“Hurl!”
Tuesday 9pm, G4
We can all agree that boys are stupid, right? In case you need further proof, I give to you “Hurl!”, the new game show launched by G4, the TV network dedicated to videogames. “Hurl!” combines two incredibly stupid things—eating competitions and nausea-inducing physical challenges—to create a perfect storm of stupid…and a compulsively watchable TV show for anyone with a Y chromosome. A typical show will feature contestants stuffing their faces with, say, chicken pot pies or pork ’n’ beans, and then strapping themselves into gigantic gyroscopes or steel-cage orbs and spun around like a top. The last one to barf wins—get ready for it—a whole $1,000. Really! That’s the show! Frat boys, set your TiVos now.
“Project Runway”
Wednesday 9pm, Bravo
I approach the new season of “Project Runway” not giddy with anticipation but with panic and dread. Barring a huge legal upset, Season 5 will be the Emmy-nominated fashion design competition’s final season on Bravo before jumping to—of all places—Lifetime, known primarily for made-for-TV flicks about women in peril and “Golden Girls” reruns. While it’s impossible to know how the switch in networks will affect the show, we know for certain that producers are still scrambling to get Season 5 in the can. And since it comes so soon on the heals of S4, which wrapped a mere four months ago, I am very concerned about what that means for the creativity in challenges, the typically excellent editing, and absolutely crucial casting. The fact that this season’s crop of competitors hasn’t even been released to the public is not a good sign. Here’s hoping I’m proven wrong.
“VH1 Rock Honors: The Who”
Thursday 9pm, VH1
Hey, it’s those guys who do the “CSI” theme songs! I kid. The legendary Brit rockers behind classics like “My Generation” and Tommy get the honors treatment from VH1. That means tons of back-slapping and video montages, as well as tribute performances by contemporary groups Incubus, Foo Fighters, Flaming Lips, Tenacious D (I guess Andrew W.K. was busy?), and, surprisingly, the typically reclusive Pearl Jam. Surviving members Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey will also take the stage to perform. I’ll spare you the hoary “kids are all right” joke.
