Reality TV Busts

February 5, 2018May 21, 2019

#9 Reality TV Bust: The Moment of Truth (2008)

If Jerry Springer and Maury had a three-way with Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, the resulting bastard child would have been The Moment of Truth. Thanks to a lead-in from American Idol, the January 2008 premiere of Fox's disturbing game show drew 23 million viewers. By the end of MOT's 10-episode initial order, the audience had fallen by over 60%. With only 4 million viewers remaining halfway through the show's 13-episode second order, Fox pulled it for good. As an inglorious basterd, The Moment of Truth earned the #9 spot on T10B's ranking of Reality TV Busts.

February 4, 2018February 4, 2018

#10 Reality TV Bust: Skating with Celebrities

By airing Dancing with the Stars in the summer of 2005, ABC changed the landscape of reality TV. Of note, DWTS became the first elimination competition with "stars" as contestants. Inspired by that show's success, Fox decided to air Skating with Celebrities several months later. With 25 seasons and over 400 episodes under its belt as of the 2017-18 television season, DWTS has proven to be a ratings powerhouse. In contrast, the ice skating version of the same show lasted for only one season and seven episodes. As a failed imitator, Skating with Celebrities earned the #10 spot as a Reality TV Bust.