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Desperate Teen Idols

Jan 5, 2009, 09:51 AM | by Ken Tucker

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Last night it wasn't just ABC's housewives who were desperate. (And they were indeed pretty desperate: having Teri Hatcher sleep with her gay neighbor, but then reassuring us there was no sex? Rather lame.) On the premiere of VH-1's Confessions of a Teen Idol, we were supposed to think it was an act of grand tragedy when Adrien Zmed rued the day he "walked away from TJ Hooker" instead of this just being an ego-fed bad career move. Now Zmed performs on cruise ships. Boo-hoo. Failure can often be fascinating when it happens to someone else: VH-1 has built its entire programming schedule around this idea. And if Christopher Atkins--whose sole claim to fame is co-starring with Brooke Shields in The Blue Lagoon--really does break his back these days toting wheelbarrows full of cement mix for steady employment, well, who can blame him for wanting to spend some time back in front of cameras, and living in a cushy reality-show house?

The washed-up 80s stars in Confessions of a Teen Idol call each other "bro" and "dude" incessantly, and are all pretty tedious (most amusing: MTV leech Eric Nies and his raw-food proselytizing), but the only person who interests me isn't one of the washed-up--it's one of this series' producers, Jason Hervey. Yes, Wayne on The Wonder Years. When Hervey and the other producers pulled a stunt on the ex-teen idols too boring to detail here, it was the stubby, defensive Hervey who marched out to justify the show and mollify the craggy housemates. Unlike the teen idols here, Hervey has managed to stay involved in show-biz--not, for the most part, as a performer but as a producer of this and other shows. In that role, he comes across as likably pugnacious; he seems like a tougher dude than the whiny bros on Confessions of a Teen Idol.

Happy Monday. Did you watch this thing? Will you watch it again?


Jacqui Mon, Jan 26, 2009 at 09:52 AM EST

I loved the show, it was fabulous. I normally do not watch reality tv but when I saw Christopher Atkins, WOW I stopped in my tracks and watched very intently. I loved him in the Pirate movie....oh Fredrick! I hope the next show will have Kristy McNicol, I miss her acting so very much. Yes I sound mushy but to relive the old days keeps me young... good luck to all those guys, I want to see you all make a come back!!

gud4chokachi Sun, Jan 25, 2009 at 08:00 PM EST

Chokachi's reaction is human - initial laughter and then indignation. He's not a desperate teen idol, he's human and that's what will make this show worth watching.

Suzie Sun, Jan 25, 2009 at 03:36 AM EST

I was shocked to see all these actors on the new vh1 show, and even more shocked to see the scrutiny they were willing to endure. I was very impressed with Chris Atkins. His humility and kindness shine through! I wish the very best for him and all the actors on the show. This RN in ST. Louis will be saying some more prayers for you Chris.

On The Set Sat, Jan 17, 2009 at 01:16 PM EST

Actor is probably the wrong word to describe these guys who are 'wannabee stars' which is different. They want recognition from the tv viewing audience. A real actor works hard at his craft and grows with age. Sure, they started out labelled as "teen idols" but most serious actors go to school, apply their skills on screen and on stage. Some teach, some go on to attain higher degrees and apply them in different industries. There are actors who actually teach bankers how to deliver presentations effectively! So these guys need to learn that if they really wanted to excel as an ACTOR, you must learn (theory) and apply (on tv, movies, stage, write, direct, etc.) rather than sit back and wait for fans to come to you, just because you are told that are recognized. Acting is a profession just like any other "job". If you don't upgrade, you don't get ahead. Worse is you won't get hired.

Trex Mon, Jan 12, 2009 at 10:47 PM EST

What most of these former teen idols have failed to overlook is that they had limited talent at best during their heyday.
Now they are older, heavier and with alot more wrinkles, yet they did nothing to improve their skills as an actor.
The only thing missing from this show is Vanilla Ice and Leif Garrett. Now that's a desperate bunch of fallen teen idols.

bootsycolumbia Mon, Jan 12, 2009 at 10:03 PM EST

I don't sympathize with any of these guys (although David Chokati is still pretty damn hot). None of these guys really wanted to be actors. They wanted to be stars. They wanted the cars, the girls, the houses, the cash, but they weren't willing to do anything to sustain their lifestyles. Matt Dillon could have been one of those guys, but he took acting lessons, paid his dues, and is now a respected, Oscar nominated actor. Same with Johnny Depp, Will Smith, Michael J. Fox, Tom Cruise, Sean Penn, Forest Whitaker, Mark and Donnie Wahlberg: the list goes on. All of these guys started out as teen actors or teen idols, but they all grew up, worked hard, paid their dues and gained their industry's respect. None of the guys on this show have the same drive or work ethic, or they'd be making a comeback.

And I still have no idea who Eric Nies is.

bootsycolumbia Mon, Jan 12, 2009 at 05:36 AM EST

I've heard of all these guys except for Eric Nies. Who is he?

Mari D Mon, Jan 12, 2009 at 04:19 AM EST

I'm Rooting for these guys.
Writers just like to write bad reviews because they think its more interesting than a good one.
I would love to see any of these guys on TV or in a movie. They seem to have the love and passion. . .

