The Biggest Loser, The Bachleor. American Idol, and Project Runway return in January 2013
The 2013 year in reality television begins with several new and returning shows locked in a January battle for ratings supremacy as fans see familiar faces.
In January 2013, reality favorites like The Biggest Loser, American Idol, Project Runway, and The Bachelor return for new seasons while others like Buckwild and The Taste make their unscripted debuts. When the new year begins, fans will see the return of familiar names, new celebrity judges, team competitions, and surprise guests that may spark reality controversy.
January has something for everyone, including Betty White and new pranks, the search for true love, healty eating habits, ghost hunting, make-up, fashion and food.
Here’s what’s hot in reality TV in January 2013:
Buckwild – January 3, 2013
A replacement for Jersey Shore, Buckwild follows nine young and “wild” adults in West Virginia who find unique ways to create their own fun. In the premiere episode, two cast mates throw a party despite their neighbor’s recent noise complaints, leading to a heated confrontation. Sound familiar? Although Buckwild has sparked some controversy over perpetuating hillbilly stereotypes, it may be the next big reality hit for MTV.
The Biggest Loser returns to NBC on Sunday, January 6 at 8 pm on NBC – Photo: NBC
The Biggest Loser – January 6, 2013
Returning for Season 14, NBC’s The Biggest Loser: Challenge America welcomes back trainer Jillian Michaels who joins Bob Harper and Dolvett Quince in the fight against child obesity. For Challenge America, Michaels, Harper and Quince train a new crop of weight loss hopefuls that also includes three overweight teens between the ages of 13-17.
The Bachelor – January 7, 2013
ABC’s The Bachelor returns for Season 17 with insurance agent and former Bachelorette cast-off, Sean Lowe, searching for love. 26 female contestants will join Lowe as they compete for love, the coveted roses, and ultimately a marriage proposal from the Dallas-based Bachelor. In a new twist, The Bachelor will also reveal a mystery female contestant in the season premiere.
Washington Heights – January 9, 2013
Another new unscripted series at MTV, Washington Heights follows nine best friends from the diverse New York neighborhood of Washington Heights. The series will showcase the challenges each friend faces as they navigate their way through money problems, job issues, and their individual pursuits, which include fashion, music, baseball and poetry. Unlike what we’ve seen on MTV in recent years, Washington Heights offers a look at the working side of New York’s young and aspiring talent.
Betty White’s Off Their Rockers – January 8, 2013
After a successful first season on NBC, Betty White returns for another season of Off Their Rockers filled with new pranks and scares. Special guests Psy and Kim Kardashian appear in the season premiere in two back-to-back episodes. Other celebrity guests to join Betty White this season include Howie Mandel, Nicole Richie, Steve O, Nick Lachey, NeNe Leakes, Ed Asner, Nick Cannon and Bob Harper, as well as Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ Adrienne Maloof, Camille Grammer and Kyle Richards.
American Idol returns to Fox on January 16 at 8pm – Photo: FOX
American Idol – January 16, 2013
American Idol returns for Season 12 with Randy Jackson welcoming new judges Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, and Keith Urban. Following the success of winners Scotty McCreery and Phillip Phillips, a new crop of Idols will sing for a shot at a record deal. The two-night premiere begins on Wednesday, January 16 and continues Thursday, January 17.
Project Runway All-Stars Finale – January 17, 2013
To kick off 2013 in “style,” the second season of Project Runway: All Stars will crown a new winner in late January. All-Star designers Anthony Ryan Auld, Emilio Sosa, Joshua McKinley, and Uli Herzner compete for the final prize, which includes a custom-branded capsule collection for Nine West, a $150,000 in cash, and passes to international Fashion Week events.
Project Runway Season 11 – January 24, 2013
Lifetime’s Project Runway returns for Season 11 with a new format that sees 16 contestants compete in team pairs. Designer Michael Kors will be replaced by Zac Posen who joins Nina Garcia on the judge’s panel. Although the contestants will compete in teams, only one designer will walk away with a final prize that includes $100,000 from L’Oreal Paris for his/her own line, a fashion spread in Marie Claire magazine, and a 2013 Lexus GS 350.
Face Off – January 15, 2013
Season 4 of the Syfy reality competition kicks off with a new group of prosthetic makeup artists vying for a top prize that includes $100,000 and a year’s supply of makeup. One of Syfy’s most popular reality hits, Face Off also welcomes a slew of star-studded guest judges, including X-Men director Bryan Singer, John Rhys-Davies, Jon Landau, Michael Nankin, and Gale Anne Hurd, producer of The Walking Dead.
Ghost Hunters – January 16, 2013
Syfy’s Ghost Hunters returns for Season 9 as the TAPS (The Atlantic Paranormal Society) team tests new equipment innovations and spook chasing techniques. The season kicks off with investigations at Mark Twain House, the Rochester Public Library, and other haunts in and around Western Kentucky. Jason Hawes will lead the TAPS team into another season as they explore new haunted territory across the country.
The Taste makes its series debut January 22 on ABC – Photo: ABC
The Taste – January 22, 2013
Nigella Lawson and Anthony Bourdain team for ABC’s new reality cooking competition in which four culinary professionals mentor teams of both pro and amateur cooks. Home cooks and restaurateurs sharpen their skills and train with the best culinary experts in the business. Star mentors will each coach a team of cooks, who they hand pick based on their dishes alone.
The eight-episode season will feature an elimination-style format with various cooking challenges as the contestants create dishes from all types of culinary styles.
Which reality show are you looking forward to the most in January 2013?