The Mystery of SLAM! 20 Years Later

Have Watched, Thoughts / By

This image of the logo was drawn by hand with my tablet and stylus. Drawn in MS Paint.

Posted: 4 September 2022

SLAM! Block (US Version Only) / Nickelodeon / 25 August 2002 – March 2003

Imagine you’re watching Nickelodeon in May of 2002. Promos previewing their summer programming get shown during every commercial break. In one promo, Dave Aizer tells you that if “you want action…you got action.” You’re under the assumption that Nick is just emphasizing they’ll be playing some action programming that will soon be forgotten.

Many haters have forgotten it but I never will!

The Nickelodeon SLAM block began airing on Sunday afternoons in August 2002. The block ran for 2 hours from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm (later 1:00pm-3:00pm, all times Central) and played action-oriented programming (a la Cartoon Network’s Toonami). I’ll tell ya, looking at the promos will NOT tell you what this block is about yet it will make you want to find out more.

What is SLAM?

I never really questioned it. I figured it was going to be another Nicktoon about a skateboarder boy and his dog in a grunge/mid-1900s art-style setting. Then again, there would be flashes of Invader Zim, Butt-Ugly Martians, and Robot Wars clips during the promos. I wasn’t using the internet at the time and Twitter wasn’t a thing yet so I just had to use my assumptions. Because it was new and on Nickelodeon, I was so excited. When first discreetly announced in May 2002, SLAM had different on-air graphics than what was officially used. 

It was that day on August 25th I found out what SLAM! Really was…an action block. I wasn’t expecting Speed Racer 1997 (Speed Racer X) to start the block as it was not flashed in the promos. I was busy with a church event that day then I went to the swimming pool. From what I remember, I only taped the Speed Racer episode as I seriously thought SLAM was going to be a regular series.

What SLAM Turned out to Be

SLAM was an action block. The promos failed to properly communicate that. Either that or it just was the way my brain processed information at the time. I probably missed some important information. All you’d see is a short scribbled kid running/skateboarding around with his dog and causing mischief in a scenery combining a vintage style and early 2000s grunge. Nickelodeon Magazine announced it as a block but I didn’t notice that announcement until much later. The magazine announcement also mentioned that SLAM stands for “Super Large Action Madness,” also not mentioned in the on-air promos. 

Regardless, all information should have been communicated in the promos. Here’s how they should have done it (written by yours truly):

Need more action for your weekends? Tune in to SLAM! A 2-hour block of Super Large Action Madness with shows that will rock your Sunday afternoon. 

Speed Racer speeds your way at 4:00

Invader Zim invades your TV at 4:30

Prepare to kick some butt with the Butt Ugly Martians at 5

Then witness some extreme robot action with Nickelodeon Robot Wars at 5:30

Slam into SLAM! Every Sunday starting August 25th at 4/3 central on Nickelodeon!

One Thing’s for Sure…

That SLAM character and his dog were so cute. It’s a shame it wasn’t a series. If it was a series then there would be sneak peeks that Nick would have shown. I’m also attracted by the vintage graphics in the promos. It’s like looking through my grandmother’s high school yearbooks. The edgy grunge and vintage graphics could have been used for something amazing. Now it’s all a missed opportunity.

Could Have Been Big

I fondly remember this premiere. This was from a time I began to show more interest in action-oriented programming that sold toys and video games. This block has assisted me with that transition and still resonates with me today. I can’t believe it’s been 20 years. The aesthetic may seem outdated by today’s design standards but it still holds a place in my memories. Had this block/SLAM character been better promoted, there would be at least a cult following. 

Quick fact: on the last week of SLAM in March 2003, the idents and logo bugs for the block were not being used. I taped the Invader Zim episode they were playing that day. After that Sunday, the block was no more.

This is a pennant I made during the block’s run. As the date states on the back of the pennant, this was made on November 24, 2002. I used a lot of orange marker to make the background. This is not for sale.

Shows Shown on SLAM and Some Quick Thoughts

Speed Racer X – Gave me an introduction to the Speed Racer franchise

Invader Zim – I was lucky when Nick showed this. There were periods where they wouldn’t show it at all on this block

Butt Ugly Martians – Previously shown on main Nick. I was fine with it when I was younger, but cringe a bit when I watch it now, especially that animation.

Nickelodeon Robot Wars – Seemed interesting but wasn’t really my cup of tea at the time.

