These are challenging times for the folks who run the reality TV departments at the broadcast networks.
The existing hits—think “Survivor,” “American Idol,” “The Biggest Loser”—are still doing fine. And over the summer, ABC generated buzz and ratings with its stunt-driven confection “Wipeout.”
But for the most part, network TV has quietly slipped into a reality recession. Not counting pure game shows, the last big unscripted series to truly shake up the TV landscape was “Dancing With the Stars,” which premiered in 2005.
The best cure for this creative crisis in reality, of course, is innovation. Networks need to start taking real risks with reality, trying formats and ideas that are wholly unique rather than simply serving up slight tweaks on shows that have worked before. Any producer who pitches a competition series with a panel of three judges ought to be shot on sight; if one of those judges has a British accent or is dumber than dirt, the body of said producer ought to be dragged through the streets of Burbank as a warning to the rest of the reality world.
As they search for brand-spanking-new ideas, however, maybe network reality czars should take a page from the programming playbooks of their prime-time peers on the scripted side of the business.
Right now—for better or worse—remakes are all the rage at the networks. If the stars align a certain way, this time next year viewers could find themselves trying to decide between new versions of “Hawaii Five-O,” “Melrose Place,” “The Partridge Family” and “V.”
So why shouldn’t reality suits head back to their vaults? Hard to believe, but it’s been nearly a decade since “Survivor” launched the modern era of unscripted television. During that time, there have been hundreds of reality shows on broadcast and cable that have come and gone.
Some had a quick impact, but then faded just as fast. Others never broke through at all, or were halted before they got to the air. Many attracted cult followings and decent ratings, but somehow didn’t manage to survive.
Like, for example, “Rock Star”—aka, the most bad-ass show ever to air on the CBS television network.
Produced by Mark Burnett, “Rock Star” was sort of the anti-“American Idol.” While it shared the same goal as Fox’s iconic series—finding musical superstars—“Rock Star” took a grittier, less Disney-esque approach to the process.
David Goffin, who ran “Rock Star” for Mr. Burnett, said the series gave music fans a peek into “a world that TV had never shown them. And it was real. A real band, real music, a real passion for their craft. Our fans flat-out loved the show.”
CBS gave “Rock Star” two seasons in 2005 and 2006 to find an audience. The first was devoted to finding a new lead singer for INXS; the second summer was spent searching for someone to join a made-up supergroup headed by Tommy Lee.
“Rock Star” generated very nice ratings among younger viewers who don’t normally watch CBS, but some executives at the network just never got the show. Maybe there were too many long-haired folks with tattoos.
In any case, CBS opted not to renew “Rock Star” after its summer 2006 run. But given how little success the network has had with new reality concepts since then, network reality chief Jennifer Bresnan ought to consider finding a way to revive the show. Mr. Goffin even has some ideas about who might topline the show if it came back.
"I understand Led Zeppelin, or at least Page, Jones and Bonham Jr., want to tour—but [Robert] Plant does not want to sing,” he said. “They say they are looking for a lead singer to tour with. The home-run would be ‘Rock Star: Led Zeppelin.’"
Something tells me viewers would show a whole lotta love to that idea.
While “Rock Star” is the reality show most deserving of a new life, there are some other dearly departed unscripted series that merit resurrection. Rounding out my top 10:
“Are You Hot?”: For many readers, this list just jumped the shark—but hear me out. This Mike Fleiss-created beauty pageant for ABC was indeed one of the most outrageous, crass reality shows ever to grace the airwaves of a broadcast network (and considering Mike Darnell’s contributions to the genre, that’s saying a lot). But the genius of this show was the way in which it reveled in mocking the vanity and self-obsession of its contestants, and of our body-focused culture as a whole. And how can you not love a show that featured Lorenzo Lamas using a laser pointer to identify imperfections in contestants’ bodies?
“The Swan”: One colleague of mine suggested Fox ought to do a reunion of contestants from this series, which attempted to make ugly ducklings glamorous via the magic of plastic surgery. While I’d love to see what happened to past participants when the Botox wore off, the continuing success of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” proves there’s a market for makeover shows. And why waste your time watching folks sweat and suffer on “Loser” when medical science can produce far more entertaining results? Bonus points to Mr. Darnell if he can find a way to pull off a celebrity “Swan.”
“Welcome to the Neighborhood”: This show never actually aired. It featured people of varying backgrounds competing to win a house in a conservative, white Texas suburb. Under fire from interest groups—on all sides of the political equation—ABC opted to shelve “Neighborhood.” I saw several episodes, and in addition to being compelling reality TV, its underlying message was one of unity and acceptance. Maybe, in the era of President Obama, the country is ready to tackle tough issues like those seen in “Neighborhood.”
