My name is Tina and Im a Reality TV addict
Joe and I love reality television. In particular, we love reality television where we get to study people in emotional situations. Our favorite light-hearted reality television (R-TV for short) shows are NBC's "Celebrity Apprentice", Fox's "American Idol", Food Network's "Chopped", WE's "Bridezillas", and TLC's "Cake Boss".
It's the not-so-light shows that really suck us into some serious time with the tube, though. "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew", "Sex Rehab with Dr. Drew", and "Sober House with Dr. Drew" (notice a pattern here) are some of our favorites along with our newest fav "16 and Pregnant". Joe and I can't help but watch these shows and cringe at the raw, hideous emotions we see presented to us. The people depicted are so lost...lost in a way that is even evident to other lost people. Take "Sex Rehab" for example. The individuals on this show are D-list celebrities (placing them on the D-list might be generous) who have entered treatment for sex addictions. Most of them eventually open up about childhood sexual abuse that is most certainly the root of their adult sexual dysfunctions. Dr. Drew Pinski is a masterful therapist, taking in all the ugly things he hears and the tragic behaviors he witnesses without breaking down in tears at the injustice of it all. He uses a listening ear, empathy, and wise questions to lead participants on a path to healing and a return to hopefulness.
Many times Joe and I watch these shows and cry. We see the lostness and the consequences of it presented in full color on our 25-inch screen and we both feel compelled to pray for the folks who are so much more than characters on a TV show, so much more than actors playing a role. What these individuals need is Jesus -- and in many cases, a whole lot more time with Dr. Drew. Why do we continue to put ourselves into emotional-harm's way by watching these sad reality shows? Because in the end we see that the folks have made progress. More often than not they end the show a little more self-aware, a little more hopeful and a little more whole than when they started.
It's the not-so-light shows that really suck us into some serious time with the tube, though. "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew", "Sex Rehab with Dr. Drew", and "Sober House with Dr. Drew" (notice a pattern here) are some of our favorites along with our newest fav "16 and Pregnant". Joe and I can't help but watch these shows and cringe at the raw, hideous emotions we see presented to us. The people depicted are so lost...lost in a way that is even evident to other lost people. Take "Sex Rehab" for example. The individuals on this show are D-list celebrities (placing them on the D-list might be generous) who have entered treatment for sex addictions. Most of them eventually open up about childhood sexual abuse that is most certainly the root of their adult sexual dysfunctions. Dr. Drew Pinski is a masterful therapist, taking in all the ugly things he hears and the tragic behaviors he witnesses without breaking down in tears at the injustice of it all. He uses a listening ear, empathy, and wise questions to lead participants on a path to healing and a return to hopefulness.
Many times Joe and I watch these shows and cry. We see the lostness and the consequences of it presented in full color on our 25-inch screen and we both feel compelled to pray for the folks who are so much more than characters on a TV show, so much more than actors playing a role. What these individuals need is Jesus -- and in many cases, a whole lot more time with Dr. Drew. Why do we continue to put ourselves into emotional-harm's way by watching these sad reality shows? Because in the end we see that the folks have made progress. More often than not they end the show a little more self-aware, a little more hopeful and a little more whole than when they started.
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