During the holidays, the trend was to “elf yourself” and your friends. Now, there’s something new. With the premiere of Howie Mandel’s newest show (we’ll get to that in a minute) comes a new online video to send to your friends that is immature and funny and may just make someone smile once they get over being mad at you.
NBC premieres “Howie Do It” at 8 tonight. The show follows in the footsteps of classic prank programs and it’s a little like getting “Punk’d” by Ashton Kutcher, only these aren’t celebrities.
If you want to get in on the action, visit the show’s Web site at www.nbc.com. Click on “Howie Do It” and then on the “games” button. Once there, you’ll be prompted to enter your friend’s name. I did it to myself as a test and it is pretty funny. I won’t ruin the surprise, but those of you experiencing “elf yourself” withdrawals should check it out.
As for the show, it’s definitely cheesy but has promise. I know I’ve been a little harsh on Howie in the past, but I would like to give him a chance this time because I think he has potential as a prankster.
While another of NBC’s newest, “Momma’s Boys,” is a dud in my book “The Biggest Loser: Couples” is sure to be an entertaining, inspiring and heartwarming season. With the heaviest contestant ever already losing 30 pounds, anyone who has made a New Year’s resolution to get fit should tune in. I must note, if you’re trying to shed a few pounds, it’s best not to watch this while sitting on the couch and eating munchies. Instead, jump on the treadmill or at least do some crunches during commercial breaks.
Check out the show’s Web site for episode recaps, weight loss tips, and motivating transformation photos from contestants and at-home participants.
If you’re looking for something a little more informative (yes, there is such a thing as educational reality TV), check out the offerings from Discovery this season.
Not only does season three of “Man vs. Wild” make its debut this week, but in a spin-off from “Deadliest Catch,” Discovery goes back to the open ocean for “Treasure Quest.” The show tracks the only publicly traded company that conducts deep ocean shipwreck exploration and highlights some of the most advanced technology available to uncover some of the world’s most hidden history.
“Treasure Quest” premieres at 10 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15.