Just how much reality there is to MTV’s signature reality show, “The Hills,” has been debated for years. The series’ stars, previous unknowns, have become celebrities dogged by paparazzi during shooting of the show. Some have been accused of faking for the cameras, staging break-ups, make-ups and the like.
But viewers apparently don’t care. When the fourth season premieres tonight at 10 p.m., it will likely generate the network’s highest ratings of the summer among its target viewers 12-34, fueled by rumors of another feud between star Lauren Conrad and her current BFF.
Lauren, of course, famously split with former BFF Heidi Montag after the latter decided to move in with bad-news boyfriend Spencer Pratt in season two. Since then the show has developed a dual focus, one on Lauren and one on Heidi and Spencer, while the two sides engaged in a tabloid war of wars that sent ratings soaring last summer.
This year it looks as though Lauren and Audrina Page, one of her two roommates, are heading toward a similar, if possibly less dramatic, split. The two have been hanging out less, as Page pursues an acting career launched by “Hills,” and the pair’s third roommate, Lauren “Lo” Bosworth, isn’t much of a Page fan.
Audrina has told the tabs that by the end of season four their relationship troubles will have played out on screen but insists that she and Lauren still hang out regularly. Still, MTV has played up the dramatics, and the show has gotten front-cover attention from Entertainment Weekly, Us Weekly and a host of other entertainment magazines the past few weeks.
Even against the Olympics, “Hills” will have a strong premiere, especially since Lauren keeps floating hints that she wants to leave the show soon. That seems unlikely to happen, but it will keep people tuning in just in case.
|
A look at this week’s top TV draws
|
|
MONDAY, AUGUST 18
|
|
Time
|
Network
|
Program
|
Description
|
|
8 p.m.
|
NBC
|
“Olympics” (S)
|
A live semifinal in women’s beach volleyball, followed by various (taped) track and gymnastics finals.
|
|
8 p.m.
|
ESPN
|
“Monday Night Football” (S)
|
The up-and-coming Browns take on the champion Giants in a preseason game.
|
|
8 p.m.
|
Nickelodeon
|
“Diego’s Moonlight Rescue” (M)
|
Finally, Diego gets his own movie. Made-for-TV, but it’s a start.
|
|
9 p.m.
|
TNT
|
“The Closer” (D)
|
Brenda investigates a kid who ran away but might also be a killer.
|
|
9 p.m.
|
HBO
|
“Thank You Mr. President: Helen Thomas at the White House” (N)
|
The journalist recounts memories from her work with presidents, going all they way to Kennedy.
|
|
10 p.m.
|
TNT
|
“Saving Grace” (D)
|
Grace looks for a man who may have killed his ex and kidnapped his son.
|
|
10 p.m.
|
Travel Channel
|
“Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations” (R)
|
Bourdain checks out the food and culture in
Spain.
|
|
TUESDAY, AUGUST 19
|
|
Time
|
Network
|
Program
|
Description
|
|
7 a.m.
|
ABC
|
“Good Morning
America” (N)
|
Interesting combination: Bob Eubanks and the Cheetah Girls both guest.
|
|
8 p.m.
|
NBC
|
“Olympics” (S)
|
Mostly more track and gymnastics, but also BMX and diving.
|
|
9 p.m.
|
CBS
|
“Big Brother” (R)
|
Should easily be the second-most-watched in the slot behind the Olympics.
|
|
10 p.m.
|
Oxygen
|
“Tori & Dean: Home Sweet
Hollywood” (R)
|
The couple reflects on the busy year they’ve had.
|
|
10 p.m.
|
ABC
|
“Primetime” (N)
|
A report on a medical condition that turns skin bluish gray.
|
|
10 p.m.
|
BET
|
“Baldwin Hills” (R)
|
Sal has to interview for an internship.
|
|
10 p.m.
|
A&E
|
“The Cleaner” (D)
|
William tries to help a father who’s addicted to meth.
|
|
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20
|
|
Time
|
Network
|
Program
|
Description
|
|
7 a.m.
|
ABC
|
“Good Morning
America” (N)
|
Jordin Sparks from “American Idol” performs.
|
|
8 p.m.
|
NBC
|
“Olympics” (S)
|
The women’s beach volleyball final, women’s 400m final and men’s 200m final.
|
|
8 p.m.
|
ESPN
|
“Little League Baseball” (S)
|
A
U.S. semifinal at the Little League World Series.
|
|
9 p.m.
|
Telemundo
|
“Soccer” (S)
|
World Cup qualifier between
Mexico and
Honduras should attract a large Hispanic audience.
|
|
9 p.m.
|
Bravo
|
“Project Runway” (R)
|
This week’s guest is RuPaul.
|
|
10 p.m.
|
MTV
|
“Run’s House” (R)
|
Russy and DIggy see if they can finally take their braces off.
|
|
10 p.m.
|
National Geographic Channel
|
“Taboo” (N)
|
Yep, we’d agree that the human organ black market would be considered taboo.
|
|
THURSDAY, AUGUST 21
|
|
Time
|
Network
|
Program
|
Description
|
|
7 a.m.
|
NBC
|
“Today” (N)
|
The crew continues to report from
Beijing.
|
|
8 p.m.
|
Fox
|
“NFL Football” (S)
|
The 49ers take on the Bears in exhibition play.
|
|
8 p.m.
|
NBC
|
“Olympics” (S)
|
Among the events tonight is the men’s 400m final.
|
|
9 p.m.
|
truTV
|
“Principal’s Office” (R)
|
Series premiere. Looking at how principals handle problem kids at school.
|
|
10 p.m.
|
CBS
|
“Flashpoint” (D)
|
The team chases a young man who had been fighting with his father into the woods.
|
|
10 p.m.
|
A&E
|
“Jacked: Auto Theft Task Force” (R)
|
Series premiere. For the “Cops” fans with a special appreciation for stolen vehicle cases.
|
|
10 p.m.
|
Comedy Central
|
“Gong Show with Dave Attell” (G)
|
A contortionist pool player is among the contestants.
|
|
FRIDAY, AUGUST 22
|
|
Time
|
Network
|
Program
|
Description
|
|
7 a.m.
|
ABC
|
“Good Morning
America” (N)
|
Kid Rock and Lynyrd Skynyrd perform.
|
|
8 p.m.
|
Fox
|
“NFL Football” (S)
|
A
Texas preseason battle between the Texans and Cowboys.
|
|
8 p.m.
|
NBC
|
“Olympics” (S)
|
The men’s and women’s 4X100m relay.
|
|
8 p.m.
|
Disney Channel
|
“The Cheetah Girls One World” (M)
|
New movie should attract the kids.
|
|
9 p.m.
|
USA
|
“Monk” (D)
|
Monk likes a woman, but of course she’s accused of murder.
|
|
10 p.m.
|
TLC
|
“Who Are You Wearing” (R)
|
Series premiere. Another competition for wannabe designers.
|
|
SATURDAY, AUGUST 23
|
|
Time
|
Network
|
Program
|
Description
|
|
10 a.m.
|
|