“The Family”: An unscripted comedic take on “Dynasty”—right down to the copycat theme song—this 2003 series set out to prove that blood ties don’t mean a thing when money is on the line. It featured a cast of colorful characters—two words: Dawn Marie—living together on a lavish estate and competing against each other for $1 million. And in a great twist, it turned out that the household help determined who got the cash. The show got hurt by the launch of the Iraq war, and while ABC deserves credit for re-airing it in the summer, the network ought to give “The Family” one more shot.
“The Restaurant”: Long before “Hell’s Kitchen” heated things up for Fox, Mark Burnett gave NBC this gem of an hour. Rocco DiSpirito stressed his way through the opening of a real New York eatery while battling waitstaff divas and his own demons. It was entirely overproduced, but also loads of fun. And while Mr. Burnett’s product placements were annoyingly over-the-top, they worked: I still think of Open by American Express on a regular basis.
“I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!”: Great idea, so-so execution. The show—based on a successful British format—was basically a celebrity edition of “Survivor” with elements of “Big Brother” thrown in. B-listers such as Melissa Rivers and Robin Leach alternated between whining about their sparse living arrangements and tackling cheesy competitions. The show aired almost nightly over the course of two weeks, adding a great you-are-there feel—but preventing producers from cooking up the fake dramas so essential to good reality. If ABC doesn’t want to give this show another shot, CBS should just go ahead and finally order up a celebrity edition of “Survivor” for this summer.
“Love Cruise”: Swinging singles sexing it up on a cruise ship? There’s a reason they call Mike Darnell a genius. The real beauty of this show, however, came in the casting. Producers decided to transplant a contestant from a past Fox reality show—Toni Ferrari of “Paradise Hotel”—and make her a part of their program. Ms. Ferrari worked her bust, er, butt off to provide plenty of drama for viewers. Is there a reason she’s not on TV right now?
“Blow Out”: Before Bravo got all “classy” with “Top Chef” and “Project Runway,” the network reveled in the wackiness of celebrity hairstylist Jonathan Antin. Basically “The Restaurant” in a hair salon—complete with execessive product placements— the first season of “Blow Out” was trainwreck TV at its finest. My suggestion for a revival: Jonathan, having fallen on hard times during the economic crisis, is now cutting hair at SuperCuts.
“The Beverly Hillbillies”: OK, so technically this isn’t a revival since CBS never actually aired this nonfiction remake of its classic 1960s sitcom. Special interest groups, concerned CBS was going to mock rural people, killed the show while it was still in development. But now that Republican insiders have made mocking rural folks acceptable (two words: Wasilla hillbillies), CBS should reconsider this idea. Who knows: Maybe Ms. Palin and her brood would be willing to star?
Got any ideas for other reality shows that ought to be brought back from the dead? Leave a comment in the space below.
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Comments (78)
How about NBC's syndicated reality soap, Starting Over?
Posted by Jon Reiner | November 14, 2008 5:52 PM
Wow, you reminded me how much I miss Rock Star! That was the best show on TV all through season 1. It blew American Idol out of the water and MTV's Rock the Cradle didn't come close.
It was sooo good having great music on TV. Not easy listening cr*p like on Idol, not game shows like MTV plays these days. MUSIC. I bought so much new music during Rock Star! A billion INXS tracks, songs that got performed on the show, albums the singers made before and after the show, songs the singers mentioned on their blogs. It was incredible.
Rock Star: Zep would rock!!!! I wonder if they'd do it. INXS was the perfect band for season 1. They had a tragic story and a real need for a singer and it was eerie how they found the perfect fit. The Supernova season was fun too but the band wasn't really a band. I'd still watch another supergroup season before any of the competition though.
Posted by carly | November 15, 2008 4:54 PM
Great article! And you are SO right about Rock Star - best show on TV! I do understand not wanting to do another season unless they can find the right band - and Led Zeppelin would be a great choice!
But if not Led Zeppelin, why not just get Tim Farriss, Tommy Lee, and Dave Navarro to come back and sit on the coach and judge, and forget having a band entirely. The show is called Rock Star, not Rock Band, so as long as they have great singers, and a great panel of real rock legends to guide and judge, that's more than enough for a GREAT show!
Posted by cheryl | November 15, 2008 11:01 PM
Rock Star was a GREAT tv show. The format, the content, the music, the contestants...it was all great great great tv!! Like Carly I bought a truckload of music during and after the shows. I also made a heap of new friends...and found my way back to my inner rock chick.
I really like Cheryl's idea. That could really work...I know I would definitely tune in.
p.s. I love that picture of Marty Casey.
Posted by Tania | November 16, 2008 10:51 AM
How about my show that I sold to ABC through a production company where I received producer credit. "The Next Best Thing" Who is the greatest celebrity impersonator? The show was ABC's top rated during last summer averaging 7 million viewers for 8 episodes and should have been a major blockbuster if they did not sabotage and drop the ball on promoting. The show was very funny and entertaining which could have been a summer staple. I see all these shows flopping like no other and know my other ideas are above those its just a question of getting to the right people who believe in me and can make it come to fruition. I am seeking someone from WMA, CAA, UTA, ICM, Manager, Entertainment Lawyer, Reality Producers to guide my career and take it to the next level by shopping/packaging/brokering my deals as none of these people will even speak with me unless someone calls on my behalf which is frustrating as you can imagine. I just want to get paid market value compensation, creator credit, and collaborate with the producers on the shows. I eventually would like to form a production company with a partner and create innovative TV. Please try to find me someone who can deliver for me. Thanks
Posted by Reality Creator | November 16, 2008 3:11 PM
While I enjoyed Rock Star, there was a show on vh1 called "Bands on the Run" that blew it and pretty much every other reality show out of the water. It featured 4 or so real bands touring from city to city trying to make the most profit from ticket and merchandise sales. It was "Behind the Music" as it was happening with Appentice-like business competition. The ultimate goal was to sell tickets and build a fanbase. The thing Id liked was that it had both elements of documentary and game show and wasn't a cookie cutter Survivor clone. Ultimately, it was probably too expensive to continue, but I would love to see it come back in some form. I think it was actually ahead of its time.
Posted by Adam | November 16, 2008 7:21 PM
"Road Rules", the classic format with no voting off or viewer interaction.
Posted by Ed | November 16, 2008 8:04 PM
I love Rock Star and I would really love to see its return. Although, I am not sure they will be able to afford Brooke Burke after her Dancing success!
Another thought: Paradise Island. I know it was smutty as hell, but sooo freaking awesome!
Posted by Shannon | November 17, 2008 12:00 AM
Rockstar Season 1 & 2 changed my life and opened my eyes to a world of fantastic music and amazing international talent.
Not every contestant rates a mention but the opportunity to discover such increadible talent in these days of mass produced dribble was welcome. The likes of Lukas Rossi, Marty Casey & Toby Rand may never have been seen by the fans without this amazing show!!
BRING BACK ROCKSTAR and save the world!
Posted by Echoes | November 17, 2008 1:01 AM
Absolutely, positively bring back Rockstar.
And I completely agree with the comment that Cheryl made about it being a wonderful show even without a band.
Posted by N.D. | November 17, 2008 1:34 AM
Thanks for giving a voice to the many fans of Rock Star! I would love see it again. By the way, I am not a member of the younger audience and I never missed a show.
Posted by Brenda | November 17, 2008 3:06 AM
Absolutely, positively bring back Rockstar! The show had everything: fantastic undiscovered talent, great format and judges who actually critiqued. I still follow the careers of many of the cast.
And Tania's right: great pic of Marty Casey!
Posted by del | November 17, 2008 5:13 AM
My husband and children absolutely do NOT want you to bring back RockStar. Apparently my presence is significantly diminished during the course of this show. I, however, would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see this show come back! PLEASE!!!!
That picture just may reignite my Marty obsession.
Posted by Brandy | November 17, 2008 5:25 AM
Bring back Rock Star. The time is right - with Brooke Burke doing so well on DWTS. Love, love, love the show.
Posted by Cindy | November 17, 2008 5:59 AM
Yes, bring back Rock Star! It was my first taste of reality TV, and it just drew me in and held me. How can you miss with great music, amazing performers, real rock stars, nail-biting competition, and the lovely Brooke Burke??
Posted by Jane | November 17, 2008 6:39 AM
Bring back Rockstar!! It was and always will be the only show I could NEVER miss. No matter where I was or what I was doing I would drop everything to make sure I didn't miss an episode. It is by far the best reality show made.
Posted by Cori | November 17, 2008 6:48 AM
Rock Star Led Zeppelin? Heck yeah! Or for that matter, Rock Star just about anything. I miss my Rock Star!!!!
Please, if anyone can make this happen, do it! It is a fabulous show, and far more entertaining than American Idol...and it is sorely missed.
