Bethenny Getting Married (Bravo)

This year has seen its share of outrageous behavior (Danielle Staub losing her extensions on the “Real Housewives of New Jersey”) and unpredictable outcomes (not one but two contestants on “Survivor” quit with little warning).

Below is a list of what worked this year and what this fan hopes to never see again in the New Year.

BEST OF 2010

1. “Bethenny Getting Married”

After having to deal with some crazy cast members on the “Real Housewives of New York” including Jill Zarin and Kelly Bensimon, Frankel was given her own show on Bravo chronicling her marriage to Jason Hoppy and birth of baby girl Bryn. Out of all the housewives in America, Frankel could maintain a show without all the drama. America fell in love with the Frankel-Hoppy family and ratings were huge. We can all look forward to the beginning of spring when season two begins appropriated titled “Bethenny Ever After.”

2. Tyler and Catelynn on “Teen Mom”

There’s no denying Maci and her son Bentley’s relationship is great to watch, but teen couple Tyler and Catelynn deserve the highest praise on this MTV series. The young couple, who gave their baby up for adoption, continue to work on their lasting relationship. They hit a speed bump after Tyler discovered Catelynn talking to her ex-boyfriend. Through it all and the constant drama from their parents, viewers continue to root for Tyler and Catelynn to make it work. As of now, they remain together.

3. Reality TV brings the “All Star” editions

Early this year, “Survivor Heroes vs. Villains” premiered bringing back America’s favorite contestants. Boston Rob, Coach, Parvati, and J.T. were just some of the characters who came back for a second helping. The Heroes tribe could never get in a winning streak and the Villains dominated most of the season. In the end, fan favorite Russell might have won America’s vote but not the jury’s. Sandra was the sole survivor who came out with one million dollars.

“Top Chef” has also gone all stars in its new season. The best of the best have come back for a second chance at the coveted title. Already in the first episodes, we’ve seen a double elimination and front-runner Jennifer standing up for her dish but still being sent home in week two. “Top Chef" has the best judges who actually know what they are talking about. In addition, there are so many chefs to root for this time around. My favorites have to be Casey, Jamie, and Carla.

4. Cyndi Lauper on “Celebrity Apprentice”

Donald Trump continues to succeed with the celebrity versions of his reality show. Lauper may not have been the easiest to work with and many could understand teammate Holly Robinson Peete’s frustrations. Nonetheless, her singing at the diner to working with kids on the Harry Potter task left viewers laughing and wanting more. Lauper is a character and perfect for reality TV. In the end, Bret Michaels won the season, just weeks after surviving a brain hemorrhage.

WORST OF 2010

1. Sammi from “Jersey Shore”

Many would argue Angelina was the most annoying roommate in the cast. However, Sammi’s constant whining and complaining throughout the season left me wanting her to just go home. After JWoww, Snookie, and even Angelina took part in writing an anonymous note about Ronnie’s cheating habits, Sammi never understood that they were simply trying to help. Let’s hope the previews for season three are true and Sammi leaves Jersey early.

2. Brad Womack picked for “The Bachelor”

I never liked the whole Bachelor and Bachelorette series. Besides Trista and Ryan in season one, I believe the show quickly lost its authenticity. After Womack left without a girl in his season, ABC has allowed him to come back for another shot at love. Womack recently told People Magazine he’s been to therapy to deal with his commitment issues. It shouldn’t be a bad thing if he can’t find his perfect woman on national TV. I’d rather him pick nobody then have another breakup a few weeks later. The show hasn’t even started but I know I won’t be watching another one of the “most dramatic rose ceremonies ever.”

3. “American Idol” fatigue

After a disappointing season nine, where I remember General Larry Platt’s performance of Pants on the Ground instead of the actual winner Lee DeWyze, I find “American Idol” losing its power to get unknown singers record deals with huge songs on the radio. Paula Abdul was great entertainment and is still missed. Now that Kara DioGuardi, Ellen DeGeneres, and Simon Cowell are out and Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez are in, FOX promises this season will be different. At least Ryan Seacrest is still there; he’s good at anything he does and “American Idol” is no exception.

4. “The Hills” series finale

When the final scene ended and we discovered the show was all scripted and nothing was real, many viewers were furious. Many of us knew it wasn’t “reality” but the way they smacked it in our faces was just unnecessary. After the finale aired, it’s a good assumption that “The City” and many of the other MTV reality shows are scripted as well. It was a sad day for this reality TV fan who still hopes some shows don’t have writers. Moments being staged…that’s acceptable. But to have every scene planned out…lame.

Reach Mike here.
Join our mailing list.