TVSquad

The makeover/lifestyle program has a unique niche in the Reality Revolution. Where other reality programs abide by the phrase "Only the Strong Survive," makeover shows are normally an individual or group effort. It comes from the shows themselves, of course, as they are intent in making life just a little bit better for the participants.

It may be redesigning a room in a neighbor's home, making over one's wardrobe, losing weight, controlling one's family or even turning someone from an ugly duckling into a swan. Granted, the hosts of these shows may show a bit of arrogance toward those trying to make a better life for themselves or others, but that just makes those wanting the makeover or lifestyle change even more interesting to the viewer. Plus, it doesn't hurt the star status of the hosts themselves.

The other interesting thing about this genre of reality program is, save for a handful of shows on the five major networks, the bulk of these programs are broadcast over the cable airwaves. Perhaps that's done to counteract some of the more sleazy reality programming that the cable networks produce. Or, maybe it's the fact that many of the channels that cater to the self-improvement set are on cable themselves. Either way, it is a genre that is quite popular and continues to grow year after year.

Gallery: Reality TV History: Makeovers

A day hasn't gone by where we haven't received some sort of tip or email asking us, the TV Squad, how to get on [insert reality show here]. Unfortunately no, Simon Cowell does not work for us, and Donald Trump isn't my BFF, so we really can't help all that much.

The folks at RealityWanted.com often send us a list of new and existing reality shows that are looking for new, er, talent, and they've given us permission to make mention of them here. We'll try to make this a regular feature as often as we get a new list.

This time we have Trading Spaces, The Newlywed Game and other new shows.

A day hasn't gone by where we haven't received some sort of tip or email asking us, the TV Squad, how to get on [insert reality show here]. Unfortunately no, Simon Cowell does not work for us, and Donald Trump isn't my BFF, so we really can't help all that much.

The folks at RealityWanted.com often send us a list of new and existing reality shows that are looking for new, er, talent, and they've given us permission to make mention of them here. We'll try to make this a regular feature as often as we get a new list.

This time we have Big Brother, Trading Spaces, Over Your Head and other new shows.

Man, I must have really missed this news, or it was something that was way under the radar when it was first reported. Either way, it turns out that Paige Davis, the eternally cheerful former host of TLC's Trading Spaces is returning to the show that made her a household name.

Her comeback begins this Saturday with the show's eighth season premiere. She was fired from the show three years ago without any explanation (although, I'm sure some of you 'insiders' know the real reason why she was let go). The show went on without a host after that and slowly disappeared into the universe of home improvement programs, which were actually spawned from the success of Trading Spaces in the first place. And, if that's not irony...

The show will be going back to its roots -- two houses, two days, $1000. Some of the original cast, like Hildi Santo-Tomas, will also be returning (I don't know if she really ever left). There will be a new production company, though, and the home owners will be slightly different. Instead of having two sets of friendly neighbors look for divorced couples, disgruntled employees and their ex-bosses, and rival cheerleaders to decorate each others homes.

Earlier this month Bob reported on the arrest of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition host Ty Pennington in a drunk driving case. Back then, the Trading Spaces alum was charged with two misdemeanor counts: driving with a blood-alcohol level above the 0.08 percent limit and driving under the influence of alcohol. Last week he entered a plea of 'no contest' to the charges.

Actually, according to Frank Mateljan, a spokesman for the city attorney's office, Pennington entered the plea for the first charge only since the other count was dismissed (which is normal for a first offense, according to Mateljan). The judge in the case placed Pennington on three years probation, restricted his driving privileges for 90 days and ordered him to participate in a 90-day alcohol program and attend a Mothers Against Drunk Drivers meeting. He also had the phrase 'I'm a television star and I'm stupid' etched into his forehead. All right, I made that last one up, but it would be apropos in this case.

In a statement released by his publicist, Pennington said that he was glad to bring closure to his recent court proceedings. He also added that drinking and driving are never acceptable. Um, don't you think you should have thought about that in the first place, Ty?

• At 8, ABC has Toy Story 2, followed by a new episode of...The Evidence?! Weird how these forgotten shows come out of the woodwork in the summer. But they can't show those unseen eps of Eyes?
  
• CBS has repeats of NCIS, Cold Case, and 48 Hours Mystery.
• NBC has Game 3 of the Oilers/Hurricanes hockey playoff at 8.
• Over on FOX at 8, a new Cops, then a repeat Cops, then a new America's Most Wanted.
• TBS has Old School at 8, while E! has Dazed and Confused.
• Also at 8: Cartoon Network has a new Zatch Bell.
• At 9, TLC has a new Trading Spaces.
• VH-1 has a new Behind The Scenes at 9, profiling Nick Lachey.
• There's a new Naruto on Cartoon Network, at 9.
• At 10, VH-1 has Showgirls. Ha!
• Also at 10: IFC has a new Henry Rollins Show.