This isn't the first time Cartoon Network has taken a step away from cartoons. The network has aired live-actions series and movies in the past. But for summer 2009, the network has decided to not only go for more live-action series, they're also making reality shows, essentially junior editions of prime-time series: Actually, calling them "junior editoins" is being generous, these shows are generally rip-offs right down to the theme music of "Survive This."
"The Outsiders" (8 tonight) = "Paranormal State"
"Survive This" (8:30 tonight) = "Survivor"
"Destroy Build Destroy" (8:30 p.m. Saturday) = "Monster Garage" or any of the other blow 'em up, build 'em up cable shows
I couldn't find an exact analog for "Brain Rush" (8 p.m. Saturday), a game show set at an amusement park where contestants only learn they're playing when they strap into a roller coaster. Then they have to answer questions while riding the coaster, although not exactly difficult questions. ("Is Vin Diesel an actor or a product?")
CN hasn't completely abandoned animation. Last week the network premiered "Total Drama Action" (9 p.m. Thursday), a scripted, animated series about teen contestants on a reality series. The show gets all the types right but it's not all that funny or even outrageous (think: "Drawn Together," Comedy Central's animated reality show).
Posted
Jun 17 2009, 01:52 AM
by
Rob Owen