Twenty-Two Minute Abs: Mario Lopez Gets His Own Reality Show

Mario Lopez, who was Taylor Lautner before Taylor Lautner, has been a remarkably enduring presence in American pop culture over the years. He’s acted in shows like “Nip/Tuck,” done Broadway and “Dancing With The Stars,” hosted TV shows, and displayed his abs wherever abs are welcome. It was only a matter of time before someone gave AC Slater his own reality show, and if you guessed VH1 would be the network to be that someone, you win a free toaster.

The untitled docusoap will star Lopez and girlfriend Courtney Mazza as they prepare for the birth of their first child.

The show will chronicle Lopez adjusting to being a father as he balances his workload hosting the syndicated "Extra" and MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew."


Oh man, that sounds boring. Hard to believe there’s a reality show out there that would sound more boring than “Giuliana And Bill,” but as always, I underestimate the laziness of reality show producers.

Lopez, and I can’t believe I’m saying this, deserves better. He’s a likable, talented fellow. Why would I want to watch him take a Town Car to the studio to record a show? Who cares? Reality shows that follow one famous person (or a group of them) only work if the people in question are shallow, narcissistic, insane, and/or addicted to many controlled substances. Lopez is none of those things. He’s normal, and normal makes for toxic entertainment.

I have a much better idea for Lopez. Don’t follow him around with a camera. Make him the host of something, preferably a dating show where Tom Sizemore searches for a new ex-wife and conducts interviews from a prison visitor’s center. Let Lopez preside over the handcuff ceremony. That would really make him shine, I say. Because Mario Lopez is too darn functional to belong in a reality show spotlight.

Contact Us