The Buzz Surrounding Fall 2006 Reality Shows

New Season, New Questions.

1) Will Survivor's Controversial Twist Turn Viewers Away?

When Survivor announced that they divided the Cook Islands contestants by race, the network set off a storm of controversy. While some critics and viewers are saying producers have gone too far to boost ratings, host Jeff Probst and the show's producers are defending the idea. "[Survivor] is a social experiment. And this is adding another layer to that experiment," Jeff Probst said. But will this experiment blow up in their faces?

• More About The Controversy
• Meet the Teams

2) How Will A Writers' Strike Affect America's Next Top Model?

Behind the scenes of Top Model (and all reality shows) there are writers who shape coherent storylines from hours and hours of raw footage. Would Reality TV be as entertaining without these creative minds? America's Next Top Model fans may find out if producers of the show can't resolve or work around a strike by the show's writers, who are asking for benefits and on-screen credit. The CW's president told the network's affiliates in a letter, "a contingency plan will be developed and whatever steps necessary will be taken to continue delivering episodes that maintain the show's high standards." How will it all turn out?

• Meet the New Contestants
• All About America's Next Top Model

3) Will The Bachelor's Prince Lorenzo Be a Royal Loser?

ABC has recruited royalty for the next season of The Bachelor! You would think fans of the show would be delighted that the next bachelor is a prince. When Prince Lorenzo Borghese's identity and photo were revealed, our readers posted comments such as "Please…he's the opposite of the frog who turns into the prince…he's the prince who turns into the frog" and "I can't imagine the pathetic girl who will fall "in love" with this loser prince." Ouch! Will Lorenzo turn out to be prince charming or a royal loser?

• More About Lorenzo Borghese
• Lorenzo Borghese Photo Gallery

4) Which Star Will Shine The Brightest on Dancing With The Stars?

Kelly Monaco and John O'Hurley were the shining stars of the first season of Dancing With The Stars. Drew Lachey and Stacy Keibler gained millions of fans during season two. As season three kicks off, it is left to be seen which celebrities will dance their way into the hearts of viewers. The C-list celebrities who would benefit the most from the Dancing With The Stars publicity are pop star Willa Ford, who had one hit during her music career and Joe Lawrence, who disappeared from the Hollywood radar years ago.

• Meet The Dancing With The Stars Teams.
• What Is Dancing With The Stars About?

Sorry, Jillian Michaels fans. The fitness trainer will not be back for the third season of The Biggest Loser. A spokesperson for NBC told us via email "Jillian Michaels has decided to leave the show to pursue other opportunities. She has been a wonderful asset to The Biggest Loser and has changed the lives of so many of the contestants. We wish her continued success in all her future endeavors." Jillian will be replaced by gorgeous fitness expert Kim Lyons. Can Kim whip the Red Team into shape? And will she be a hit with fans of the show?

• More About Kim Lyons
• The Biggest Loser, Season 3 Contestants

6) Will The Amazing Race Be A Hit on Sunday Night?

Despite being one of the best reality shows on television, the Emmy-award winning Amazing Race has had less than amazing ratings in recent seasons. Now, CBS is moving the show to Sundays this fall with the hopes that it will race ahead in the new time slot. But will it work?

• All About The New Season
• All About The Amazing Race