Posted by DBD | November 17, 2008 6:51 AM
CBS has a show on now called Big Bang Theory. Well here is my theory if CBS wants a BIG BANG then they need to bring back Rock Star ASAP. Just think about it kick ass music, undiscovered talent, interesting personalities and the most rockin band on TV, the RS houseband. What is not to love? I have watched both seasons and it has changed my life in many ways. I was not a fan of INXS, Tommy Lee, Brooke Burke or Dave Navarro but I was a fan of music. I started out watching the Rock Star series as a skeptic. But I soon became a fan. That show brought me out of my middle aged housewife slump and created a spark in me that still burns today. It made me go to a (which turned into 11) concert for the first time in 20 years. It made me feel young again. It made me join the information superhighway. I became computer savvy. I got a MySpace & Facebook account just to keep up with the new musical stars that I discovered on Rock Star. I can now keep up with what is going on in the music careers of the singers who brought new life to me each and every week with their talent and passion. In this age of Miley Cyrus', Jonas Brothers, Jordan Sparks and Teen Disney there needs to be a show that appeals to ALL ages and Rock Star was it. Sure we have American Idol but it just isn't as good. I want a Rock Star. I want hear music that makes me feel alive. That makes me want to get up out of my seat and dance my booty off. I want unbelievable undiscovered talent. I just want to ROCK. So please CBS bring back the Rock Star series so I can do just that.
Posted by Connie | November 17, 2008 6:52 AM
The two seasons of Rockstar truly re-ignited my passion for rock music. I have discovered some amazing new artists because of this show, and I have actively made an effort to see them in concert over these last few years. This show provides the perfect platform to help amazingly talented musicians be discovered. I would be ecstatic if they brought this show back for another season!! Rockstar: Led Zeppelin sounds very intriguing, although I would be happy with any group they chose. After all, the part of the show I love the most is the showcasing of the individuals who audition and take part in the process. Please bring back this show!!
Posted by Sherri | November 17, 2008 6:53 AM
NBC should take a cue from last year's "30 Rock" with MILF Island. I see a 20 share on that one.
Posted by Terrence | November 17, 2008 7:02 AM
I can't believe people think that Burnett deserves to have Zeppelin on his show. What did INXS gain out of the first season? Not too much besides a Mic Stand molesting cry baby. I believe they were dropped from their label (US) not too long after the show.
Supernova: What happened there? They got contestants hopes up by putting Tommy Lee on the show (not the other 2). Lukas Rossi got screwed and to quote his website, RS:Supernova "it turned out to be less of a supergroup and more of a superflop."
Looks like the only one that benefits from the RS shows is Burnett, go figure.
Posted by Unknown Soldier | November 17, 2008 7:02 AM
And since there is a picture of 2nd place Casey of RS: INXS, as far as I can see, the show did not do him any justice either. He currently is the singer for 80's opening act, L.A. Guns.....way to go Burnett.
Posted by Unknown Soldier | November 17, 2008 7:07 AM
Absolutely bring Rock Star back!! It was great to see talent from all over the world compete for a spot with a band. Each performance was even better with the fabulous House Band backing the singers so I hope they can bring the guys back. Perhaps CBS should consider broadcasting the show during peak season time, not in the summer. I bet they'd be very pleased with the numbers.
Posted by APD | November 17, 2008 7:24 AM
Poor choices on the part of the bands does not mean there wasn't great television being made, and great performers getting a chance to show their stuff to the world. Rock Star was (dare I hope, is!) an awesome show and definitely deserves to come back in some form. Most fun I've had watching TV in years!
Posted by metoometoo | November 17, 2008 7:25 AM
Unknown soldier, just to correct, and I would quote Billboard as one of my sources, INXS did not get dropped by their US label right after the show, INXS and Sony Epic parted ways almost a full year after the show ended, in September 2006, and for good finanical reasons, Burnett was getting the largest piece of the pie and INXS and Sony aren't stupid, they aren't going to extend that arrangement are they? Granted Supernova was a flop but they didn't get any support whatsoever from Sony Epic, a division of Sony that's been in trouble for some time, does it still exist?
If I were Mark Burnett, and I did Rockstar III, I wouldn't be doing it with Sony Epic because they were doing him no favours. I guess they assumed, wrongly, in both cases that the TV show alone was good enough promotion for the album so they didn't have to spend any money. Anyone who watches American Idol knows that even with the ratings that show gets, which is like 10 - 15 times Rockstar INXS, you still have to promote the hell out of the album. Sony BMG outside of the US did spend money to promote INXS's post Rockstar album and got good results.
The band says they got far more out of the show with the new singer than they expected - of course they've seen the good times and the bad times so they were probably being cautiously optimistic to start with. They had their first hit since 1997 with Pretty Vegas, penned by Fortune and the strongest material on the new album were the songs Fortune helped write.
