"Billy the
Exterminator"
Billy is my boy! Whether he's clearing an attic of bats or making caging a
possum in a basement appear to rival a Navy SEAL expedition (one episode is
called "When Raccoons Attack"), he's a blast to watch. In fact, Billy's
extermination career began while he was in the Air Force. But, it's not the
histrionics or even his command of Latin names for a variety of diseases that
could result from various animal attacks that make him so interesting to watch
-- it's his style, which is part heavy metal, part Joe Dirt.
Bing: 'Billy the Exterminator' | Billy Bretherton
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(A&E)
427c3871-5cd6-4222-bb27-48146224dddf
"Ghost
Hunters"
Speaking of ghosts, this gem features former Roto-Rooter employees now
investigating sites that have been reported haunted. Not only do they lug along
equipment that enables them to detect paranormal activity, but also an open mind
that enables them to "debunk" what they agree is nothing. They report their
findings, or lack thereof, at the end of every episode, and while skeptics are
all over them for "hidden strings" and the like, they wouldn't be if the show
wasn't working.
Bing: 'Ghost Hunters' | Watch clips
Want more TV? Like MSN TV on Facebook and follow MSN TV on Twitter.
(Syfy)
3d25fa35-e702-413e-bce6-dd05ac303b86
"Celebrity
Ghost Stories"
This is a particular favorite of mine, largely due to the celebrities who
share their "paranormal encounters," from Scott Baio, Daryl Hannah, Justine Bateman and Shelley Long to rockers like Sammy Hagar and Marilyn Manson (okay, so Manson's no surprise).
Them telling their tale is entertaining on a variety of levels, from
matter-of-fact think-what-you-want riveting to "where have I seen her before and
is she high right now" incredulous. The reenactments don't build the tension one
would want (and expect), but the utter abandon of the many B-listers does.
Bing: 'Celebrity Ghost Stories' | Scott Baio
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"Celebrity Ghost Stories" airs Saturdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on
Biography.
(Biography)
f6f2a9ae-da37-4f2c-a75c-e75f2889d3b1
"Ice Road
Truckers"
Oh yeah, the missus is going to kick that bowl of Fritos out of your lap when
you put on this baby, but tell her you'll watch an episode of the "Real
Housewives" of her choice in exchange. She'll gain a new appreciation for
that trucker who makes her a nervous wreck on the highway after seeing these
exhausted, trembling, typically bearded guys behind the wheels of enormous rigs
in horrible weather, hour upon hour, driving over frozen lakes doubling as
roads.
Bing: 'Ice Road Truckers'
Want more TV? Like MSN TV on Facebook and follow MSN TV on Twitter.
"Ice Road Truckers" airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on History.
(History)
83435540-58c9-4093-bba5-5dc0474abe18
"PitchMen"
Simply put, this show is a hoot. Having lost the familiar face of co-host and
infomercial superstar Billy Mays after the first season,
the show's fate hung in the balance (and does again). Anthony "Sully" Sullivan
cobbled together a fun season two despite the passing of his friend, and perhaps
due to the passing of the torch. Besides, it's the wannabe inventors pitching
their wares, from an odor-removing spray to a robot whisk, that provides the
most enjoyment.
Bing: 'PitchMen' | Billy Mays
Want more TV? Like MSN TV on Facebook and follow MSN TV on Twitter.
(Discovery)
a401e03b-0f99-4a21-b09a-79eaae021f45
"MythBusters"
Created in 2002, "MythBusters" has had a nice long run and heck, even
President Obama popped in on one episode, yet lots of folks still pass right on
by the series, not knowing what they're missing. The "MythBusters" themselves, a
ragtag crew that could rival the "Jackass" gang, tackle every myth out there, from flipping
cabs over and beyond, all in an effort to relay to the viewer if said myth is
"busted," "plausible," or "confirmed." They truly "arrived" this past February,
by lending their voices to an episode of "The
Simpsons."
Bing: 'MythBusters' | Watch clips and more
Want more TV? Like MSN TV on Facebook and follow MSN TV on Twitter.
"MythBusters" airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Discovery.
(Discovery)
d94a7438-bb07-4595-a4e6-5f92c750ada7
"Steven Seagal:
Lawman"
The initial reaction to the trailers for this series was largely that it was
a riff on "Reno 911!," with former
action star Seagal planting tongue firmly in
cheek as he "played sheriff" in small town America. But, no, this was serious
business (even while Seagal's rank of reserve deputy chief was described as
"largely ceremonial"). So serious, in fact, that season two was pre-empted while
a lawsuit was filed against Seagal. A third season was announced, but all web
traces of it disappeared in early 2012. Watching Seagal play lawman for real was
pleasantly surreal, but my man should of said yes to that "Expendables" sequel.
Bing: 'Steven Seagal: Lawman' | Steven Seagal
Want more TV? Like MSN TV on Facebook and follow MSN TV on Twitter.
