TV3 Ð the home of junk TV and addictive franchise shows

Date Published: 14-Jan-2013

Dear Diary, I have been really bad this week and watched a lot of junk TV, so much so on one evening that I felt like cleansing myself afterwards, and it’s all down to TV3 who either make the best ‘worst’ programmes or broadcast the type of addictive programmes that have already attracted audiences on other channels.

Honestly, in one night I watched the new Come Dine With Me Ireland, Dublin Wives and Deception, the new Galway made drama series. The first of those offerings featured people who believe they are celebs in Ireland though four of the five didn’t know Joe Rooney, the comedian, which made for awkward viewing.

He ended up being the best cook and winner. I only recognised Celia Holman-Lee, a model agent and former model herself from Limerick; and former Miss World, Rosanna Davidson, who turned out to be OK as the week went on – yes, I tuned in for the week because it is addictively bad TV.

Like many people, I went through a phase of being addicted to the series until I overdosed on it. I am convinced I put on weight watching some of it but thankfully, this was balanced by how I was turned off food watching it being prepared in some of those kitchens, sometimes with animals walking around freely. . . ugh.

Anyway on to the Dublin Wives. I only saw one episode in the last series and I saw one too many this week. What were these women thinking when they signed up for this scripted reality show? Yes, scripted, whatever that means in a reality show. So, basically, they rehearse the scene, which is unbelievable. And they each only got paid €125 per episode. Again, unbelievable.

These have to be five of the most surgically enhanced women in Ireland, but that doesn’t say much for that business. I also went through a phase of watching the Housewives series whether they were in New York, Los Angeles or wherever, but the Dublin one is a poor relation.

The American ones at least show off wealthy lifestyles but the Dublin one is cringing so why couldn’t I switch channels? I didn’t, hence my guilt.

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