Their old catalogue gained value and they sold a lot of their older albums and greatest hits compiliations along with the new album. They picked up a bunch of new fans, sold over a million albums worldwide and the tour pulled in decent enough revenue, they had made Billboard's Top 25 tours for the half of 2006.
That said I can't see Led Zeppelin doing the show unless they got Robert Plant's blessing and permission.
Posted by lavender1960 | November 17, 2008 8:34 AM
I don't see why the prize has to be a permanent gig with the band. Zepp could audition for a singer for one world tour - that's a big prize right there.
Lavender1960, I think Unknown Soldier just has inflated expectations. If you don't think selling a million albums (INXS, JD Fortune) and doing a first international tour (Marty Casey) are successes in the music business... you're in la la land. Suzie McNeil's doing very well in Canada. Several of the others have advanced their careers. Ryan Star's doing well. Even Jenny Galt, who wasn't on the show for long, got some great opportunities from it. No one suddenly became the next Madonna, but instant stardom is a fantasy anyway. As you say, American Idol works hard at promotion but most of their singers still don't hit it big.
Posted by angela | November 17, 2008 8:48 AM
It was a travesty that INXS sunk so low as to use reality TV to replace the rock god, Michael Hutchence. JD Fortune? I'm sorry, but he doesn't even deserve to shine Michael's shoes.
Rock Star was an utter trainwreck. Granted, I loved watching every single minute of it. I guess there is something to be said for that, even if I found the results to be distasteful.
Posted by Mary | November 17, 2008 9:26 AM
Bring back Rock Star! Watching the drama of eliminating contestants each week was only half the fun. Truth be told, most of the contestants were GOOD in their own right, and I've been introduced to some new music and artists that I would never have heard of were it not for Rock Star.
Posted by Pam | November 17, 2008 9:30 AM
Bring back Rock Star! Watching the drama of eliminating contestants each week was only half the fun. Truth be told, most of the contestants were GOOD in their own right, and I've been introduced to some new music and artists that I would never have heard of were it not for Rock Star.
Posted by Pam | November 17, 2008 9:34 AM
Seriously??? They are thinking about bringing back Rock Star??? Wow, that would be amazing. I've been missing it like crazy, and trying to fill the void with American Idol. Sorry folks, but those AI kids trying to cover the Beatles just can't hold a candle to the Rawkers on RS belting out classic and modern rock stuff. Bring it on!
Posted by M | November 17, 2008 9:39 AM
More Brooke Burke on my tv screen is never a bad thing. Bring back Rock Star!
Posted by BVD | November 17, 2008 9:45 AM
Maybe if they bring Rock Star back, they can find some talent better than those posers like Lukas Rossi and Dilana.
Posted by Nikki | November 17, 2008 9:52 AM
My vote is to bring back Rock Star! It's by far the best reality show ever, and its audience covered a very large age range, much more than the network execs assume. These singers got new fans whose ages range from teens to 60+. I see all these different ages posting on the singers' message boards and going to shows. Pretty cool that this special show could bring together music fans of so many different ages, groups, and even countries! I have met people from all over the world at shows by these singers.
If Rock Star comes back, I recommend that Burnett finds a different record label to work with. Sony/Epic dropped the ball on promotion. If you have artists who were getting MILLIONS of votes every week from all over the globe, you need to promote their CDs (and not just the winner's, but most of the top vote-getters', too) all over the world. At the very minimum, you at least need to let people know that their favorite contestant, Contestant X (say, in this case, Marty Casey, shown in that great photo above), has a new CD out with his/her band (in this case, Lovehammers, whose self-titled CD came out in Jan. 2006 after the INXS version of the show wrapped), and you actually have to have it available for sale in the countries where the show aired. This is not rocket science, people! But apparently it was a difficult concept for Sony/Epic to grasp at the time.
American Idol's promo people know how to promote all their top vote-getters, so take some lessons from them. Burnett could have made boatloads of money off of those singers, and they could have gotten their share as well. It's a win-win situation for everyone, so why not go for it?
Unknown Soldier shouldn't count out Marty Casey. I suggest that this person should keep his/her eyes open for the new LA Guns CD written and sung by Mr. Casey that will be coming out in spring of 2009. I think it's going to blow people away! Tracii Guns is determined to bring this band to a whole new level, with the talents of Casey and the rest of this line-up. They have been receiving enthusiastic reviews from publications and fans on their tour over the summer. You can find Marty's site at martycasey.com.
Posted by Rok Chik | November 17, 2008 9:57 AM
Well, like Mary above, I find it hard to turn away from a trainwreck. And if Led Zeppelin does Rock Star? Train. Wreck. City!
