New summer TV 2008
Show: Legally Blonde the Musical: The Search for Elle Woods,” MTV, June 2
Premise: The movie-turned-Broadway show is now a reality series. The MTV show promises to find the next Broadway lead to play Elle Woods, the character Reese Witherspoon made famous in the two films.
Why you should watch: All the reality show staples that have hooked you before: backstabbing, fights, tears and skimpy outfits now with Broadway jazz hands (manicured, of course). (Joan Marcus / Associated Press)
Show: Celebrity Circus, NBC, June 11
Premise: Current reality show and red carpet fixture Joey Fatone pops up once again to host seven other reality regulars as they compete in such death-defying acts as fire dancing, flying trapeze and “Wheel of Death.”
Why you should watch: The names may not be jaw-dropping (Antonio Sabato Jr.? Christopher Knight? Wee Man?!?), but the stunts are fun no matter whos doing them. Added bonus? No clowns. (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)
Show: “High School Musical: Get in the Picture,” ABC, July 20
Premise: Nick Lachey returns to his reality roots when he hosts this High School Musical spinoff competition.
Why you should watch: Because this might be the worst premise for a show in history, and you want to be prepared to mock it. For two hours a week, wannabe HSM stars will tirelessly compete for the grand prize: an appearance in a music video shown in the end credits of the feature film Disney’s High School Musical 3: Senior Year. No, seriously. From what we can tell, this is pretty much a competition to become an extra. (Gerardo Mora / Getty Images)
