Jan 28 2008
Paradise Hotel, the steamy reality show that sends sexy singles to a secluded resort where they compete for a cash prize, is back for its second season four years after it made its debut on Fox. This time, the show will be shared by two networks -- a primetime-friendly version will air on MyNetworkTV and a more mature version will air late night on the Fox Reality Channel. I emailed Paradise Hotel host Amanda Byram with some questions about the show's long-awaited return, the tragic death of one contestant after filming concluded, and just how sexy season two will get. Here's what she had to say.
1) The show has been gone for a while. What was your reaction when the producers told you it was coming back and they wanted you to host again?
Paradise Hotel was a ratings winner 4 years ago when it was on FOX. The funny thing about the show is because of reruns on the Fox Reality Channel it kept its fan base while finding new fans. So as this fan base was growing we were beginning to hear rumors that the show might come back. Those rumors were put to rest when we got the greenlight. I can't tell you how excited and thrilled I am that it has returned to television. Part of me thought we might not be able to recreate that first season magic, but we definitely were able to accomplish that and more. This time around Paradise Hotel is more dramatic, sexier, and even more manipulative then season one's sexual tension is tenfold.2)The show caused some controversy last time. Do you think the plan for Fox Reality to air a more racy version and MyNetworkTV to air a more primetime-friendly version will be the answer?
By no means is the primetime version exactly tame. In primetime there is the same manipulation and tension plus all that lust and betrayal -- the late night versions goes a step further at 1 AM giving viewers an extra double dose of the show all while playing within the rules. As you know, reality tv fans have an insatiable appetite and want more and more editions to satisfy their craving. In the UK Big Brother is HUGE and one lesson we learned from that show is viewers are interested in all this extra stuff -- they can never get enough.3) It's terrible to hear that one of the contestants we'll meet, Nathan Clutter, passed away after filming the show. What can you tell us about this contestant and his loss?
He truly was a wonderful and kind individual who everyone loved. For the sake of the family, I want to respect their privacy during this time. My heart goes out to the family and I wish them the best.4) You were also host of The Swan. Do you wish they would bring The Swan back, as well? Would you host?
I wish they bring back every show I hosted back -- of course! I have done a lot of reality, but with The Swan, we were touching lives in a special way. Yes, there was a lot of controversy surrounding the show -- but we were really changing these women from the inside out. Many of these people's lives were in a bad place and I am glad we were able to help. The show was a wonderful experience and yes they are definitely currently pitching the show for season 3.5) What are the top three reasons to tune in to Paradise Hotel 2 on Feb. 4?
I have more than three!- If you are fan of the original Paradise Hotel, you will love the new season meanwhile new fans will be addicted.
- The twist and turns are twistier and turnier then ever before
- There is more manipulation.
- There is more sexual tension and more strategy from season one.
- There are several surprises that will knock people's socks off.
- Location is beautiful and quite literally paradise.
- The contestants are beautiful, sexy, cute -- which makes for great eye candy .
