The Problem with NYC Prep

I just watched a sneak peek of the new reality show on Bravo, NYC Prep, which premieres tomorrow night. Now, admittedly, I’m a reality show junkie. I love me some So You Think You Can Dance, American Idol, Project Runway, and yes, even The Hills and The Bachelor/Bachelorette. But I have a problem with NYC Prep.

The reality show follows the lives of a group of real NYC prep school students…kind of like Gossip Girl on steriods. Is there drama? Yes. Backstabbing? Yes. Drinking? Drugs? Casual sex? Yes, yes, and yes. Does this make for good entertainment? Of course it does.

But here’s my problem. The “stars” of this show are teenagers. Teenagers who are living out their lives, and experiencing their every high, and every inevitable low, on TV for the whole world to see. I shudder to think that the things I did in high school would ever be available for public consumption. While I had my moments of thoughtfulness and maturity, I also was plenty full of stupidity, selfishness, and ridiculousness. And yes, the teens starring in NYC Prep might believe they are all-knowing, mature, and aware of the possible effect their reality show stardom may have on their future, but seriously, the popularity of this show will ultimately be at their expense.

Why not a reality series about teens changing the world or being super athletes or overcoming difficult challenges? Can’t TV do better than another show that takes the most sensational aspects of teenhood and serves it up like a fast food combo meal?

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My apologies for the irregularity of posts and lack of images on my site in the past few weeks…I’ve been temporarily working out of New York and my Internet access has been spotty. I’m back in Seattle next week and will return to my regular Monday through Friday posts, complete with pictures, at that time!