(A&E)
0d9f257b-28e7-4ebc-9fa2-5f466b05143b
"Cake
Boss"
Father of four, "Buddy" Valastro, has taken his family business to places
they never dreamed, and this is a New Jersey family business we're talking about
here, folks. He began working at Carlo's Bakery, where the show is filmed, at
the age of 17, and with one of his sons being named Carlo and his "right-hand
man" (pastry chef), Mauro, married to one of his sisters, the show really does
play out kinda like "Donnie Brasco Goes to the Bakery."
Bing: 'Cake Boss' | "Buddy" Valastro
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"Cake Boss" airs Mondays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on TLC.
(TLC)
01b597b5-6e69-4519-a2fa-97810681c774
"Gold Rush:
Alaska"
The "storyline" of these down-on-their-luck guys couldn't possibly resonate
more today, with the economy in the shape that it is in. But the "let's mine for
gold" solution would seem -- on the surface anyway -- plum loco! Yet, they're
getting their gold, whether it's in Porcupine Creek, Alaska, or from the ratings
the quiet hit is enjoying. There's been some huffing and puffing that the show
is scripted, but that's akin to the age-old "wrestling is fake" argument. Who
cares?
Bing: 'Gold Rush: Alaska'
Want more TV? Like MSN TV on Facebook and follow MSN TV on Twitter.
(Discovery)
36d50801-38f2-42b3-8763-6cc879e15c54
"Storage Wars"
At a barbecue last summer, everyone was talking TV, from what would happen on
"Two and a
Half Men" to "Grey's
Anatomy." Then someone up and said, "I never miss 'Storage
Wars.'" Huh? Yet another reality show with an incredibly basic premise:
Auction off the contents of a storage locker where the rent has gone unpaid to
"professional buyers" after they each get a 5-minute look-see -- "Storage Wars"
has a devoted following. Those buyers include The Gambler, The Mogul, and The
Young Guns, and has already spawned a spin-off, "Storage
Wars: Texas." Fitting given those names, which all sound like Kenny Rogers
tunes. I guess you would have to know when to hold 'em, and know when to fold
'em ...
Bing: 'Storage Wars' | 'Storage Wars: Texas'
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"Storage Wars" airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on A&E.
(A&E)
6c61e1c9-21ec-4104-a68a-7f8815893964
"Wilson
Phillips: Still Holding On"
For anyone who even just checks in on a Kardashian, you honestly don't know
what you're missing here. Chynna Phillips is all of the sisters in one, her
bratty feet never touching the ground. The pop trio can barely contain their
dislike of one another (and two are sisters!), with Carnie Wilson gleefully flatulent, sister Wendy hilariously detached and the gorgeous Mrs.
Billy Baldwin clearly enthralled by herself to the
extent that the fact that she alienates everyone the minute she enters a room is
lost on her. The only thing more gorgeous than Chynna is the melodies the three
continue to churn out.
Bing: 'Wilson Phillips: Still Holding On' | Chynna Phillips
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"Wilson Phillips: Still Holding On" airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on TV
Guide Network.
(TV Guide Network)
1b96e359-30bf-4076-9673-387a366cca8a
"Hoarders"
My family didn't know what to call my oldest sister until this series
debuted! While the intervention end of each 60-minute installment makes for some
tense, even cathartic, moments, it is the overstuffed quarters themselves that
are captivating, time and again. From a bedroom that is stacked so high with
junk that the windows can't be seen, or accessed, to entire apartments devoted
to keepsakes and tag-sale throwaways, "Hoarders" borders on brilliant, thanks to its simplicity.
Bing: 'Hoarders'
Want more TV? Like MSN TV on Facebook and follow MSN TV on Twitter.
(A&E)
24f02b86-d81e-457c-b910-a63877deccd9
You don't know what you might be missing
By Vinnie Penn Special to MSN TV
The most-watched reality TV shows may be on the major networks, plus get
major ratings, but that doesn't mean that they are the be-all-end-all when it
comes to reality TV.
I know what you're thinking: "Well, of course not -- what about all those
Housewives and Kardashians?" And you're right. But elsewhere, on channels you
might ordinarily skip over, where TV series with subject matter that might not
even seem remotely entertaining, some of the best, most compelling reality
television is taking place.
The Food Network made a name for itself with its reality TV programming.
Having kicked it up a notch since Emeril; their competition shows rival "Idol" as far as
fan-base and fervor. This season's "Next Food Network Star"
(now known simply as "Food Network Star") is quite possibly its best yet, for
starters. Taking a cue from "The Voice," Bobby Flay,
Giada DeLaurentiis and Alton Brown are judges-cum-mentors and each assembling a
team to go head-to-head, with one "coach" ultimately delivering this season's
winner. "Chopped All-Stars" is
also making a splash since its April bow.
Here is a list of some reality TV you might not know about
but should:
Bing: 'Food Network Star'
What's your favorite underrated reality TV show? Tell us at MSN TV
on Facebook and Twitter.
