Director Steven Spielberg is developing an “American Idol”-style reality show for Fox featuring aspiring filmmakers instead of singers, having apparently learned nothing from Matt Damon and Ben Affleck’s now-defunct “Project Greenlight.”
Also on board is uber-producer Mark Burnett (“Survivor,” “The Apprentice,” “Rock Star”), who I suspect runs on batteries like the Energizer Bunny. “On the Lot” will feature 16 amateur directors competing for a studio deal at DreamWorks. They will be assigned a different genre of film each week, then critiqued by a panel of judges and eliminated in an audience vote similar to “American Idol.”
Here’s what you missed this week:
“Lost”
As far as I’m concerned, the biggest mystery on the island just got solved: Hurley’s mysterious lack of weight loss. I mean, what’s the point of being stranded on a desert island if you don’t at least get to lose 20 pounds? I sympathize, Hurley. Carbs are my worst enemy, too. (9 p.m. Wednesdays, ABC)
“The Apprentice”
Lenny has trouble grasping the concept of a jingle: “Jingle schmingle. Whatever it is, I have no idea really. To me, this is rocket science.” His teammates become frustrated with his attempts to contribute to the task of creating a jingle for Arby’s when he suggests incorporating a “chicken or the egg” riddle and the sound of a chicken clucking into the song. That doesn’t even need a punch line. (9 p.m. Mondays, NBC)
“America’s Next Top Model”
Jade has trouble grasping the concept of a game called “Questions.” The rules are pretty self-explanatory. And yet, she repeatedly speaks in declarative sentences. Game host: “Just start with something like who, what, when, where, why, or how.” Jade: “I just needed more direction. I feel like if I had more direction, I would have been OK.” Seriously, how do these people get on TV? And by the way, I just love wearing Cover Girl makeup. It’s just … so nice to wear! (8 p.m. Wednesdays, UPN)
“Survivor”
Sally: “I never thought I could be cold and wet and in a bed with two strange men and feel so comfortable. It was the best meal I’ve ever had.” Wait, is this “Survivor” or – never mind. (8 p.m. Thursdays, CBS)
TV Addict is a weekly roundup of television news and gossip, along with recaps of a constantly shifting lineup of (mostly) reality TV shows by Pamela Sitt, pop culture writer for The Seattle Times. Contact Sitt at psitt@seattletimes.com
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