Geek Reality TV
I think it started with Bill Nye the Science Guy in the early 90’s and then the very successful Mythbusters. These shows captured the hearts of science enthusiasts by giving someone the time and budget to try all the cool experiments you’d be maimed, killed or sued for if you tried yourself.
And, like any good series, they’re being copied… poorly. I’ve only seen the British shows (Men In White and Brainiac) but I’m sure there are American spin-offs as well.
Actually, the American’s seem to have gone and setup a camera in somebody’s workshop so we have American Chopper, American Hotrods and Rides.
These shows are far from the idyllic world of Star Trek with a cast who aren’t heroes like Star Gate: SG-1 and yet their objectives aren’t pointless tasks like Survivor or Big Brother.
I’m waiting to see the rights to these shows bought by South African TV producers; I can just see Pimp My Ride going down well in Durban.
