MTV's 2009 reality show makeover

Smallscreen News

By April MacIntyre Dec 20, 2008, 18:06 GMT

MTV is ringing in 2009 with a massive shift in programming. The network's recent ratings declines has spurred a huge foray into more thoughtful reality with 16 new unscripted series over the next 4½ months. Variety reports that the series will be turned out by P. Diddy,

The network's recent ratings declines has spurred a huge foray into more thoughtful reality with 16 new unscripted series over the next 4½ months. Variety reports that the series will be turned out by P. Diddy, "South Park" creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker, Donald Trump and even Nick Lachey. © Lee Roth / RothStock / PR PhotosThe network's recent ratings declines has spurred a huge foray into more thoughtful reality with 16 new unscripted series over the next 4½ months.Variety reports that the series will be turned out by P. Diddy, "South Park" creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker, Donald Trump and even Nick Lachey. "Our new shows will feature themes of affirmation and accomplishment," says Brian Graden, MTV Networks music channels and Logo president. "Our shows are going to focus less on loud and silly hooks and more on young people proving themselves. These are themes that are consistent with the Obama generation."In "College Life," producers gave U. of Wisconsin freshman camcorders, then turned them loose to shoot their own lives."You get an intense sense of reality that you haven't seen on television before," Graden says. "These are (techniques) that are interesting that I don't see anyone else doing."There is an untitled series focused on students at Cincinnati's School for Creative & Performing Arts that's produced by hometown hero Nick Lachey.Trump-produced "Girls of Hedsor Hall" will follow entitled wild-ass partying girls at an English finishing school. The series will debut in January.