Atrain Mon, Jan 12, 2009 at 01:43 AM EST

Why would Eric Nies want to make a comeback? hasn't he heard of Brody Jenner, the Eric Nies of 2009.

elisa Sat, Jan 10, 2009 at 10:19 PM EST

wow great show you do feel for the guys but theu all still have "it" what ever "it" is it never goes away . The talent that got them to the top was not a mistake they are still all so damn cute bring em back I've missed them all I hope they can believe it themselves we do

Jom King Thu, Jan 8, 2009 at 07:15 PM EST

Every guy in America had a great period somewhere between 15-25 when we had youth, girls after us, etc. We were all 'famous' in a way. A shore house, king of the college dorm, or some other amazing thing in our lives. Then we aged, grew up, and joined the real world. The guys on the show have to realize one thing, being a teen idol is a job they had, a past gig they had. None of us get to return to our glorious teens and twenties, why should they be any different? I thought the show was pretty pathetic.

mikey Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 02:45 PM EST

I'll keep watching and hoping for a group therapy moment when Eric Nies reveals that the first time he saw 'Zoolander' his life changed and he dedicated himself to becoming Hansel.

alaina Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 09:25 AM EST

um Christopher Atkins was on Dallas too right?? I missed the show and was actually wanting to see "who" the guys were.... no girls? lol

Kim Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 02:33 PM EST

It's actually a pretty fun show. If they really do what they say they're going to do (try to get these guys' careers back on track), that could be really interesting to watch.

Leiha Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 04:23 AM EST

I really enjoyed this show and would much rather watch this then another Rock of Love or Shot of Love or any of the other embarrassing shows on VH1 (don't get me wrong I've watched those shows in seasons past when I thought they were actually looking for love, silly me). I really felt for these guys and am rooting for them. I'm also enjoying watching the bonds form between them. Can't wait for next week!

Jeff Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 05:10 PM EST

I hate to admit, I too loved this show and really felt for these guys... they are in my demo so I know who they all are, but I think it was very interesting and I actually can't wait to see what happens to them in the end... I honestly loved this show

Tyler Durden Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 02:44 PM EST

Hey I really liked this show. I'll definitely watch it again.

How can you forget Chris Atkins in The Pirate Movie with Kristy McNichol? Those songs are classic.

Chokachi is the moron on this show. What a prima donna! Poor baby got his feelings hurt.

Heather Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 02:15 PM EST

The house they are staying in was actually the MTV Real World Hollywood house.

Rachel Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 02:01 PM EST

I will watch again!

It's spelled... Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 01:50 PM EST

pugnacious

wg Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 01:44 PM EST

Don't know why I'm bothering to comment when clearly the 'reviewer' wasn't even watching the actual show ("cushy reality show house"? 'Dude', they're staying on a soundstage, made pretty clear in every shot of the exterior of the stage that showed after every commercial break!). I thought it was engaging (and a bit heartbreaking), but then, I'm the target audience and they had me as a loyal viewer from the first time I ever heard about the show. Some of us actually remember these guys and are interested in their careers. Unlike a certain reviewer.

Armygrl Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 12:19 PM EST

I thought most of the guys looked pretty good for their age. I was entertained. I'llprobably keep watching.

jeremyj Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 12:18 PM EST

I have to say, I am a guy, and I am really looking forward to the show. Do I feel "bad" for them, no, but can I simpathize, hell yeah. Doesn't every guy in their 40s at some point dream of going back and reliving high school sports? They are just doing the same thing, on a much larger scale. I actually wish them all the luck and success in the world. I would rather watch them, then the messes MTV has created with all their crap programs.

Jennifer Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 12:07 PM EST

Didn't see the show but from what article says this is the reason kids need to stay in school even if they are "kid celebrities". Welcome to the real world. All the fame and money isn't going to do them any good if they are too stupid to know how to do anything but ride the fame wave. Quit the whining and get your education because everything ends eventually.

wvgirl11 Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 11:58 AM EST

Chokachi might still be hot but he needs to get over himself in a big way. His comment about being humiliated on "world wide tv" was hysterical. I hate to tell him but he already accomplished that by starring in the twilight seasons of Baywatch. As for the show...with a hook line like "Fame is a b*tch and they all want her back" of COURSE I'll continue to watch.

star52 Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 11:55 AM EST

Yes ma'am, David Chokachi is still hot as hell and he's 40 dude!

The show was sad and interesting. I will continue to watch the show to see if any of them will be able to accept the fact that their time in the mind and ego deteriorating sun is over for them.

Jennifer Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 11:16 AM EST

I'm usually not that into reality shows, but for some reason I found this one interesting even though I had never heard of or couldn't remember most of the guys. I will probably watch it again.

Elizabeth Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 10:27 AM EST

Who was the hazmat team that scrubbed that place down after the Real World: Hollywood crew left?

I watched it early on Sunday morning. I might watch it again, but I'm not going to make a plan to do it.

GeeMoney Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 10:10 AM EST

I have nothing else to watch at 8pm on Sundays, so I'll continue to watch this show. It wasn't that bad. And David Chokachi is still HOT!


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