I'm in.
Posted by Innocent Bystander | November 17, 2008 10:09 AM
More dirtyPhil please.
I need more Rock Star.
Posted by dirty Thoughts | November 17, 2008 10:30 AM
Bring back Rock Star !!
Posted by Lisa | November 17, 2008 10:34 AM
Rock Star, if continued, be it by putting of Zepplin or any other noteworthy band is an iconic type show, and destined to be a real cult classic.
I think CBS should not turn away from the concept...we can just call the last 2 years, a 'hiatus' ;)
It has been, and likely will be, the BEST "rock" show to be on TV.
I don't care if folks tune in because they love it, or because they love trainwrecks(which I don't believe it is, in anyway)...it is raw gritty, real entertainment...
Oh, and having the buzz from a potential winner of the another reality show(DWTS) as the host be back, the beloved, especially by the male viewers(lol), Brooke Burke...can only be good for CBS, just sayin;)
Posted by Elisa ~ emswazzu.com | November 17, 2008 10:36 AM
"A real band, real music, a real passion for their craft. Our fans flat-out loved the show."
Ain't that the truth? Wow. I know I for one have never been so passionate about about any television show. Not only that, but I discovered a bunch of great new musicians because of it.
And those musicians are ones that I have continued to follow. I have albums from 5 of the different singers who appeared on the two seasons of Rock Star. I have purchased singles from iTunes for many others. I have gone to see 6 of them perform, and have even had to travel outside of my home state to do so. I keep up with what they are doing in their careers through Myspace and Facebook, and through their personal websites.
I can only hope to have more of the same, if CBS brings Rock Star back to television.
Please, bring us more talent like Marty Casey, Ryan Star, Storm Large, Suzie McNeil, Mig Ayessa, Matt Hoffer, Deanna Johnston, and so many others.
Posted by tlw49 | November 17, 2008 10:39 AM
BRING BACK ROCK STAR. I'm not a reality show fan but this show is an exception. Loved both seasons and it was much more fun to watch than American Idol. All rock music fans deserve this kind of show but leave Led Zeppelin out of it.
Posted by Rockfan | November 17, 2008 11:05 AM
Sign me up for another season of Rock Star. Who cares who the band is? Doesn't matter to me as long as the Rock Star House Band is back on board.
Oh yeah, and can someone please ask Nate to grow the dreds back? Thanks.
Posted by RS Dred Head | November 17, 2008 11:21 AM
I think that getting a name like Zepp to headline the show is the main selling point, and makes it much(ie exponentially) more likely to get it back on the Network...
It's a necessary reality (ie evil) if you will...
Sure there will be backlash from the purists...but I think it puts the must, in must see tv...
If it gets folks to watch for the sheer horror, for the great music, for the House Band, for whatever? Who cares...it's eyes on the tube...
If it gets the great artists, Plant aside, in the rest of Zepp back out on the road, GREAT!
Bottom line, more music and more Rock Star, can only be a good thing...
Posted by Elisa ~ emswazzu.com | November 17, 2008 11:43 AM
Mary, ugh, can you get over it? How long ago did Hutch die, anyways? A long freaking time ago. He's dead, INXS moved on, and they gave us some great TV.
Rock Star was the best reality show I've ever seen. It had everything! Talent, great rock music, drama...sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll, all rolled up into one delicious package that I cannot resist.
P.S. JD's hot, and I would love to be his mic stand on any day of the week including Sundays.
Posted by Mary's Mom | November 17, 2008 12:05 PM
I love, love love to see Rock Star back on TV!!
Posted by daiseygirl77 | November 17, 2008 1:07 PM
I'd love another season of Rock Star. Another ten season even.
Posted by VH | November 17, 2008 1:56 PM
Absolutely bring back Rockstar! Best show ever to grace the screen.
The world will never get another Toby Rand but without this rich and glamourous platform we may be robbed of other incredible, individual rockstars!
Bring it back I say!
Posted by Adelle | November 17, 2008 2:08 PM
Yeah, I miss the anti-American Idol show too. It shouldn't have left the air in the first place and if there is an established band looking for a new lead singer, by all means BRING BACK ROCK STAR!!
It is the most exciting singing reality show I have ever seen. Real talent from people with a story, a struggle, a dream. The House Band alone is a reason to watch this show! Rock Star Led Zeppelin? BRING IT ON. I'll watch it! I'd love to see who could fill Robert Plant's shoes.
Posted by nes | November 17, 2008 3:42 PM
Rock Star, yeh!!!! Bring it on home, baby!
