It seems that like it or not, reality television is here to stay. Even networks that pride themselves on high quality scripted series are turning to reality production in their lineups. Cable channel HBO is looking to bring a revival of Sex and the City themes with a reality TV spin.

The premium cable channel is finalizing a deal for an unscripted comedy pilot described as "an attempt to capture the vivacity, sexuality and friendship of women in a big city under the banner of a reality show," sources said. It comes from "Sex and the City" co-producer and writer Amy Harris.

The ratings of the original show were the greatest by a comedy at HBO, leaving executives attempting to recapture some of its glory in whatever way they can. The channel has noted little success for reality-based programming in the past.

HBO has for some time kicked around the idea of finding a way to recapture the appeal of "Sex and the City," at one point even contemplating resurrecting the show with four different actresses having new sexual adventures in New York.

Last Friday, HBO executives cautioned that the reality show idea had been approved only for the pilot stage, and even though it might have some connection to that much-loved comedy hit, whether it actually became a series depended entirely on how well the pilot turned out.

HBO has been conspicuous in its reluctance to commit heavily to the reality genre. HBO did show "Project Greenlight," a series about the movie-making process, for two cycles, but then let it go to the Bravo channel. The network also had high hopes for a documentary-style family drama about bail bondsmen called "Family Bonds," but it did not make it past its first season.

No mention was made of where or when HBO would begin production on the pilot.

Subrosa

San Francisco, CA

July 2004

MAR 27, 2006 08:06 AM

So you're saying that we might get to see hot chicks naked without having to listen to Sarah Jessica Parker say "...and so I realized..." four times an episode?

I'm all for it.

[Edited on Mar 27, 2006 by Subrosa]

Fatality

SUICIDEGIRL

USA

MAR 27, 2006 08:49 AM

Just what we need.

I hate a particular disain for that show to begin wtih...

TheFly

Eagle Springs, NC

November 2003

MAR 27, 2006 10:15 AM

EdwardTeach said:
It's just another reality show I'll never watch except late at night when surfing and catch some tits on the screen...see also: Taxi Cab Confessions, That whore house series, that stripper series, etc.

Fuck, I hate reality TV.

You forgot Autopsy... oh, nevermind.

HBO had a big hit and now they're doing the equivalant of throwing out there a lame sequel to capitalize on the successfulness of the first.

Why has this country decided that watching the trials and tribulations of others is quality entertainment? It's like those people who watch sports yet doesn't play a one.

Dammit! American Idol keeps bumping off House!!!! I'd rather see a show about a cantakerous doctor saving lives and inroning out hsi life instead of watching cantankerous Simon Cowell make untalented wannabes cry and allowing another mediocre singer into a market where TALENTED people can't make it because, gasp, their writing and playing their own music.

And, personally, I say Fuck MTV's Real World, who really started the whole thing and it's sister Survivor. No, I don't like reality TV.

Doxie

SUICIDEGIRL

Oregon, USA

MAR 27, 2006 04:32 PM

I hate reality TV... I'm not looking forward to them ruining this show!

mamet

Charleston, SC

March 2005

MAR 27, 2006 04:36 PM

Doxie said:
I hate reality TV... I'm not looking forward to them ruining this show!

Seriously. SATC is one of my favorite shows ever. Please just let it go.

Now if anyone needs me, I'll be cuddling my complete series box set.

mamet

Charleston, SC

March 2005

MAR 27, 2006 04:44 PM

EdwardTeach said:

mamet said:

Doxie said:
I hate reality TV... I'm not looking forward to them ruining this show!

Seriously. SATC is one of my favorite shows ever. Please just let it go.

Now if anyone needs me, I'll be cuddling my complete series box set.

Well, in all fairness, if you think they'll ruin the show then don't watch.
Revolutionary, I know.

touche