Men In Black: The Series – Yes, Nickelodeon played this, too. I didn’t watch Kids WB so Nickelodeon brought this show to me. It was fine. It was an introduction to the Men In Black franchise for me. I felt like a cool kid watching this.

Super Duper Sumos – Practically dominated the block for many weeks (bookended by episodes of Speed Racer). Not a great show and definitely one of DIC’s later not-so-great shows. 

Also, I noticed only during the block, they occasionally played some early animated shorts of The Amazing Adrenalini Brothers during commercial breaks. These shorts originated in the UK and Canada. They began as 10 two-and-a-half-minute shorts for the CBBC website in the early 2000s then became a full show in 2006. The Adrenalini brothers are 3 showmen from the fictional land of Réndøosîa who tour around the world performing hazardous stunts, often succeeding out of luck. You may not remember this as these were rarely played. I had the tail-end of an episode on tape. These shorts and episodes are available to watch online. Click here to find out more information about these shorts. I don’t know why these were played but, as I’ve been saying about the other shows on this block, it was how I discovered this show.

Kid Cosmic Season 2 – Absolutely Out of the World!

Have Watched, Review / By

Posted 31 December 2021

Kid Cosmic Season 2 (The Intergalactic Truckstop!) / Netflix / Premiered 7 September 2021

Another lovely continuation from Kid Cosmic Season 1 only taking place more in space and in various dimensions. Along with discovering more Stones of Power, more members join the Local Heroes.

Any Theme Song or Intro?

Kid Cosmic is the first show I watched that doesn’t play a theme song in every episode. Hey, it’s Netflix. The showrunners can pretty much do whatever they want, even state the story title at the END of the episode instead of toward the beginning. Very unique compared to the hundreds of shows I watched in my life that have the theme at the beginning and introduce the episode name toward the beginning (if that’s the show’s norm).

Binge-Watch Over and Over

Even though I’ve seen every episode on Netflix, I like to rewatch certain episodes to get a fix if I haven’t watched in a while. I just watch some random episode or a certain part I want to see. I do this because I have a busy life so I just watch what I can in the little time I have. I don’t suggest you do this if this is your first time watching. You need to see all the excitement at least once. Once you somewhat understand storylines, you can binge, random episode binge, and random section binge to your little heart’s desire.

I liked the parts with the “Mo’s Secret Recipe” sign and when Queen Xhan tells Jo how to be a good leader. I wrote down the leadership steps to consider how these can be applied to my own experiences (if any). I need that “Mo’s Secret Recipe” sign for my kitchen. 

A Jammin’ Soundtrack

Every song on the soundtrack is a banger. I’m listening to the season 1 soundtrack as I type this. It gets better in season 2 with all the kickin’ space-themed techno music. I enjoyed Andy Bean’s music composing for Wander over Yonder. He outdoes himself composing for Kid Cosmic. I love ‘70s punk bands. Dr. Fang and the Gang (despite being fictional) is a new one I just started admiring greatly. 

I Called It…It’s Gooooooood!

Wrong! More than goooooood, as predicted in a previous post. Kid Cosmic is FANTASTIC! Craig McCracken and his crew outdo themselves again. There’s a season 3 in the works. Too bad it’s going to be the last season. But hey, they say all good things must come to an end. We’ll just find something else just as gre…OH WAIT, nothing will be as great as this show. There will be nothing else like it. Prove me wrong. C’mon, I CHALLENGE YOU!

The New World of Tooned In Season 2

Have Watched, Thoughts / By

Posted: 30 December 2021

Tooned In Season 2 / Nickelodeon / 17 September 2021 – TBA

It’s the Tooned In we know and love from earlier this year, just some minor changes.

OK, make those MAJOR changes. They gave Nicky a co-host and made him the main host. 

 This is Dudley Puppy… uhm… Spencer…cough cough…Jerry Trainor. As of now, he’s just OK as a host. I thought Nicky was just fine hosting on his own. I thought the concept of an AI host was innovative. Adding a human host is just going backward. Some ‘90s game shows reflect this dynamic such as Legends of the Hidden Temple (Kirk Fogg (now Cristela Alonzo) and Olmec) and the obscure Pick Your Brain (Marc Summers (yes, from Double Dare) and 2XL robot (a popular toy from the ‘70s-‘90s)).