Posted by skin bag | November 17, 2008 3:45 PM
Bring back Rock Star!!!! My all time favorite show. I like the idea of no band, or Led Zepelin. And if you cant get Dave Navarro, have Marty Casey host it. He was so popular in the first season and woudl do a fabulous job!!!!
Posted by Liz | November 17, 2008 3:56 PM
Oh hell yes, get Marty Casey on the show for sure. I think he could offer a great "Lead Singer" clinic or act as a guest judge/host...anything!...that would be awesome.
Posted by Tania | November 17, 2008 4:09 PM
I'd love to see another season of Rock Star! Maybe not Zeppelin, because that feels almost sacrilegious. What about Velvet Revolver? Didn't they just loose their lead singer?
ITA that Marty Casey could do the job if Dave Navarro isn't available. Also, Brooke Burke will bring more fans to the show after she wins Dancing With the Stars.
Posted by Velva | November 17, 2008 4:09 PM
Everyone thinks their favorite bands would be sacrilegious. INXS fans thought so. Jason Newsted fans thought so. That makes the show even better. It's art versus media, being purists versus having an audience. Would you rather be classical music, pure with no audience - or Gene Simmons, media whore with big audience?
The next Rockstar should do a Where Are They Now for seasons 1-2. A bunch of them have albums out and interesting gigs. Also, I agree with Cheryl-
> if not Led Zeppelin, why not just
> get Tim Farriss, Tommy Lee, and Dave
> Navarro to come back and sit on the
> coach and judge
Those three together would be awesome TV. They're all funny and bawdy and enthusiastic.
Posted by angela | November 17, 2008 4:21 PM
BRING BACK ROCK STAR!!!! This was the highlight of my week while it was on. Both seasons were awesome and had people way more talented than Idol ever had!!!
Posted by Dan | November 17, 2008 5:36 PM
Rock Star was the best show EVER! Bring it back!
Posted by Kris | November 17, 2008 6:15 PM
Rock Star was the best reality show I've ever seen by a country mile. Like others above I ended up buying a ton of music as a result. Bring it back, please!
Posted by CJ | November 17, 2008 6:41 PM
Rockstar... my favorite show of all time. You guys need to bring it back, I still re-watch episodes of the old seasons, and I keep up with the former contestants career's.
PLEASE CBS!
Posted by Jack | November 17, 2008 7:26 PM
Ah... Rockstar. That show was the ultimate in entertainment tv.
One part American Idol.. but with more interesting music.
One part survivor..without having to live without food, and bathing.
and one part do it yourself A and R guy where you can discover the fantastic talent that has been sitting under your nose for years waiting for a chance to shine. Talent like JD Fortune, Marty Casey, Mig Ayesa, Suzie McNeil, Lukas Rossi, Toby Rand, Dilana Robichaux, Magni Ásgeirsson and Storm Large. (oh yes. I watched.. hell I took notes)
And that says nothing about discovering the talents of the Houseband. Who were unbelievable.
I fell in love with INXS all over again and discovered a globe full of music I hadn't heard before. What could be better?
Posted by Liz | November 17, 2008 7:32 PM
Actually, "Love Cruise" aired in 2001 and Paradise Hotel came AFTER in 2003. So Toni made her national debut as an fiesty ho on "Love Cruise" not "Paradies Hotel". I would say bring back "Love Cruise" but leave Toni out of it.
Posted by faithsalon | November 17, 2008 8:28 PM
I think RS:INXS was the best music show ever on TV. I watched both seasons of Rockstar and fell in love with music all over again. The talented artists along with the amazing Houseband were a delight to watch every week the show aired. I hope that CBS brings RS back for a third season!! It gives the public a chance to experience talented artists that would otherwise remain unknown, and provides us with great music. Better than American Idol, and definitely very well produced!! Bring back Rockstar: Season 3!!! I really miss this show!!
Posted by Anne A | November 17, 2008 8:47 PM
Rockstar made me watch TV again, and I’d make time to tune in for another season. I started watching to check out INXS, and kept watching because of MiG Ayesa, who has become my favorite artist. Along the way I was impressed by Marty Casey, Deanna Johnston, Magni and others. It was a really good show, yet there are some things that would give it even more appeal.
First, why not feature a favorite artist every week from a past season? During Supernova I wanted to hear about artists from Season 1. I wanted to know what they were up to, if they had a CD to buy, and I wanted to see them perform their own music on the show (and without any money going to Rockstar). I was so disappointed when they didn’t. It seems cross-promotion would pull in fans from all seasons, and fans who have discovered the artists since Rockstar. Some fans have an emotional attachment to the artists they’ve watched for a whole season, meaning they’re pulling for them to succeed. Wouldn’t that engage viewers a lot more and expand the audience?