"The Next Food Network Star" airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Food
Network.
(Food Network)
Description:
"Billy the
Exterminator"
Billy is my boy! Whether he's clearing an attic of bats or making caging a
possum in a basement appear to rival a Navy SEAL expedition (one episode is
called "When Raccoons Attack"), he's a blast to watch. In fact, Billy's
extermination career began while he was in the Air Force. But, it's not the
histrionics or even his command of Latin names for a variety of diseases that
could result from various animal attacks that make him so interesting to watch
-- it's his style, which is part heavy metal, part Joe Dirt.
Bing: 'Billy the Exterminator' | Billy Bretherton
Want more TV? Like MSN TV on Facebook and follow MSN TV on Twitter.
(A&E)
Description:
"Ghost
Hunters"
Speaking of ghosts, this gem features former Roto-Rooter employees now
investigating sites that have been reported haunted. Not only do they lug along
equipment that enables them to detect paranormal activity, but also an open mind
that enables them to "debunk" what they agree is nothing. They report their
findings, or lack thereof, at the end of every episode, and while skeptics are
all over them for "hidden strings" and the like, they wouldn't be if the show
wasn't working.
Bing: 'Ghost Hunters' | Watch clips
Want more TV? Like MSN TV on Facebook and follow MSN TV on Twitter.
(Syfy)
Description:
"Celebrity
Ghost Stories"
This is a particular favorite of mine, largely due to the celebrities who
share their "paranormal encounters," from Scott Baio, Daryl Hannah, Justine Bateman and Shelley Long to rockers like Sammy Hagar and Marilyn Manson (okay, so Manson's no surprise).
Them telling their tale is entertaining on a variety of levels, from
matter-of-fact think-what-you-want riveting to "where have I seen her before and
is she high right now" incredulous. The reenactments don't build the tension one
would want (and expect), but the utter abandon of the many B-listers does.
Bing: 'Celebrity Ghost Stories' | Scott Baio
Want more TV? Like MSN TV on Facebook and follow MSN TV on Twitter.
"Celebrity Ghost Stories" airs Saturdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on
Biography.
(Biography)
Description:
"Ice Road
Truckers"
Oh yeah, the missus is going to kick that bowl of Fritos out of your lap when
you put on this baby, but tell her you'll watch an episode of the "Real
Housewives" of her choice in exchange. She'll gain a new appreciation for
that trucker who makes her a nervous wreck on the highway after seeing these
exhausted, trembling, typically bearded guys behind the wheels of enormous rigs
in horrible weather, hour upon hour, driving over frozen lakes doubling as
roads.
Bing: 'Ice Road Truckers'
Want more TV? Like MSN TV on Facebook and follow MSN TV on Twitter.
"Ice Road Truckers" airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on History.
(History)
Description:
"PitchMen"
Simply put, this show is a hoot. Having lost the familiar face of co-host and
infomercial superstar Billy Mays after the first season,
the show's fate hung in the balance (and does again). Anthony "Sully" Sullivan
cobbled together a fun season two despite the passing of his friend, and perhaps
due to the passing of the torch. Besides, it's the wannabe inventors pitching
their wares, from an odor-removing spray to a robot whisk, that provides the
most enjoyment.
Bing: 'PitchMen' | Billy Mays
Want more TV? Like MSN TV on Facebook and follow MSN TV on Twitter.
(Discovery)
Description:
"MythBusters"
Created in 2002, "MythBusters" has had a nice long run and heck, even
President Obama popped in on one episode, yet lots of folks still pass right on
by the series, not knowing what they're missing. The "MythBusters" themselves, a
ragtag crew that could rival the "Jackass" gang, tackle every myth out there, from flipping
cabs over and beyond, all in an effort to relay to the viewer if said myth is
"busted," "plausible," or "confirmed." They truly "arrived" this past February,
by lending their voices to an episode of "The
Simpsons."
Bing: 'MythBusters' | Watch clips and more
Want more TV? Like MSN TV on Facebook and follow MSN TV on Twitter.
"MythBusters" airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Discovery.
(Discovery)
Description:
"Steven Seagal:
Lawman"
The initial reaction to the trailers for this series was largely that it was
a riff on "Reno 911!," with former
action star Seagal planting tongue firmly in
cheek as he "played sheriff" in small town America. But, no, this was serious
business (even while Seagal's rank of reserve deputy chief was described as
"largely ceremonial"). So serious, in fact, that season two was pre-empted while
a lawsuit was filed against Seagal. A third season was announced, but all web
traces of it disappeared in early 2012. Watching Seagal play lawman for real was
pleasantly surreal, but my man should of said yes to that "Expendables" sequel.
Bing: 'Steven Seagal: Lawman' | Steven Seagal
Want more TV? Like MSN TV on Facebook and follow MSN TV on Twitter.
(A&E)