model”), Bronson Pinchot, Pepa from Salt N Pepa, and Jose Canseco.
The Antins – Jonathan Antin enjoyed a successful second season of his reality show “Blow Out” on Bravo. His sister, Robin Antin, is the creator of “The Pussycat Dolls,” who have one of the big hit songs of the summer, “Don’t Cha.”
Shows about Show Business – Who cares about doctors and police? “The Comeback,” “Entourage,” and “Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D List” all entertain with their Hollywood happenings.
“Six Feet Under” (HBO) – Though it got off to a slow start when it was moved to Monday night, in its final season, the drama has been as strong as ever. “The Office” sub-plot featuring Claire has been a highlight. Since it moved back to its familiar Sunday night timeslot, the ratings have improved, and it will sure to be a great series finale in two weeks.
Adrianne Curry – The initial winner of “America’s Next Top Model” has managed to parlay her exposure on “Surreal Life” into a relationship/spin-off with Christopher Knight and a show on the Game Show Network.
Eric Roberts – Julia’s brother stars in three music videos - two for Mariah Carey and one for the Killers. Plus, his daughter, Emma Roberts is the star of Nickelodeon’s “Unfabulous.”
Dukes of Hazzard – The original airs on CMT and the movie had a 30-million dollar opening weekend.