Gym, Tan, See You Later

MTV announced earlier this week that the upcoming sixth season would be the final season of their uber-hit ‘Jersey Shore.’

Can everyone say their collective “thank Gods” now?

I think I’m one of the few people in the world that can honestly say I’ve never seen an episode of the show.

My knowledge of the cast’s antics comes from shows like ‘The Soup’ and ‘Chelsea Lately.’ So I guess you could say my opinion of the program (and its “stars”) is pretty low.

I’m not a fan of reality television. To say I don’t watch any of it would be a misnomer, though. I do like ‘Pawn Stars,’ ‘Shark Week,’ and ‘Hoarders.’ And, if I’m being totally honest, I was a fan of the first season of ‘The Osbournes.’

Still, in the grand scheme of things, I think reality television is akin to having my fingernails ripped out.

A couple of years ago, the ‘Jersey Shore’ cast took the world by storm. They were an odd group of uneducated, loud and orange little creatures. I tried to ignore them – even though they were everywhere.

You want to know what, though? I still like them better than the Kardashians. If someone can explain why those people are famous to me I’d really appreciate it.

It used to be that you became famous through talent. You were a great author – like J.K. Rowling. You were a great singer – like Elvis Presley. You were a great actor – like Robert De Niro.

Now, all you need to be famous is a low IQ, a big derriere, a baby while you’re still a teenager or multiple births.

When did that happen?

In the grand scheme of things, reality television has dumbed down America. Instead of our country’s children looking up to people like Eleanor Roosevelt, Maya Angelou or Mother Theresa they aspire to be Snooki, a teen mom or (shudder) Honey Boo Boo.

Speaking of the newest reality sensation, I saw on the news last night that TLC’s ‘Here Comes Honey Boo Boo’ got more viewers than Fox News’ Convention coverage airing at the same time. Does that frighten anyone else?

I love television – that should come as a surprise to no one.

Still, I don’t think that television should be about making fun of real people. I mean, does the family on that Honey Boo Boo show realize that they’re not famous because they’re talented but because everyone in the free world gets off on making fun of them?

MTV producers cited rising production costs and the fame of the ‘Jersey Shore’ cast as the reason for the cancellation of the show.

MTV programming executive vice-president Chris Linn said in an interview with TV Guide that MTV is “constantly reinventing” itself and this would be a great challenge for them – especially since they are delving into more scripted television.

Here’s a thought, why don’t you show some music videos MTV.

It's probably asking too much for the Music Television Network to actually air videos though huh?

Still, anything is better than another season of no-talent wonders wandering around acting like idiots.

What do you think? Are you relieved ‘Jersey Shore’ has been cancelled?