Posted at 6:45 p.m. