TVSquad

It's funny. Today the New York Times talked about a new reality show co-created by Seventeen Magazine and MTV (Adam wrote about it here.) And then also in today's issue they devote an entire feature story to how reality programming might be coming down the other side of the life curve. The format, it says, may be hitting maturity and so is no longer quite the ratings powerhouse it once was. It does say, though, that the audience may be shifting from competition-focused shows like The Apprentice to the wish-fulfillment/fantasy programming of Extreme Makeover and the like.

Laura Bush is going to make an appearance on ABC's hit makeover/reality show Extreme Makeover. She's filming the segment this week, in Biloxi, Mississippi, at a shelter that the show will supply with mattresses, clothing, and other items from Sears.

Companies that specialize in home improvement are getting a boost from shows like Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Shows of that ilk are drawing the attention of well-established businesses, as well as smaller businesses who are trying to get their products on these popular shows, even if only for a few seconds. On the other side are channels such as HGTV, which accepts no outside sponsorship. I never watch these shows myself, choosing instead to stay loyal to This Old House, the show that started it all. It's not as exciting as the current crop of home improvement shows, but it least it presents home improvement as the boring, monotonous task it truly is. If I can give This Old House credit for anything, it's that it has never made me want to work on a home.

In a story we're tired of writing, ABC again has topped the other networks in Sunday night ratings despite a “best of” version of Desperate Housewives. That special drew 23.7 million viewers and gave Grey's Anatomy a lead-in for another record showing of 18 million viewers. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition also won its timeslot with 16.7 million viewers. The surprise of the night was the CBS original movie Locusts starring Lucy Lawless, Xena herself, ringing up 12.7 million viewers. That's not too shabby for such a pitiful looking vehicle. The American Top 40 Awards drew a measly 4 million viewers while The Contender managed to land 5.5 million and 6.4 million viewers for its two episodes that aired back-to-back.

365gay.com lists the hottest home makeover hunks on TV. While the publication's target market is clearly male, I'm guessing our female readers would also enjoy checking out the list that features Ty Pennington, Nate Berkus and other reality show regulars. Of course for the straight guys, there are plenty of home improvement hotties too. Paige Davis, no longer of Trading Spaces, was the original sprite-like DIY cutie. Now there's the more ummm...equipped Paige Hemmis on EMHE. But I still swoon for Genevieve Gorder, late of Trading Spaces, now Town Haul. Feel free to list your favorite handy hotties below, men or women.

Make sure to have an extra batch of tissues ready when EMHE airs this episode. The crew will be building a new home for the parents of Lori Piestewa, the first American Indian woman to die in combat. The family was nominated by Lori's best friend, Jessica Lynch. The famed war veteran will take part in the show and help build the new 4,300 sq ft $500,000 home. The parents were living in a mobile home before the EMHE crew hit town. We'll let you know when the episode is ready to air. This week's EMHE is a repeat.

Desperate Housewives' triumphant return to Sunday night didn't go unnoticed. Actually 24 million people noticed it. That terrific lead-in gave new medical drama Grey's Anatomy 16.3 million viewers for the pilot episode that took the place of Boston Legal. Beginning it all for ABC on Sunday was Extreme Makeover: Home Edition with 16.2 million. Only CBS came close to matching ABC with yet another late NCAA game. The weekend had to be the most exciting college basketball game for game that anyone can remember.

If you haven't learned the "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" abbreviation of EMHE yet, it is time to get started. I'm in the middle of an EMHE marathon going until 6 p.m. EST. Figure I'd let everyone know in case they're bored with sports. Personally, I' in the middle of cleaning the house and preparing dinner and can't keep up with sports when I'm moving around. Also at the end of the episodes they do a “Checking in with...” whatever family was made over. Pretty neat.