Top Ten Made-For-Cable Reality Series

While watching the Super Bowl pregame coverage (all day long!), I saw a spot where a few of the Top Chef all-stars created some gourmet Super Bowl food. Of course, this was just a reminder of how much I love that show, and a testament to how popular a little cable show on Bravo has become. So I started thinking - what other made-for-cable reality shows make my list of Favs?

MY list of the Top Ten Made-for-Cable Reality Series...

10) A Baby Story - TLC

• This show makes the list for two reasons... First of all, its interesting to see a life brought into the world. But more importantly, it takes some real guts for any woman to agree to be broadcast over national TV while giving birth!
  

9) Cribs - MTV

• I love to see how the stars live - the total excesses are amusing. But every now and again, you'll see a place that is really unimpressive, and I find those episodes even more interesting.
  

8) Whose Wedding is It Anyway? - Style Channel

• I love shows about weddings - I always like to see the dresses and decorations people choose. But what earns this show a spot on my list, is watching the wedding planners conflict with the brides and their families. Watch the sparks fly! It's also interesting to see what different people view as "classy." The episode where the groom wanted slot machines at the wedding was really a head-scratcher to me.
  

7) My Super Sweet 16 - MTV

• I'm not sure if I find this show more disgusting or fascinating. The kids on that show that expect and demand lavishly extravagant parties from their parents disgust me. The parents that pay for it fascinate me. I can't help but think they are doing a great disservice to those kids - can you say "spoiled rotten?" Nevertheless, I've watched the show more times than I care to admit - it's like a train wreck - I can't look away.
  

6) Ace of Cakes - Food Network

• I love this show, because I'm constantly amazed at what can be made out of yellow cake and fondant icing! Guitars, people, cars, buildings - you name it, and the guys on this show can make it in edible form. Thoroughly entertaining to watch the pieces come together.
  

5) Animal Precinct - Animal Planet

• I'm a huge animal lover, and it is hard for me to fathom anyone who would neglect or abuse the helpless little fur-babies. Unfortunately, these people exist, so I love watching the ASPCA cops on Animal Precinct give them what they deserve!
  

4) Celebrity Fit Club - VH1

• Look - we all love to see celebrities get fat... this show is treasure trove of fat B-list celebs. Plus, I believe it was Jeff Conaway's first introduction into reality TV, and that dude is reality gold.
  

3) Top Chef - Bravo

• As I've said before, this is one of my favorites... I love to see the gourmet meals that these chefs can put together in a matter of minutes. Plus, the formula for the show just works... 12-15 contestants, weeded out by judges in the field each week, until the eventual winner is declared. It's just fun to watch.
  

2) Project Runway - Bravo

• Same channel, same formula, but with fashion designers instead of chefs. Two reasons this show edges out Top Chef for the number two spot. First - these designers can literally make beautiful fashion out of groceries - seriously, they've used that as a challenge - it's amazing to see such artistic vision and talent. Secondly - Tim Gunn - he is what "makes it work!"
  

1) The Real World - MTV

• I didn't give much love to reality shows from the past on this list, but I simply couldn't ignore The Real World... this is one of the very first reality shows, and it superseded the reality TV boom by a decade or so. For the sheer reason that it was one of a kind when it came on the scene, and because it really invented a genre of entertainment that we just can't seem to get enough of, The Real World is #1 on my list.