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Unusual mix of reality shows set for summer

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By Natalie Knoth, Staff Writer 8:24 PM Friday, July 10, 2009

DAYTON — No matter how ridiculous, obscene or cheesy, there’s something about reality TV that just keeps you coming back for more. Here’s a look at the summer lineup of new shows.

Contact this reporter at nknoth@DaytonDailyNews.com.

Addicted to Beauty

Combining America’s obsession with workplace drama and plastic surgery, “Addicted to Beauty” delves into the lives of the staff at Changes Plastic Surgery and Spa, one of the country’s largest medi-spas. Based in southern California, the show centers on the conflicts that ensue between the eclectic personalities — breeding a less-than-ideal environment for business. You might have a newfound appreciation for your own co-workers after watching.

How to watch:  10 p.m. Tuesdays on Oxygen, beginning Aug. 4

Dance Your Ass Off

Not many people would volunteer to lose weight under the watchful eye of millions of people. Even fewer would do so wearing a skimpy outfit while dancing dirty to a collection of heart-pumping (and pound-splicing) music. But that’s exactly the premise of “DYAO,” which started at the end of June. The show features contestants who subscribe to training and performing with a professional dance partner in everything from hip hop to ballroom dancing. Even pole dancing is thrown into the mix. The contestants are scored based on their performance and weight loss, with one dancer sent home each week. The last (and, most likely, fittest) dancer wins $100,000.

How to watch: 10 p.m. Mondays on Oxygen

Dating in the Dark

“Oh, looks don’t matter,” is probably a line you’ve heard more than a few times, perhaps from a friend who set you up on a blind date. But c’mon, who isn’t interested in knowing what a date looks like? “Dating in the Dark” will explore the age-old looks vs. personality question as three single men and three single women live in the same house divided by gender, and can only meet with the opposite sex in total darkness. Once they have dated one another, the participants choose one person to see in the light. (Keep in mind, they have been kissing and snuggling with faceless people.) After the big reveal, participants have to decide whether to stick with the date each chose in darkness.

How to watch: 10 p.m. Mondays on ABC, beginning July 20

Forensics: You Decide

Crime shows are popular for their gripping storylines and unexpected twists that end with a mystery solved. Not so with “Forensics: You Decide.” The same set of forensic evidence gives inconclusive results — the prosecution and defense interpret it in two different ways, each to their own benefit. For example, one sees unquestionable proof of a murder; another sees proof of a suicide with the same certainty. It’s up to the jury to decide guilt or innocence and it may leave viewers surprised. Viewers can debate the show’s outcome with “Facebook Connect,” a tool providing discussion using the social networking site.

How to watch: 10 p.m. Mondays on Investigation Discovery, beginning Aug. 3

How’d You Get So Rich?

With the unfortunate state of the job market, wouldn’t it be nice to find an unconventional way to strike it rich? Hosted by the spunky Joan Rivers, “How’d You Get So Rich?” gives a glimmer of hope to the unemployed or underemployed by looking at the lives of ordinary people who became millionaires under unexpected circumstances. One such lucky person started out selling cordless phones door to door, and another raked in the money by inventing Billy-Bob Teeth. Rivers meets these unlikely millionaires, tours their mansions, and uncovers their path to success.

How to watch: 9 p.m. Thursdays on TV Land, beginning  Aug. 6

Miami Social

From the boardroom to the barstool, “Miami Social” follows young professional pals in one of America’s hottest cities. These successful socialities work at magazine offices together by day and then hit the trendy locales together by night. While all are successful in their work, a glimpse at their social life suggests their nightlife might be even more of a success. Perhaps they take their networking skills from the corporate office to the night clubs.

How to watch: 10 p.m. Tuesdays on Bravo, beginning July 14

Models of the Runway

Ever wonder what the models on Project Runway are really thinking? Do they curse the Earth when paired with a particularly unpleasant designer, or predict their imminent “Auf Wiedersehen” moment when fitted for a hideous garment? With “Models of the Runway,” you’ll get one step closer to understanding these beautiful leggy women as they face elimination each week and strive to win the coveted prize: a photo spread in Marie Claire (and a cash reward, of course).

How to watch: 11 p.m. Thursdays on Lifetime, beginning  Aug. 20

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