Movieline's Summer Reality-Competition Preview: The Highs and Lows

Summer's around the bend, which means reality competitions clog the listings like Dilbert calendars on a clearance shelf after Jan. 1. With so many new and returning programs jammed into the idiot box, the line between watchable and disposable blurs quickly. And what to make of all these personnel changes? Mary Murphy's been demoted on So You Think You Can Dance?, while Craig Robinson and Mel B. take over on renewed series. Stressful! Join us as Movieline gives a "Yay or Nay" vote to eight different series coming up in the next few weeks.

The Bachelorette: ABC, May 24

Ali Fedotowsky returns to host The Bachelorette's sixth season. I think The Bachelorette always trumps The Bachelor. Heartbroken men are inherently... funnier.

Yay or Nay: Yay. Fedotowsky's got more life in her than the last Bachelor Jake Pavelka -- though I question her ability to bawl and hyperventilate if kicked off of Dancing with the Stars.

So You Think You Can Dance: Fox, May 27

As Mary Murphy is demoted to a guest-judge/choreographer and Mia Michaels escalates to fulltime panelist, will our beloved ballerina factory be the same?

Yay or Nay: Yay. Mary's 'hot tamale train' may be making fewer stops on SYTYCD, but it's got enough steam for my attention thus far.

True Beauty: ABC, May 31

Mysteriously renewed for a second season, True Beauty pits contestants who wrongfully think they're in a beauty contest. Producers use hidden-camera footage to judge the inner beauty of each competitor and declare an "inside-and-outside" beauty champion.

Yay or Nay: Nay. Why can't we have shallow beauty contests anymore? Anyone remember Are You Hot?. Why isn't "I'd have to give you an... eight? For your face?" a classic TV quote.

America's Got Talent: NBC, June 1

Howie Mandel will take David Hasselhoff's spot on the panel alongside Sharon Osbourne and Piers Morgan. I think we can count on Howie dishing the tough love -- and topping each elimination with the iciest fist-bump of all.

Yay or Nay: Nay. Circus freaks and singing toddlers? I'm seated next to those people on airplanes every time. No dice.

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