A Couple Changes

Most of the game segments are similar to season 1. There are new types of games as well. Each game segment is differently themed like in the previous season. One of the new games involves the contestants looking through a container to find an item (often covered in slime) and answering a question about it. Cartoon Cosplay and the Nicktoon Nick Goon are gone completely. The speed round (All the Answers) and Climb or Slime remain. These games are mostly Nicktoon trivia of the most recent Nicktoons (that I can barely answer, usually with an educated guess). Nicky slimes the contestants whenever he wants, regardless of whether an answer is correct or not. Nobody is immune to the slime.

Why 2 hosts?

It seems that there have been some budget cuts when it comes to producing Nicky. These season 2 episodes are a bit difficult and time-consuming to watch so it’s hard for me to find some examples. One that stands out is that the producers felt a human host was needed. I would like to learn about the thought process of these decisions (of which I may never find out).

So…

With Jerry as co-host, it’s double the annoyingness (for lack of a better word). Nicky can be just as loud and annoying but I can’t stay mad at him for that cuz…he’s Nicky! The game is still fun to play at home. The format has changed a bit from season 1 to keep the show’s rhythm fresher. I’m still wondering why they felt Nicky needed a co-host.

Nickelodeon still acknowledges It’s Pony’s Existence!

Upcoming / By

Posted: 27 October 2021

I have both good news and bad news about It’s Pony.

In this case, it would make sense to start with the good news:

New episode of It’s Pony on Friday, October 29th at 4:00pm (central time)!

Whoo! After nearly 11 months of waiting for a new episode and a premiere of season 2 in the US, we’re finally getting a new episode! This will be a Halloween-themed episode called “Raiders of the Lost Cinema.” From what I’ve read, it’s about when Annie and her friends search for an abandoned movie theater where the candy at the snack counter remains untouched. 

And now the bad news:

This new episode will be on NICKTOONS! 🙁

Just as a Nicktoon gets good, Nick moves it to Nicktoons where it is sure to die off.

There’s nothing new with Nickelodeon treating their good shows like that. I’ve had to deal with all this for the last 20+ years. Why can’t Nickelodeon be more consistent when it comes to promoting and premiering certain shows? When It’s Pony 1st came to Nickelodeon, most of us predicted it would be dumped to Nicktoons after some time. I hope we’re wrong. There’s an entire season of episodes that need to air in the US. Let’s hope the people in charge air the rest of the episodes on the main channel and treat it better (though that may not seem likely).

Enjoy the new It’s Pony this Friday. We’ve waited long enough for at least one new episode.

Source: NickALive! Blog

Rugrats 2021: Decent but Kind of Unnecessary

Currently Watching, Reboot, Thoughts / By

Posted: 22 September 2021

Rugrats (2021) / Paramount+, Nickelodeon / 27 May 2021-Present

When the new Rugrats came out on Paramount+, I watched the first episode called “Second Time Around.” I was drinking water out of my Rugrats cup from 1997. The 43-minute first episode resituated me back into the Rugrats world and prepared me for the rest of the coming season. 

What’s with the CGI?

Couldn’t they just have used digital hand drawings instead of CGI? CGI is so 2006 (and don’t even argue with me that the new Smurfs cartoon is in CGI). All the new cartoons these days are drawn in digital ink. I know Disney cartoons of today do that, but Disney is Disney. Despite that, Angelica looks cute in this new style. Spike’s textured fur makes me want to pet him through the TV screen.

Unfamiliar Adult Voices

The babies retained their original voices, which are still quite good, but they completely replaced the adult voices with folks I’m not familiar with. I understand it was for a new image but they didn’t have to replace all the original willing cast. Parents are shown as millennials now. The voices changed to reflect how millennials apparently talk.

Disappearing Characters?

Many people are asking about the whereabouts of the characters introduced throughout the original series. Where’s Dil, Kimi, Kira, and Lulu. It also seems that Howard Deville disappeared off the face of the earth, leaving Betty as a single mother. Maybe they’ll be re-introduced in later seasons.

I’m Still Asking…WHY?

They really didn’t have to reboot Rugrats. All the stories were all told in the original series and it had a good run. Despite that, give this reboot a chance when you get Paramount+. Especially in the 1st episode, it shows the Rugrats charm we’ve grown to love. Don’t be fooled and turned off by the promos/sneak peeks you see. Just watch the show. If you’re persistent on not liking/watching this new incarnation, you’re more than welcome to go back to the original series which is also on Paramount+. There are plenty of episodes to enjoy again and again.

