[quote name=\'Matt Ottinger\' date=\'Sep 4 2003, 03:42 PM\'] I got no problem beating this "is it or isn't it" horse to death.
And I agree with Tommy. Fear Factor is a lot closer to "Beat The Clock" or "Truth or Consequences" than it is Survivor. Dog Eat Dog too, while we're at it. NBC likes calling those shows "reality shows" because it just sounds cooler than "game shows".
Good rule of thumb (and one of the ways I decide what is or is not in The Compendium) is whether the show features an ongoing cast of characters being whittled away, as opposed to being self contained or having a defending champion. Yes, that does put The Amazing Race on the "reality" side of the debate. I'm OK with that. [/quote]
That's kind of a good rule, my personal judgement usually relies on whether the other contestants have a say (by voting) in who wins. Thus, Fear Factor, The Mole, and The Amazing Race all make the cut in my book, and while Survivor is entertaining, it isn't a game show.
Oh, and before someone starts up about them having games and giving away money and cars, The Regis Gets Interrupted Constantly By Someone I Hadn't Heard of Before They Were On His Show Hour does that too.
Yours,
T