Kid Nation: Reality TV gone too far?

TV is a brilliant medium, but I must admit that most of the shows that appear on it are much less than brilliant. "Game Shows" are one category that I cannot stand [Jeopardy being a rare exception], but the modern variant, the "Reality Show" such as Survivor or Big Brother are.... well, let's just say I have sampled these shows, and they are definitely on my "I Will Not Watch That Shit" list.

Also on that list are the Jerry Springer's, Maury Povich's, and the rest of that ilk. I was not surprised to learn that one 'contestant' on a show was so upset that he off'ed himself due to terminal embarrassment. I do not know if this was 'reality' or some sort of publicity stunt/newly created urban myth. I do not care. Any adult dumb enough to watch or participate in one of those shows deserves what they get.

When I saw the add on CBS for 'Kid Nation' I was not surprised, but I was a bit shocked. If adults want to act like total buffoons and endure god knows what, so be it, but the children that appear in the promos for KN are not only young they are perhaps even pre-pubescent.

Despite how 'mature' they may be in their parents eyes, I seriously question the sanity of having children this young and inexperienced in the ways of life to be willingly placed in a "Survivor" type environment. Oh, yea, I bet I could google info on the show and find that they are protected by teams of doctors, social workers, psychologists, and no doubt an entire phalanx of lawyers with reams of papers obsolving everyone of any responsibility.

I know, I am bitching before I've seen what KN really is like. Yes, I am condemning this before KN has aired, but I am also offering the opportunity to all of you weigh in on this now. It might be interesting to see how opinions might change about this topic in the weeks to come.

Paz

Well,

I kept an open mind and watched the first show which has just played here in the central time zone.

This show was not interesting, it was MONDO INTERESTING. I think this is going to be the hit of the season. I would love to quote all the truly comic comments I heard during the show. I must confess, I loved it. I also larfed me arse off.

I still have some trepidations, and if it's a real hit, it will spawn no telling how many copy cats and thereby dilute the genre.

I seemed well orchestrated and ordered. Somebody obviously spent some time 'designing' the game. At least totall anarchy and chaos should not be the order of the day.

And, in the great Capitalist tradition, those that get "gold stars" score $20G's. Maybe the girl that won the first one will cease "Dancing for Nickels" in the middle of the street. Although there might be a job later for some saloon girls. Who knows?

Paz

Well, it is a 'game' show and it is adver'd as a 'reality' show, so I stand by my original opinion and agree with @_@artman. It's mindless drivel. And I do not apologize for LMAO during episode #1. Mindless drivel can be hilarious with enough beer to warp your logical thinking processes.

I still think kids will love the show. We shall see, unfortunately, the season is long. vveerryy lloonngg.

Paz