It’s throwback Thursday! And, in honor of “Speidi” and their
appearance on CBB, I have been inspired to revisit one of my all time favorite
reality shows. “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!” What was not to love about
this show? It had everything to offer a pop culture and reality TV obsessed
viewer like myself. If you didn’t watch this masterpiece, then let it be known
that you missed out on some quality television my friends. If you’re banging
your head against a wall right now, because you’re heartbroken over missing out
on the I.A.C.G.M.O.H bandwagon, fear not! Step into my delorean, as I guide you through
some of the highlights of one of my favorite reality competition shows.
In the summer of 2009, NBC adapted and began airing the
popular UK series in the states. However, this wasn’t the first time the show
had aired in the US. In 2003, ABC became the first network in the states to air
the series. Technically speaking, this would make the NBC series the unofficial
second season of the show. Let it be known, that I viewed and equally loved
both versions.
The first season began airing nightly in February 2003, with
10 celebrity castaways. Please note that shows that air nightly excite me
greatly! You just get so much more into them that way. The first season was set
in the Australian Outback (TBT Fun Fact: The Australian Outback was also my
favorite season of Survivor!) and included the following personalities; Cris
Judd, Melissa Rivers, John Melendez, Downtown Julie Brown, Tyson Beckford,
Nikki Ziering, Maria Conchita Alonso, Alana Stewart, and Robin Leach. Okay, so
there wasn’t exactly an overwhelming amount of star power here. Some of these
guys were quite interesting though! The fact that Bruce Jenner was approached
to do a reality show in a Pre-K (that’s Pre-Kardashian) world should be
considered a compliment!
There wasn’t a ton of serious drama to be found that I can
recall, but I do remember cheering on Melissa Rivers…for obvious reasons. Have
you seen this girl on a reality show? She’s insane! Both from a mental and competitive standpoint.
Season two was a much larger production! We were taken to
the jungles of Costa Rica, with Lou Diamond Phillips, Torrie Wilson, John
Salley, Patti Blagojevich, Sanjaya Malakar, Holly Montag, Spencer Pratt, Hedi
Montag, Stephen Baldwin, Daniel Baldwin, Janice Dickinson, Francis Callier, and
Angela V. Shelton. Clearly a more relevant and recognizable cast than the first
installment. The drama this season was intense! First of all, the comedians
Francis and Angela left the show in episode one for various reasons. Heidi and
Spencer left, came back, and left again, which led to producers bringing in
Heidi’s sister Holly Montag. Who then fell into a showmance with Sanjaya.
Janice Dickson, was the black sheep of the group. Everyone had an issue with
her at one time or another. This is likely the reason why I cheered her on. In
addition to rooting for #TeamJanice I was also rooting on Patti. Her husband
was one of the most hated men in America at that time, and it felt like the
right thing to do. Ultimately, Lou Diamond Phillips beat out Torrie Wilson for
the title of last celeb standing.
Sadly, the franchise died shortly after. NBC announced in
the spring of 2010 that the show would not be returning. I was crushed to say
the least!
If I’ve taught you anything today, it’s that I love all
things celebrities. And, you need to YouTube this show and schedule a marathon
asap! It’s well worth it!
I leave you now with some classic clips, that are sure to find their way into the AustHan vault!
Unfortunately, I could find no clips from the ABC version of the show. Meaning, no Bruce or Melissa clips! I know you're all as sad as I am.
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