Other Posts about Rugrats:

Is a Rugrats Revival Worth It?

What Happened to the Old Rugrats?

Play Along with Tooned In Season 1

Currently Watching, Review / By

Posted 22 September 2021

Tooned In / Nickelodeon / 8 February 2021 – Present

Earlier this year on weekdays, I came home from work and got into my DVR to find the recording of the latest episode of this made-for-me game show. The subject is something I love and what Nickelodeon is mostly about…NICKTOONS!

From a lost pilot from 1998, Tooned In was finally green-lit in recent years. This Nicktoon-themed game show features young contestants who answer questions about Nicktoons from past and present for a chance to win $1000. The host is a personable, fun-loving AI robot named Nicky.

What I Think

In a world where TV intros have become unnecessary, no formal intro is needed for this show. A brief, lively tune punctuated with a “TOONED IN” at the end is just as sufficient and memorable, great for bookending segments before and after commercial breaks. 

The contestants seem no older than 13 years old so some of these questions are from Nicktoons before their time. I go absolutely crazy when they get it wrong and I scream at the tv. These young contestants either streamed these old shows or they studied their study guide (as stated at the end of the credits). 

Also, $1000 is like $1,000,000 to the kids but not much for me.

Evolution through Season 1

In season 1, the show has evolved by some bounds. This includes how Nicky says “SCOREboard” and the addition of the “almost out of time” sound toward the end of the game (da-duuuuuh). The “Nicktoon Moment of the Day” and the “Slimmest Moment” were a good touch, too. It’s like this show was finding its footing through the season likely to avoid annoying monotony.

Pandemic Precautions

A pandemic didn’t stop the production of this game show. I found it wise to make the host AI to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. They used a canned audience, instead of a live audience, to which I’m not accustomed. We never see the audience, only hear them. As per the credits, there were COVID compliance officers, disinfecting techs, and cleaning techs. Helps me feel more confident to compete if I were a contestant.

A Fun Game Show for Nicktoon Fans

I like how this Tooned In game show is focused on questions about Nicktoons. Watching this show is like how some people watch sports games on TV, things tend to get loud as I scream at the TV. I liked how this show was shown on weekdays, great for after work. Good to see there is a season 2 currently airing (but that’s for a different post). I want to be Nicky’s friend. We need a battle of the champions game some time. That will surely be something.

Kid Cosmic: A Superhero Show with a Classic Comic Book Aesthetic

Currently Watching, Thoughts / By

Posted: 5 February 2021

Written: 3 February 2021 (after watching the first episode)

Kid Cosmic / Netflix / Premiered: 2 February 2021

Living in a desert in New Mexico, Kid fantasizes about becoming a superhero. He finds five cosmic stones of power dropped from a crashed spaceship which allows his fantasies to become a reality. He fights alongside a diverse team of superheroes to stop the evil Stuck Chuck from taking the cosmic stones.

–Summary by Vic’s Review

I wouldn’t have considered taking up this show had it not been for Craig McCracken being the creator. Having created Powerpuff Girls, Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, and Wander over Yonder, I’m glad to see he’s still in the animation industry and making new shows. Even after watching one episode, I’d say he’s continuing his successful streak.

Awesome Artwork!

Even though this show is not in CGI, I’m assuming this show was hand-drawn digitally. I like how digital drawings can be emulated to look like classic 2D animation.  Though the show designers were going for the retro comic book art style, to me it’s like the illustrations are out of a children’s book. Though Kid looks like the main character of a children’s book, Jo’s design is definitely in McCracken’s art style (black choker reminiscent of Frankie Foster (Foster’s Home…), Sylvia’s (Wander over Yonder) mouth shape). The aliens are in the same McCracken style used in Powerpuff Girls and Wonder over Yonder.

It’s Going to be Good

Yes, I probably just assumed the quality level in the post-sparkle of watching episode one. The other day I was wondering what Craig McCracken was doing these days. My question was answered while scrolling through Twitter where there was a link to an interview where McCracken talks about this show. I really liked Foster’s Home… and Wander over Yonder and I expect the same level of excellence from Kid Cosmic. I can use another superhero cartoon in my life and I have a list of shows I’d like to watch for the first time using streaming services and review them. I can’t wait to watch the other 9 episodes. It’s so tempting to watch another one now. Maybe tomorrow.