The second thing that would be cool to see is a solo artist with comments from a rotating panel of successful solo artists, which would also bring in more viewers and make it more interesting. Choosing a lead singer is ok too, although some bands don’t appeal to as many people. And finally, in my opinion the show was a bit manipulative. It almost made me stop watching. Show all artists in a positive light and let the viewers decide. Overall, I’d definitely watch another season of Rockstar!
Posted by Kay | November 17, 2008 8:53 PM
Hey y'all!! YES, please bring back RockStar!!! I truly enjoyed the experience.......and if Led Zeppelin are the band, I'm gonna HAVE to audition again!! Whooohhoooooooo!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Deanna!!!! | November 17, 2008 11:34 PM
I would love to see a third season of Rock Star and I agree with the author of this article that Rock Star Led Zepplin would be the ultimate. But I would also love to see a general talent search for a front man (woman) for the House Band. That house band rocked!!
Personally, I think Magni from RS Supernova would be an ideal front man for a Led Zepplin tour, but just hearing the house band perform the Zepplin catalog would be enough to make me tune in.
I really miss this show. It was entertaining and a great departure from other Reality shows.
This is a splendid suggestion and I hope the PTB at the network take note and bring it back, House Band and all!!
Posted by Nancy | November 17, 2008 11:40 PM
Hey Deanna,
It's Nancy from Team MiG!!!
Too funny to post back to back...and you better audition again, woman!! You've totally got the chops for Zepplin!! I can see it now.
OMG...poor Jaunty...she'd go bananas!!
Posted by Nancy | November 17, 2008 11:43 PM
I would love to see another season of ROCKSTAR! That was the BEST reality / music show on TV evah! I was sooo addicted to that show!
Posted by mauigirl | November 17, 2008 11:55 PM
I love reading all these comments - all this love for Rock Star!
And reading that Deanna would audition again? Just wow! How cool would that be?
CBS, please give us another season!
Posted by cheryl | November 18, 2008 12:45 AM
By far Rock Star was the best music reality show I have ever seen!!
Posted by Rockstar Fan | November 18, 2008 7:55 AM
I'm so happy I came across this article. Yes, PLEASE bring back Rock Star! Totally loved that show, especially the 1st season with INXS. There was so much great talent and some unbelievable music that grownups could enjoy, unlike the crap on American Idol! But please, leave Tommy Lee out of it - I practically had to hold my nose every time he was on the screen!
Posted by LM | November 18, 2008 7:56 AM
ve also learned about Darryl Beaton and Dorian Cheah. Thanks to Deanna, I have gotten to know more of the Women on Fire Artists. I have become more internet savvy, have a facebook and also a myspace. I know how to post pictures, design graphics. All from one reality show series. I love reality tv including idol-theis year's artist were the best ever, but no series has fueled my growth like Rockstar.
It was too bad that there was no promotion for these talented artist after the series because I believe they are all talented in there own right and I am grateful that I know about them.
Bring back RS, The House Band and Brooke. If Led comes on Board, fine, otherwise design a new band and support them after the show. I did go to the Supernova concert when it toured and there were thousands at that concert. Juke Kartel, Dilana and Magni got great response from the crowd as much as the headliners!!
I love MiG Ayesa's debut album MiG and it won't be much longer before Toby Rand and Juke kartel are releasing their debut album also. Their single Save Me is already doing great on the charts in Australia and I think will be a big hit here also. Love Deannas new album and Suzie McNeil's song Believe is being used for the 2010 Winter Olympics. That is but a few of the triumphs arising from the 2 seasons. I want more!
Posted by marybeth | November 18, 2008 8:18 AM
Whoops the first part orf my post disappeared. It said to bring back ROCKSTAR. Without it I would have probably never discovered some of my favorite artists like MiG Ayesa, Marty Casey, Deanna Robinson, Toby Rand and Juke Kartel, Suzie McNeil, Magni. I thought all the rockers on both seasons brought with them some great talent and even the House Band is a group I would pay to see in concert. It is thanks to MiG Ayesa that I learned about other artists like Dorian Cheah and Darryl Beaton. They are also amazing talents.
The music industry is a hard one to break into-why not give another 15 artists a step up??
Posted by marybeth | November 18, 2008 8:25 AM
Bring back Rock Star!! Watching the first season with INXS allowed me to rediscover my love of music, and become a new INXS fan, while the second season entertained me with so many talented singers. The Rock Star show is truly missed and I like the solo singer idea.
Posted by Karen | November 18, 2008 1:46 PM