Project Runway is back! • Why Padma actually left Top Chef • Iron Chef Morimoto's new show • and much more
Dear newsletter friends,
Thanks to a friend's kindness and generosity—and specifically the fun packing material used to send that—I was able to do something I could not back in the 1980s: reproduce a Mister Wizard experiment right in my own kitchen.
So satisfying!
Also this week, I published an excerpt from a book by Alone’s first female winner, Woniya Thibeault.
In it, she tells the behind-the-scenes story of when she ‘scared the hell out of’ herself and Alone’s producers.
I always appreciate hearing what it's like for reality TV show contestants, and what they went through, so I'm grateful for the opportunity to publish that excerpt.
And grateful for the dry ice!
😍 Two reviews and a follow-up
Reviews:
Project Runway All Stars: returning designers brought back the show’s life
Morimoto's Sushi Master: a familiar format elevated by Morimoto's playful presence
And the follow-up:
After Top Chef 20’s great finale, I had several questions, and found answers.
🗓️ This week's reality TV
Other reality TV shows premiering this week include new seasons of Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta, Our Planet, and Survivor winner Kim Wolfe's Why the Heck Did I Buy This House?
Also, JoJo Fletcher and Jordan Rogers' The Big D, which was rescued from cancellation by USA Network, and a new Temptation Island premiered.
Among documentaries and specials premiering this week are ones focusing on "the complex history of Black soldiers in the United States military," "America’s Dangerous Trucks," and Gabrielle Union's "Journey to 50."
🗞️ Reality TV news
Tough As Nails is back this summer, but with a mystifying schedule
From the person who tweeted Big Brother 25 would premiere earlier (it's actually premiering later) and Julie Chen Moonves may not return to host (alas, she did) comes a tweet claiming CBS might pull the live feeds (CBS already announced live feeds will return).
90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days had its own catfish
Survivor players Brice Izyah and Ozzy Lusth celebrated Pride with a PG-13 video and a caption that said, "We refuse to remain hidden in closets! Embrace your true self and live life on your own terms!"
💬 Comments of the week
I was disappointed in the group of people selected to go to Mars.
They do not appreciate the environment they are in. In other words, the whole thing was wasted on the cast.
I would love to see NERDS in this show. NERDS who would be giddy just being there; you know, Star Trek Nerds!
—Misty, on this review
Thank you for providing a really great behind the scenes look at The Amazing Race. It has always been one of my favorite TV shows. There was a time when I could really see myself being on that show as a contestant, but I did not have anyone to go with me.
—Jan, on this story
🤩 I recommend
That's it for this week. I hope you have a terrific weekend, and a Happy Juneteenth Day on Monday.
best,
Andy
🌄 This is issue 341 of reality blurred’s weekly newsletter, first sent 16 June 2023, and it's thrilled to have Project Runway back
📸 Photo of a red panda at the San Diego Zoo by Lance Anderson