I watch the credits until the end for the closing logo. It’s as classy-looking as the show itself. I love closing logos and this one is now one of my favorites.

Experience the Medieval Fantasy of Disenchantment

Have Watched, Thoughts, Upcoming, update / By

Posted: 14 January 2021

Disenchantment / Netflix / 2018 – Present

My summary from the 2018 post:

“From what I understand from watching the trailers and other related videos, the show is about Princess Bean who is to be married off for political reasons. She is also an alcoholic due to daddy issues and the fact that her brother is next in line to be king. She and her companions Elfo (an elf) and Luci (her personal demon) go on adventures together. The show takes place in the kingdom of Dreamland. That’s the best description I can give for now.”

I remember in July 2018 I was excited for Disenchantment to be released onto Netflix. By that time, I lost access to the Simpson episodes on which I grew up (like season 1 all the way up to season 15). Watching Disenchantment made me long for the days my Fox affiliate would play the Simpsons reruns. Obviously, this is a Matt Groening show because of the art style (overbites, round noses). Very appealing! When I finished the first part for the second time, I migrated to streaming Futurama episodes. That filled in the gap while I waited for more episodes.

An Adventure for the Eyes

This show looks stunning on my HD TVs, especially my big screen. The sights, especially the pannings around Dreamland, are breath-taking. I’m experiencing the latest Netflix app. It makes it really easy to binge-watch shows with the skip intro/skip recap/watch credits/next episode buttons. It makes it easier to watch more than one episode in one night (and to watch as I type this review). I’m rewatching some episodes since it’s been a while since I last watched this show (since I finished watching part 2 just once).

An Evolving Style

I don’t hate this show however I enjoyed part 1 over part 2. Probably because part 1 had more humor. Part 2 had more drama and doesn’t feel like an animated sitcom like what they tried to do in part 1. I’m sure there will be something light-hearted about the part 3 storyline. I’ll find something to love about it. I think it’s the fact that it’s animated for HD and the characters are in Matt Groening’s style that keeps me coming back. The Celtic/Medieval music from Mark Mothersbaugh is really a deal maker for me because it sounds lovely. With this medieval theme, doesn’t this show make you want to dress up and go to the Renaissance Festival?

The Characters Make The Show

There is no character I necessarily hate. They are all likable. It’s a shame that Dagmar is evil. I like her voice. But, hey, this show can’t be 100% perfect. It needs a protagonist.

Part 3 of Disenchantment comes out tomorrow on Netflix. I’m going to watch it!

The Loud House Gets Schooled!

Have Watched, Review / By

Posted 22 December 2020

The Loud House/Nickelodeon/Episode air date: 11 September 2020

In this season 6 premiere, Lincoln and his friends begin middle school. Complaining about the undesirable conditions of his classroom, Lincoln complains then ends up in a school in Canada. All this amid all other changes in the Loud household including Lori going to college and Lily going to preschool.

–Summary by Vic’s Review

Potential for a Musical?

Upon arriving at middle school, Lincoln and his friends break into a singing number (“We Got This”). Later, after Lincoln enters Canada for the first time, another song is sung (“Welcome to Canada”). If this were supposed to be a musical, shouldn’t there be more songs? Perhaps this special had the potential to become a musical. There could have been a “We Got This” reprise at the end.

Both songs were written by Doug Rockwell. He also performed “Welcome to Canada.” He also wrote every other song in this series (the theme song and songs in the other specials including all the songs in the episode “Really Loud Music”). Yep, they’re songs that complement the series well.

If that was Asher Bishop (the current Lincoln) singing in “We Got This,” he sure did put a lot of heart in his singing.

Leni’s Subplot

Leni has never been cuter in this entire series than in this episode. Even though Lori wasn’t around to regulate her wardrobe She wore a really cute, mismatched outfit. She rode a daycare bus to a school she thought was her own. Our classic, air-headed Leni!

The Portrayal of Canada

As I previously mentioned in previous posts, I like Canadian things, including Canadian TV. Riding a moose is on my bucket list and I haven’t ice skated in years. Taking a trip to Canada will help me check off those list items. I’m sure that in reality, processes in real life for Lincoln to attend school in another country are more complex than what was portrayed. Are there really students who arrive at school on moose-back? Can you really get thrown out of the country for turning down maple syrup? Those questions spark my curiosity. Perhaps moving to Canada sounds interesting right about now.

