“I Survived a Japanese Game Show”
Tuesday 9pm, ABC
There’s a great episode of “The Simpsons” where the family gets stranded in Japan and, to earn plane fare home, they subject themselves to the unspeakable humiliations of a Japanese game show. I’m guessing the producers of this series saw that one, since this is pretty much the same concept. Ten American famewhores sign up to be on a game show, unaware that the game show takes place in Japan, and that it will be insane. In addition to the assorted physical challenges, they’ll have to assimilate to Japanese culture with the aid of actor/interpreter Tony Sano (never heard of him) and have to contend with both a prickly house mother and the stereotypically nutso host. We can only hope that comes close to the awesomeness of “Most Extreme Elimination Challenge.” The good news is, after this, you’ll probably feel a lot better about what Americans watch on TV.
“Shear Genius”
Wednesday 10pm, Bravo
I’m one of the few who totally dug the first season of Bravo’s hairstyling competition. Sure, it climaxed too soon with the untimely ouster of catlike uber-bitch Tabatha in the penultimate episode, but it did give us some fantastic moments (Daisy totally frying/dying that one poor girl’s hair pink) and some pretty cool hair. Now it’s back with 12 sassy new contestants who are possibly even gayer than the last “Project Runway” crew. The judging panel has been almost completely overhauled, but sticking around are hunky Teutonic mentor Rene Fris (creator of the most inane catchphrase in pop culture history, “Go shag it!”) and host Jaclyn Smith, still foxy at 63 years old (really!).
“Singing Office”
Sunday 9pm, TLC
Another import of a successful British concept, this new show features hosts Joey Fatone (formerly of ’NSync) and Mel B (of Spice Girls fame) showing up “uninvited” to American workplaces and conscripting the workers into a week-long song-and-dance intensive. At the end there’s a choreographed sing-off, and the winners advance for a chance to win $50,000 in the season finale. I can actually see this catching on a la “Trading Spaces,” since there’s the whole “it could happen to me” thing mixed with our nation’s desperate need for attention. But I am concerned that, given our current economy, I don’t think American productivity should be sacrificed to keep Scary Spice in designer leopard print. But who am I kidding? I can never say no to you, Joey Fatone! (I’m not proud of it, but I accept it.)