I might be the biggest reality TV junkie (in fact, I might discuss this problem further in a Lovelyish Dish later this week). Sad as it is, I plan my schedule around when my shows are set to come on (Nobody bother me at at 9 p.m. on Mondays — Bad Girls Club is on, sorry). But even though I am obsessed with reality shows, even I realize that there are just some shows on air that networks need to let go. 

 


1. American Idol I honestly stopped watching the popular singing competition early on. The last full season of American Idol that I watched was the third, when the amazing Jennifer Hudson was kicked off way too soon. For a while after that, I only watched the auditions, simply for sheer comedy. The show itself became boring to me. Not that I don’t want to see people’s dreams come true, but there’s nothing to keep me interested anymore. Plus, once Paula left, the judge dynamic was off. And then Simon moved on, too? I don’t even bother watching the auditions anymore. It’s time for FOX to let it go and end on somewhat of a high note. Unlike the flat notes in this audition video from season 7. 


2. The Real World MTV started filming Real World back in 1992. For the past 19 years, regular Joes have been sending in audition tapes to be one of “seven [sometimes eight] strangers picked to live in a house, work together and have their lives taped.” I’ve been watching the show since I was 11. Now, at 21, I’m over it. It’s the same problems and drama each season — sexuality, relationships, politics and drunken fights. The show is now on season 26 in San Diego. I heard other people talking about it a few days ago, and I was surprised that it still attracts viewers. But then, I guess if there’s no Real World, there won’t be any more great Challenges in which MTV combines people from past seasons to duke it out for an amazing cash prize.


 
3. America’s Next Top Model I love Tyra Banks, and when Top Model hit the air in 2003, I was in love. The makeovers, the beautiful photoshoots and — of course — the crazy catfights all drew me in. But, just like American Idol, it’s beginning to get tired. The show has its 18th season coming in the spring. Tyra, I know that you’re making a lot of money from the show (apparently advertisers pay $61,315 for a 30-second ad spot during the show!). Top Model is one of the top shows on The CW. However, Miss Banks, you should think about ending the show with its dignity still in tact, and move on to a new project.


4. Jersey Shore I am a proud Jersey Shore fanatic. I’m definitely sitting in front of the TV every Jerzday! But even the biggest Shore fan has to admit that the show’s original glory is fading. It’s the same old, same old – -Sammi fighting with Ronnie, Snooki and Deena acting a mess at the club, the Situation fighting with… well, everybody. And while MTV drew me in by moving the cast to Italy for the fourth season, it’ll be back to the old GTL (gym, tan, laundry) in Jersey for the fifth — which should official be their last season. Even some of the cast seems ready to move on. Rumor has it that J-Woww and Snooki will get their own spinoffs, as well as Pauly D, but only when the Shore is done. Can’t lie though, I will miss Snooki’s antics!

 

5. Basketball Wives VH1 started broadcasting this show in 2010 when Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-wife, Shaunie, wanted to release Basketball Wives to “present women in a positive light.” At least, that’s what I remember reading in one of her past interviews — but that’s not the case at all for this show. The show is filled with catty, bitter women in Miami who fight over who hangs out with who, or who slept with someone’s ex-husband (because none of them are actually true basketball wives anymore). And what’s worse is that these women are in their mid-30s to early 40s acting this way, and most of them have kids, too! But apparently, everyone loves the drama, because VH1 has just started Basketball Wives: LA, now broadcasting these women’s theatrics in both Miami and Los Angeles. I just can’t take this anymore!

Sometimes it’s just time to throw in the towel.

What other reality shows do you all think need to end?