Surviving Reality TV

Reality TV is anything but.  Still, three shows keep us engaged. 

The best is the Amazing Race.  We love it because we travel and some of the stunts engineered to test contestants are not unlike those you can find for yourself. 

We also watch Top Chef because my husband cooks and its fascinating to imagine these temperamental chefs feeding anyone. Another reason to eat at home!

Then there's Survivor which continues to hold an odd fascination with social experimentation, an embarrassing habit rather than entertainment.  Where do they find these people?

Apparently we are not alone in our views, but Heather Havrilesky's assessment on Salon.com today says it better than I can: While most reality TV starts to repeat itself, CBS's "The Amazing Race" and Bravo's "Top Chef" both age gracefully.

The finale of the 13th season of the Amazing Race is tonight.  Will the improbably named Nick and Starr win or the fat, lazy frat boys?  Anything's possible.