Altar Reality.

I have never watched a reality TV show.

Sure, I've flipped channels and landed on Survivor or American Idol, but I've never stayed.

Why would I?

A week or two ago, I answered a Craigslist ad. The poster was looking for a "blogger/marketing" person, and it so happened that it was for some guy who was once on one of these shows, and had since carved out a niche as an "expert." He is a pure Hollywood type; he has a Playmate wife, and he probably doesn't eat lunch as much as do it.

So I talked to the guy. The first sentence out of his mouth was, "A lot of people think I'm looking for a blogger." Well, I thought, that's exactly the wording of the ad, so--yeah--I'm thinking he's looking for a blogger. He went on to describe his needs and his project, and said he was really looking for someone who was "passionate" about "reality."

Look, I love reality. But "reality?"

Anyway,  I listened to his pitch, and after I hung up, I burst out laughing.

Did I mention the reason that I've never watched a reality TV show? Do I have to mention the reason why I've never watched a reality TV show?

I didn't think so.

Which brings me to Jerry Seinfeld.

Now Seinfeld I've watched. I still do, faithfully--its reruns oddly never turning stale on me. Part of the genius of that show is that the "Jerry" character is actually the least interesting of the ensemble. That, and the brilliant comedic mind of co-creator Larry David, of course.

Now what the hell do these two seemingly disparate TV forms have to do with each other? 

 

From THR.com: 

Jerry Seinfeld is reteaming with NBC to launch his first reality series.

The comedian's project is tentatively called "The Marriage Ref" and features celebrities, comedians and athletes who will judge couples in the midst of marital disputes while recommending various strategies to resolve their problems.

Seinfeld is partnering with "The Oprah Winfrey Show" veteran Ellen Rakieten on the project, which reunites the comedian with the network that aired his hit sitcom "Seinfeld" for nine years.

NBC co-chair Ben Silverman said Seinfeld pitched the show as a companion piece of sorts to his classic sitcom. The comedian increasingly has used married life for material in his stand-up act. So while being a bachelor inspired "Seinfeld," the comedian's married years will inspire his unscripted program.

"Some of the greatest comedies in the history of television have been around marriages," Silverman said. "The concept is so universal and accessible, and obviously it works so well when it comes from somebody with a point of view -- and nobody has a stronger point of view on this subject than Seinfeld."

Six one-hour episodes have been ordered for a planned fall release.

I will actually give this a try. I may not stay until the closing credits, but I'll probably make it at least until the first commercial break.

Not that there's anything wrong with that...