An Enjoyable Piece for the Back to School Season

In this first hour-long adventure, attention was drawn to the fact that Royal Woods, Michigan is located near the Canadian border. They use that fact to develop a story. This was a very entertaining episode overall. This special is sure to pave the way for future changes in the Loud House universe. Even if you’ve graduated from school long ago, can you still enjoy this special? “Yes, you CAN…ada” (yes, I stole a joke from Lynn Loud, Sr.).

Total Drama: A Preteen’s First Reality Show

Have Watched, Review / By

Posted: 2 October 2020 

The Total Drama Series / Teletoon/Cartoon Network / 2007-Present 

Watched from 25 February 2020 – 10 June 2020 

What was the first reality show you ever watched? 

Total Drama was a series that lasted for many seasons. I have a lot to say about it but if I were to express them all, I’d be writing a novel. Here are some brief thoughts and recommendations. 

In the Total Drama Series, Chris McLean hosts a reality show starring a group of teenage contestants (often called campers (Total Drama Island), actors (Total Drama Action), etc…) They compete in various challenges (often dangerous ones) in hopes of not getting eliminated and winning thousands of dollars. While competing, the episodes highlight details of the “Total Dramas” between 2 or more contestants. These are often attempts to get one another eliminated. 

The Best Piece of Reality TV Satire…Ever! 

The show began in 2007 with “Total Drama Island” as the first series. Twenty-two teenagers competed for a large cash prize. The first series was a true classic! Each character had a purpose. In later seasons, it’s like the writers stopped caring because it felt like the seasons didn’t have the same charm as their predecessors. The seasons were much shorter and quicker. There were many throw-away characters. You’d pray certain characters would be first to get eliminated (and those prayers would usually get answered). Also, whenever the winner was revealed in later seasons, it just ended. The series ends in a scene with the winner holding the suitcase of money and Chris announces the end of the competition (namely in “Pahkitew Island”). 

Also, as the seasons changed, Chris became more and more of a madman, getting him arrested in the process (end of “Revenge of the Island”). Really, I think he’s hot and he knows he’s hot. Who’s ever heard of the kind host who cares about his contestants? 

All the bleeping and censored nudity adds authenticity. There is even uncensored barf. This would not go well with American censors. It seems like the Canadian censors are more lenient. If you initially watched on Cartoon Network, you may have realized later about the edits, mostly hearing less bleeping.  

The show is clearly Canadian (animation tells all). Throughout the series, I learn about places in Canada (Muskoka, Ontario, near where Camp Wawanakwa was located), the types of people (“Prairie People”), and I learned some slang words, too. That makes me want to learn all about Canada. Also, the word “Pahkitew” is Cree for an explosion. 

The Ridonculous Race 

In this Total Drama Spin-off, a different path is taken. They do an animated version of the hit reality show, “The Amazing Race” and I thought it went well. Don (the new host) does have some vanity in him. In “Ridonculous” not enough seasons were made to show if Don is really, really insane. If you were to close your eyes and play the first few seconds of an “Amazing Race” episode versus the beginning of a “Ridonculous” episode, you wouldn’t notice a difference. The audio qualities are similar and…let’s say they really nailed it on a type of audio a typical reality show should have. 

Total DramaRama 

I’ve seen a couple episodes and I think this is a cute series. I was a daycare kid myself so I can relate. They didn’t want the Total Drama franchise to die so they created this series to keep it alive. Great idea! 

Want to spark your interest in reality TV? 

Whether you’re wondering about the seasonal pattern of a reality show or just want to laugh at the types of people that are on it, this show is for you! This show can also serve as a preteen’s first “reality show,” paving the way for any live-action reality shows they may choose to watch later on. This is a great show to watch if you like reality show satire.  

What was my first reality TV show? Mine was “Looking for Love: Bachelorettes in Alaska” (FOX, Summer 2002). Of course you haven’t heard of it, it was bad and it lasted one season. I’m not really into reality TV because most reality shows tend to get a bit tense for me. I mostly enjoy the business improvement reality shows like Kitchen Nightmares (FOX, 2007-2014 (US version)), Hotel Hell (FOX, 2012-2016), and Hotel Impossible (Travel Channel, 2012-2017). Watching all these reality shows beforehand helped me understand, appreciate, and find humor in what “Total Drama” is mocking.