Tag Archives: television

watching reality tv

Confessions of a Serial Streamer: Shows I’m Embarrassed to Admit I Love

Alright, darlings, gather ’round because today, I’m going to spill the tea on a topic we all secretly indulge in but wouldn’t dare admit at a sophisticated soirée: trashy reality TV shows. That’s right, I’m Caitlin, your trusty confidante in all matters streaming and guilty pleasures. Grab your popcorn and prepare to be scandalized because I’m about to confess my deepest, darkest streaming sins.

The “Real” Housewives (of Everywhere)

Let’s start with a bang, shall we? The “Real Housewives” franchise, in all its sequined, Botoxed glory, is the guilty pleasure I just can’t quit. Whether they’re sipping champagne on a yacht, flipping tables at a dinner party, or launching their own fashion lines (who knew?), these ladies never fail to deliver the drama.

Honestly, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve yelled at my screen, “You did not just say that, Karen!” or “Why would you throw a drink at Lisa’s face, Brenda?!” But it’s like a car crash – you can’t look away. And I secretly love it.

Love Island: Where Love Comes to Get Sunburned

Ah, “Love Island,” the epitome of guilty pleasure television. A bunch of overly tanned, scantily clad singles stuck in a villa with nothing to do but couple up, make out, and occasionally throw a hissy fit. It’s like watching a soap opera set in a sunscreen commercial.

But here’s the thing – I can’t stop watching it. It’s addictive, like a bag of chips that you swear you’ll only have one of, and suddenly it’s empty. The accents, the love triangles, the cringe-worthy pick-up lines – it’s a train wreck of epic proportions, and I can’t look away.

The Bachelor(ette): Roses, Romance, and Roses Again

Let’s talk about “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette,” shall we? These shows are the ultimate in televised romantic roulette. A single man or woman dates a bunch of attractive singles while trying to find “the one.” And they do it all while wearing sequined gowns and tuxedos as if they’re going to prom.

Now, I can sit here and tell you that I watch it for the “journey to find love” or to analyze the complexities of human relationships, but let’s be real – I watch it for the drama. I watch it for the awkward group dates, the cringe-worthy conversations, and the tears (oh, the tears!). It’s like emotional junk food, and I can’t resist it.

Jersey Shore: GTL Forever

Ah, “Jersey Shore” – the show that made “GTL” (Gym, Tan, Laundry) a lifestyle choice. I’m not proud to admit it, but I’ve followed the antics of Snooki, The Situation, and the gang for way longer than I care to admit.

Watching these self-proclaimed “guidos” and “guidettes” navigate life, love, and the club scene is like witnessing a car crash in slow motion. You know it’s wrong, you know it’s ridiculous, but you just can’t turn away. Plus, who can resist the allure of a good fist-pump dance-off?

Temptation Island: All’s Fair in Love and Temptation

Now, this one’s a real guilty pleasure gem. “Temptation Island” takes couples in various stages of their relationships, separates them, and then tempts them with hot, single people. It’s like a soap opera with a side of moral dilemma.

I watch it with a mixture of fascination and horror, wondering how these couples could possibly think this is a good idea. But hey, that’s the beauty of guilty pleasure TV – it lets us judge from the comfort of our own couches.

90 Day Fiancé: Love Knows No (Time) Boundaries

“90 Day Fiancé” is a rollercoaster of international romance, cultural clashes, and visa deadlines. It’s like watching a high-stakes game of love and immigration, and I am here for it.

From the extravagant weddings to the visa denials, this show has it all. And let’s not forget the colorful cast of characters, including the aspiring American spouses and their foreign fiancés who often come with more baggage than an international flight.

Dance Moms: Twirls, Tears, and Tantrums

“Dance Moms” is a show that combines the world of competitive dance with stage moms who are not afraid to speak their minds. Abby Lee Miller, the formidable dance instructor, is a force to be reckoned with, and the moms are a spectacle all on their own.

Watching these tiny dancers perform intricate routines while their mothers engage in epic showdowns is like witnessing a train wreck in tutus. It’s chaotic, it’s dramatic, and it’s strangely addictive.

The Circle: A Social Experiment in Catfishing

“The Circle” is a newer addition to my guilty pleasure list, and it’s a doozy. Contestants are isolated in apartments and can only communicate through a social media platform called “The Circle.” They can choose to be themselves or catfish as someone else.

The intrigue lies in the deception and strategy as players try to win popularity contests without ever meeting face-to-face. It’s like a modern-day “Survivor” meets “Big Brother,” and I can’t get enough of it.

My Strange Addiction: Watching My Strange Addictions

This one’s a bit meta, isn’t it? “My Strange Addiction” is a show that profiles people with, well, strange addictions. But my guilty pleasure confession is that I’m addicted to watching these bizarre stories.

Whether it’s someone eating mattresses, drinking nail polish, or dressing up as an adult baby, this show takes us deep into the world of eccentric cravings and compulsions. And I can’t stop watching these train wrecks of habits.

Bachelor in Paradise: Where Former Bachelor(ette) Contestants Find Love… Again

If you thought “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” were guilty pleasures, just wait until you discover “Bachelor in Paradise.” It’s like the recycling bin of Bachelor Nation, where former contestants from both shows come together in a tropical paradise to, you guessed it, find love.

The drama is turned up to eleven, and the hookups are as fast and furious as a summer storm. It’s a hot mess, and I’m completely here for it.

Conclusion: Guilty Pleasures, No Apologies

So, there you have it, my darlings. My secret streaming confessions, laid bare for all to see. These trashy reality TV shows might not be the most intellectually stimulating, but they’re like a bag of salty snacks for the soul. We all have our vices, and these are mine.

The beauty of guilty pleasure television is that it allows us to escape from the complexities of the real world and indulge in some good old-fashioned, unadulterated drama. So, go ahead, judge me if you must, but remember, we all have our streaming skeletons

Disney+ Simpsons

Looking Forward to Disney+

Disney+ just announced their pricing plans and it’s already looking like a great deal. I’ve been a Netflix subscriber for a long time, but Disney+ might make me switch over and cancel Netflix.

Disney has (of course!) Disney films. They’ve got the entire Marvel catalog, plus Star Wars, plus Pixar, and 20th Century Fox. Oh, and all of ABC and Fox television! The bundle they’re offering for $12.99 also includes Hulu and ESPN+. That’s the same price that Netflix is now charging.

The ESPN+ part is really a bonus if you’re into sports. ESPN+ is the streaming service for the popular sports channel and it will carry hundreds of MLB, NHL and MLS games. It will also have tennis, boxing, golf, and college sports.

Disney+ will be available in the USA on November 12, 2019. Just in time for me to be a couch potato for the Winter!