Race to the Altar | StarWorld | 06.24.2004

From a show focusing on infidelity, I tuned in to StarWorld, default channel #2 (just recently dethroned by ETC), where they've started airing Race to the Altar, the latest reality show to hit the airwaves. Eight couples are vying for their dream altar date by going through various challenges, physical and otherwise, including having to hold on to each other the longest while suspended from cables ten storeys above the ground, and a newlywed-game-like matching game where questions are asked on hypothetical prenup clauses.

I understand the mystique of a reality show such as this; it's fun to watch real people bicker and blame each other, but it's also nice to see couples who seem to totally in love at times. It just so happens, unfortunately, that the setup of the games really bring out some friction in these engaged couples. This is a newer take on the newlywed game, only it's the pre-wedding game; it's a jumble of various reality game shows, and the game portions are not that entertaining. Definitely less entertaining than the goings-on in between the games, within the couples and between the various pairs. It's not good TV, but it's watchable.