Showtime Developing a New Reality Show about Gigolos

by Scott Harris, posted Jul 23rd 2010 4:05PM

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For the last decade, producers of reality television have been vying to one-up each other, especially when it comes to sex. From 'The Real World's' increasingly bawdy casting choices to 'Big Brother's' often salacious 24-hour feed, it's become clear that, like in every other form of media, the dirtier it gets, the higher the ratings go. Now Showtime has decided to cut right to the chase by unveiling their ultimate doomsday weapon in the reality sex war: gigolos.

Yes, according to The Los Angeles Times, Showtime is currently partnering with Relativity Media to develop a reality series about male prostitutes which the cable network describes as an "unscripted look into the personal lives of a group of men who offer sex and companionship for money in Las Vegas."

This isn't the first reality show about Nevada sex workers, of course; HBO claimed that landmark honor back in 2002 when it began airing 'Cathouse.' And HBO is also a pioneer in the area of television gigolos, thanks to it's scripted dramedy 'Hung,' about a average joe with above average career potential in the realm of male escorts.

Whether or not Showtime can emulate HBO's success by combining those two heady concepts is unclear, but we wouldn't bet against them. After all, gigolos have been a staple of entertainment for decades -- and not just in hotel rooms across America. From music to movies to television, being a gigolo may not be easy, but it's a sure fire way to grab headlines and critical acclaim.

Reality TV And The Actor

A Reality TV "actor" has just it just as difficult if not more difficult then a scripted actor. I've done both multiple times. A Reality TV actor must be a quick thinker, intelligent, creative and exciting. In some cases I would rather "Impov" act then read lines someone has written for me because it's more real. I know who I am and the "character" I've become. You will love me or hate me.

There's less physical preparation but can be just as much if not more mental preparation. Reality TV acting can also take much more energy. You typically don't do "multiple takes" but you are constantly being filmed and you must be on your toes at all times. "Scripted reality" is misunderstood. Reality actors are placed into certain situations but it's there job to react to the situation to make it entertaining. And the better the reality actor the less they need to be told what to do, chances to take or even what to talk about or say.