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ShareThe ultra-tan crew of “Jersey Shore” is already fist-pumping, Ben Flajnik has, by now, gotten back in the reality dating game as the newest “Bachelor.” And celebrities have been switching spouses on “Celebrity Wife Swap.” But if your DVR has not yet reached its reality show limit, here’s a look at some new reality offerings networks are rolling out later in the season.
“Shipping Wars”: A&E has already made us wish we had the patience to make a life out of scouring repossessed storage units for riches. Now the cable network presents “Shipping Wars,” which follows six independent shippers who’ve found that mega bucks can be made transporting items that traditional carriers won’t consider transferring — kittens, a hot dog stand, a Civil War cannon. Premiered Jan. 10.
“ReModeled”: The CW, home of “America’s Next Top Model” (yes, it’s still on) once again, looks to the fashion world for a new reality hit. In “ReModeled,” modeling industry vet Paul Fisher aims to bring noble changes to the industry by banding together hundreds of small agencies in a new venture called the Network. Premieres Jan. 17.
“Comic Book Men”: The network that has built its brand of original programming on critically acclaimed scripted series such as “Mad Men” and “Breaking Bad” will soon see if its golden touch can work in the reality world. AMC’s first foray into the genre — which includes four shows that will roll out over the course of the year — leads off with “Comic Book Men.” The show is set in filmmaker Kevin Smith’s comic shop, Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash, and will tackle the world of fanboy culture. If “Pawn Stars,” “American Pickers” and Smith’s “Clerks” had a geek menage a trois, “Comic Book Men” would be the resulting offspring. Premieres Feb. 12, paired with the midseason return of “The Walking Dead.”
“Fashion Star”: NBC’s sister network Bravo is no stranger to the fashion world, with at least five reality series dedicated to the lives or livelihoods of the stylish crowd. Now NBC is taking a stab at the trend with its series “Fashion Star,” which has contestants competing for a multimillion-dollar contract to launch their own brands. And what would a mentor panel be without big names? Jessica Simpson — whose reality venture on MTV’s “Newlyweds” helped her parlay her celebrity into fashion world success — and Nicole Richie will serve as mentors. The show’s producers include former NBC executive Ben Silverman, and Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz of Magical Elves, original producers of “Project Runway.” Premieres March 13.
“Interior Therapy With Jeff Lewis”: He’s Bravo’s resident neurotic (and borderline manic) home remodeler and now Mr. “Flipping Out” is healing people? In “Interior Therapy,” the obsessive-compulsive TV star, along with his trusted (and verbally abused) assistant Jenni, moves into someone’s home for the better part of five days and redesigns the space while also diagnosing the homeowners’ personal problems. And our favorite back-talking maid, Zoila, is tagging along for the ride. Premieres in March.
“Shannen Says”: Dylan McKay was so 1994. Shannen Doherty — no longer the blunt-banged, thespian-wannabe that she was on “Beverly Hills, 90210” — is getting married ... again. And she has documented her journey down the aisle to photographer Kurt Iswarienko in an eight-part series for WE TV. We’re just glad to see the former “Charmed” star’s current TV presence will no longer be limited to commercials promoting online education classes. But rather than enlisting the wedding planning expertise of her former costar Tori “Donna Martin Graduates!” Spelling, she’ll seek the guidance of WE’s resident wedding planner, David Tutera (“My Fair Wedding”). Premieres in the spring.
