TVSquad

Okay, I admit it. I like reality TV. Or maybe I should say unscripted TV. These days the parsing of the term "reality" has become as much a discussion as the genre itself. And don't kill me for calling it a genre. It is. It's here to stay. As long as producers can come up with ideas that make money and networks give them air time, reality/non-fiction/unscripted television is going to continue to proliferate the tube.

It's not with any great pride that I admit I'm hooked on reality shows -- some reality shows. My favorites include the high quality, classy shows, like The Amazing Race and Top Chef and Project Runway, as well as trashy ones, i.e. The Real Housewives of Orange County (and New York), Hell's Kitchen and Bridezillas. I like some of the competition-oriented shows, but that doesn't stop me from gazing in astonishment at the train wreck docu-series like Hey Paula and Being Bobby Brown. In fact, when I hear Kathy Griffin riffing on those shows -- her imitation of Whitney screaming "Bobby!" is classic -- I want to cry out, "Yes, yes, I watch that one, too."

High Def -- HD -- is gradually spreading throughout the television business and more and more HD channels are proliferating the dial. Now comes news that one of reality TV mainstays, Survivor, will be shot and broadcast in high definition next season.

With greater clarity, better images, more vibrant colors and depth of image, HD is in many ways like seeing television with new eyes. It really makes a difference. For a show like Survivor which is set in exotic locales and emphasizes the beauty -- and occasional cruelty -- of nature -- HD is going to be a spectacular improvement visually.

Well, here's something about reality TV that didn't make me gag. Survivor mega-producer Mark Burnett has a new unscripted project, greenlighted by CBS, called Jingles. It's a competition show in which contestants have to create tunes for products, commercial jingles. No mud wrestling, no unlocking keys to puzzle pieces the size of boulders, no eating slugs wrapped in wild boar bacon. This time it's all about catchy melodies, clever hooks and lyrics that incorporate product info whether the products an erectile dysfunction pill or a new luxury car.

(S12E01) Yes, it's that time already! Despite occasional teams who have irked me to no end, The Amazing Race has always been my favorite reality television show. I love the whirlwind travel around the world and peeking at places I'll probably never be able to visit in my own lifetime.

The pace can be amazing; the countrysides and cityscapes can be amazing, too. I find I learn from this show as I'm always tempted to research a bit after seeing an episode. The season premiere turned out to be no exception to the rule. It's off to a good start and, so far, I enjoy most of the teams. Those teams I don't care for ... heh ...

Here's a quick list of the major winners at tonight's Emmy Awards.

Supporting Actor - Comedy: Jeremy Piven (Entourage)
Supporting Actor - Drama: Terry O'Quinn (Lost)
Supporting Actress - Comedy: Jamie Pressly (My Name is Earl)
Supporting Actress - Drama: Katherine Heigl (Grey's Anatomy)
Reality Competition Program: The Amazing Race
Lead Actor - Movie or Miniseries: Robert Duvall (Broken Trail)
Lead Actress - Movie or Minseries: Helen Mirren (Prime Suspect)
TV Movie: Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee
Miniseries: Broken Trail
Lead Actress - Comedy: America Ferrara (Ugly Betty)
Lead Actor - Comedy: Ricky Gervais (Extras)
Lead Actress - Drama: Sally Field (Brothers & Sisters)
Lead Actor - Drama: James Spader (Boston Legal)
Comedy Series: 30 Rock
Drama Series: The Sopranos

And check out AOL Television for a complete list of the 2007 Emmy Awards winners.

Also check out our galleries of winners and presenters.

And one more -- our friends down the virtual hall at AOL Television put up a bottomless gallery of broadcast pics.

I'll admit it, I'm a fan of reality TV. However, there is a limit to what I'll watch. Lately, it seems that the networks are desperately creating new reality series. Maybe it's because they fear a writers' strike or maybe they just think we will actually watch?

Earlier today an unnamed major television network sent out a casting call for a reality series that will follow the planning of a Sweet 16 party!

Before American Idol totally takes over the landscape next week when the top 24 start "singing," lots of stuff is happening on, you know, the rest of television. Jack Bauer's on for two hours tonight, while a new season of The Amazing Race revs up Sunday. Here are AOL Television's picks of the week.

24 (Mon., 8PM, Fox)
Seriously, where do 24 presidents find their awful advisors? Monster.com? In particular, the Palmer brothers need a better headhunter. In season two, David Palmer's chief of staff, Mike Novick, organized the Cabinet to use the 25th amendment and declare him unfit for office. Now, Wayne Palmer's chief of staff, Tom Lennox, and vice president, Noah Daniels, are conspiring to enact tougher security measures -- without Palmer's approval. Just goes to show, only Jack Bauer can be trusted.

Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show (Tue., 8PM, USA)
Maybe dogs get stressed out, just like us. They have to replace children and spouses for many owners, look good as celebrities' accessories and perform well at dog shows like Westminster. Next thing you know, we'll want them to attend college. It must be overwhelming. Consider the award-winning whippet named Bohem C'est La Vie, who escaped from her cage after Westminster last year. The police, psychics and group prayers couldn't find her. Hey, even pups need vacation time, too

Last week's winners:

1 star to Jamie: "Unlike Johnny Cash, Liza Minelli was not well received at the prison concert."
2 stars to BobMac: "I'm sorry...I thought you were a urinal."
3 stars to Jason: "T-Bag goes the extra mile to insure that the Fox River Prison Choir has a high soprano."

This week, a scene from the latest episode of The Amazing Race: