Skip navigation

Best and worst reality-show hosts


< Prev | 1 | 2
  Television video
  Sesame Street turning 40
Nov. 8: Sesame Street marks its 40th anniversary on Tuesday on PBS. Msnbc's Alex Witt talks with In Touch Weekly's Tom O'Neil about the landmark TV show for children.

Q: Do the people on the "jury" (Survivor) get to see what goes on during the weeks until the big decision is made? Do they get to watch the tapes while the show is in process? For example, did the jury know that Johnny's grandmother (Survivor)really didn't die prior to the voting?        —Erin

A: Unlike "Big Brother," the "Survivor" jury doesn't watch any footage of the show.

As for what they can talk about, it's a little confusing. A CBS spokeswoman informs us that the jury is asked not to discuss anything that happened after a particular person was voted off the show. They can, CBS tells us, discuss things that they shared. It's unclear whether they're allowed to shed new light on events, for example, say "oh, remember that time we were on the island together and I told you another player said this? I lied." We'd think they could, though, since they indeed shared that event.

Story continues below ↓
advertisement | your ad here

The reason the jury shows up to Tribal Council each week is to gather information. And depending upon the outcome of the vote, the jury can make educated guesses about alliances, betrayals, and other relevant information. But most of the jury's information comes from its membership: the people who were eliminated and knew what was going on until Jeff snuffed out their torch.

As to Jonny Fairplay's lie, since he was eliminated from the game and became a member of the jury, their knowledge of his lie didn't matter. They may have disliked him more if they found out, but he wasn't one of the final two receiving their votes. He may have told them, but otherwise they found out by watching TV along with the rest of us.    —A.D. and G.F.C.

Q: So where do we sign up for ‘The Biggest Loser’?    —Sandra
What is the name of the new theme song from “The Biggest Loser”? I really like it and want to work out to it, it's a great motivator.”     —Edward

A: Until recently, it wasn't clear if "The Biggest Loser" would be filming any more seasons. But the show is improving in the ratings — according to Variety, over 10 million people watched last week's episode — and that means there will be a third season.

The online "Biggest Loser" application can be found on NBC's site. You'll need to download and fill out a form talking about your weight and your reasons for wanting to lose, as well as make a VHS audition tape. The show is also looking for relatives who want to lose weight as a team, which is no doubt for the one-off special episodes we wrote about earlier.

The show's theme song is "Proud," from British soul singer Heather Small ("What have you done today, to make you feel proud?") It sounds to me like the same version that appears on the "Queer as Folk" soundtrack. And I agree, it's very inspirational. The city of London agreed — Small's official Web site notes that "Proud" was selected as the official song for London's victorious bid for the 2012 Olympics.    —G.F.C.

Gael Fashingbauer Cooper is MSNBC.com's Television Editor. Andy Dehnart is a writer and teacher who publishes reality blurred, a daily summary of reality TV news.

© 2009 msnbc.com Reprints


< Prev | 1 | 2

Sponsored links

Resource guide