With the September 12 Celebrity Fear Factor episode, Fear Factor's run ends after six seasons. I'm a little sad to see it go, since it was one of the first reality series ever. But I think it was a combination of scheduling and the producers that tanked the show. First, NBC put Fear Factor on Tuesdays against American Idol, the ratings phenomenon of the decade. They said they did it because The Biggest Loser had been performing well in that timeslot, so it must be a good slot for reality series. Of course, they left out the fact that American Idol hadn't premiered while The Biggest Loser was on. Of course, when American Idol premiered, the ratings tanked for Fear Factor. NBC did yank it pretty quickly, but the damage had been done. They brought back the final episodes this summer, but people had already quit watching, and it was too late. It's a shame NBC treated a show that had performed so well for them like that, and if they had just left it in its traditional Monday timeslot, it may have survived.
The second problem fell on producers. They changed the show far too much this season. They started doing couples on nearly every episode, which I hated. I know that a lot of other people felt the same way. I also didn't like the new rule of whoever does the best gets to choose who to eliminate. It should be based strictly on performance, and it punishes teams who do well, but not well enough to win the stunt, as any team with sense will eliminate the strongest threat. The season started out interestingly enough with Fear Factor set at the Bates Motel and Psycho House, and with Barber Shop Fear Factor. But it all fell downhill from there. The Freaks Versus Geeks episode was one of the worst I have ever seen. The producers wanted to go to big Hollywood type stunts, and shied away from gross eating stunts, which was what made Fear Factor unique.
I watched this season and couldn't help but to keep thinking how they had ruined the show. Watching teams being eliminated based on their great ability at the stunt, while a team who barely even did the stunt survived, I thought sucked. I would watch, thinking how much more interesting it would be as single competitors. I was hoping they would have a single competitor Fear Factor episode this season, but that didn't happen on any episode I watched. I will admit, I did miss some episodes due to Big Brother, confirming even the poor summer timeslot for Fear Factor. But since they had already dug the grave, NBC didn't even bother trying to save the show. I will at least give NBC props for showing the remaining episodes, as too many networks yank the reality shows with no ending in sight.
Fear Factor is now over, and I can say that this final celebrity episode was one of the best episodes of Fear Factor I have ever seen. I suspect that's why it was saved for last. It's better for Fear Factor to go out on a high note, than with the way the season began. Watching the series finale was a little sad, as I think the isolation pod was one of the best, most intense stunts ever featured on the show, and if the whole season had stunts like that, the show would probably be returning with another season. The contestants were varied and fierce, with one of the oldest and fiercest competitors ever (G. Gordon Liddy) really giving the show a great boost. Joe's great love for the show and perfect hosting ability (along with his hidden cheerleading skills we discovered while he pushed the contestants beyond limits they never knew they had), added to his great sense of humor came through as always, and I feel bad he is now out of a job due to problems beyond his control. It's sad that it's over, but Fear Factor will live on in syndication (and now on DVD) for many years to come. Goodbye, old friend.
Logan is a North Carolina native whose hobbies include a passion for reality shows, hiking, and Mocha Frappucinos. He can be contacted at Logan@RealityTVCalendar.com
Are You Buzz Worthy? We Want Your Thoughts!
Have you got something interesting to say. We'd like to hear it. We'll post your comments in Buzz Worthy. This is your chance to sound off about your favorite Reality TV show. Or the show you hate. Did somebody do something really stupid? Really smart? Is there a strategy being over looked? Is a performer for real? Or not getting the buzz they should? Here's your chance - take it.
They Were Cast - Why Not You?
Reality TV Calendar will send you the latest casting calls as soon as they are released. Calls are often short notice with short deadlines. You need to make contact immediately. You can't do that unless you have immediate notification of the call. One Time Payment, Only $7.95.
Click For More Information.
All articles are the intellectual property of and copyrighted by the individual authors. By submitting an article to Reality TV Calendar you are granting Reality TV Calendar permission to display the article in perpetuity.
