October 30, 2008

CableFAX Program Awards: Best Show or Series, Reality/Game Show

Winner: How to Look Good Naked, Lifetime Television

A program about the power to turn self-loathing into self-esteem definitely piques our interest, particularly when it does so with loads of positive energy and a great sense of humor. From its attention-grabbing title through the embrace of the body, mind and spirit, How to Look Good Naked rises to the top of the reality fray. Who needs a crash diet when you can take this crash course, adapted from the British series of the same name? During each episode, the refreshingly inner-monologue-challenged Carson Kressley transforms a down-on-her-looks subject, advising on clothing choices (right down to undergarments), makeup, hair and, most saliently, attitude. As an added perk, Lifetime gave us more to love in season two with the expansion of the format from a half-hour to an hour, along with that awe-inspiring Hawaii shoot.

Honorable Mentions:
Celebrity Fit Club, VH1: Sure, Erin Moran admitting she needed the money added to the fun, but Celebrity Fit Club gets props for providing entertainment with a (generally) positive message.

Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew, VH1: Watching celebrities attempt to sober up has never been so addictive (ouch), but we still have nightmares about Jeff Conaway.

Gone Country, CMT: How hard is it for D-list celebs to croon a country tune? Perpetual YouTube moment-maker Sean Young and winner Sebastian Bach provided an often-hilarious answer.

Intervention, A&E Network: Credit A&E for not ducking controversy as it continues to reveal individuals’ attempts to confront their addictions without whitewashing the circumstances.

I Wanna Be a Soap Star, SOAPnet: This outrageously over-the-top original gets understandably high marks in the drama department.

Return to 2008 CableFAX Program Awards table of contents.