Is A&E Trying to Become the New VH1?

Good news, celebreality fans: You no longer have to tune into VH1 to see your favorite washed-up television stars humiliate themselves for your viewing pleasure. As of today, A&E, the "Real Life. Drama" network, is diving into that shallow famewhore pool, Hoff-first.

Sure, the Arts & Entertainment channel already had a few celebreality vehicles like Kirstie Alley's Big Life, Gene Simmons Family Jewels and Steven Seagal Lawman but now they're throwing an even more significant amount of money at the VH1-pioneered genre. Let's review the unscripted series announced at the network's upfront presentation:

· Strange Days with Bob Saget will feature the former Danny Tanner as he traverses the country, trying to fit in with different cultures like the Hell's Angels and the Amish, who I've heard love blue humor.

· Growing Up Twisted will center on Twisted Sister lead singer Dee Snider and his family, using the same format as Gene Simmons Family Jewels.

· Untitled David Hasselhoff Project will star the Hoff as he helps his daughters succeed in the recording industry.

And my favorite...

· Teach: Tony Danza, which will follow everyone's favorite Boss as he teaches a high school English class in Philadelphia.

Still not convinced that A&E has a handle on VH1's programming structure? Then maybe these new rehab series (which join the network's hits Intervention and Hoarders) will change your mind:

· I'm Heavy is a complementary program to Intervention which features patients undergoing six-month treatment programs for their overeating.

· Intervention in Depth: One Man Rehab will follow an addict in the months following his Intervention.

Now, if only A&E could dump the police (Steven Seagal Lawman and The Squad: Prison Police) and pest-centered programs (Billy the Exterminator) and greenlight some reality dating competition series, the transformation would be complete. Step by Step Love with Sasha Mitchell, anyone?

· A&E Announces New Development Slate: Haselhoff Reality Show & Coma Remake [Deadline]