Friendly ghost or Pope?: Varieties of reality TV hosts
The ‘Eerie Zen of the Friendly Ghost’ Host
Practitioners: “Survivor’s” Jeff Probst, “American Idol’s” Ryan Seacrest, “Don’t Forget the Lyrics’” Wayne Brady
The new kid: “The Moment of Truth’s” Mark Walberg
The style: We know their names, we know their faces, but just who are these guys? They may be integrally attached to their massive prime-time network shows, but the day after they air, chances are we’ll be talking about anything but the host. They’re safe, non-threatening and completely evaporate with the coming of first light. The Ghost Host often moves silently from show to show, leaving nothing but the faintest hint of an impression. So Jeff Probst occasionally contributes “Survivor” related clues on “Jeopardy” and Ryan Seacrest appears on E! News and unless you are a relative, their appearances are as notable as clouds on a moonless night. (Joe Viles / AP)
The ‘Drill Sergeant Immersion’
Practitioners: “Hell’s Kitchen’s” Gordon Ramsay, “Celebrity Apprentice’s” Donald Trump
The new kid: “The Janice Dickinson Model Agency’s” Janice Dickinson
Style: Remember R. Lee Ermey in “Full Metal Jacket”? Just like that, except instead of preparing soldiers for war, the screaming here is just about aggrandizing the ego of the host. This hosting method is tricky -- it can turn off just as many viewers as it electrifies -- so its use is doled out sparingly. The last host to adapt the “Immersion” was former model Janice Dickinson, whose Oxygen Network reality show began three years ago. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
‘Hosting as Performance Art’
Past practitioners: Iron Chefs Takeshi Kaga, Double Dares Marc Summers
The new kid: American Gladiators Hulk Hogan
The style: The dramatic host takes pride in his/her hosting. This is not about seeming casual, or relaxed, or normal. This is about high energy. High theater. Drama! Think Takeshi Kagas insane bell pepper crunch at the opening of each Iron Chef competition or Hulk Hogans insane clothes/voice/energy throughout each episode of American Gladiator. These hosts arent around just to keep the show going, theyre giving it an extra sparkle. (Peter Kramer / Associated Press)
The ‘I Know Him From Somewhere’ Host
Past practitioners: The Pussy Cat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Dolls’ Mark McGrath, The Singing Bees Joey Fatone
The new kid: Americas Best Dance Crews Mario Lopez
The style: This particular brand of host had a celebrity life pre-hosting, which subsequently dried up. Faced with the daunting possibility of being permanently forgotten (and going broke) they have now resurfaced as hosts of random shows, some of which they are thematically equipped to host, some of which they are not. The public sees them as vaguely familiar friends from the pastmaybe they dont remember their names or how they know them. (Chris Polk / Associated Press)
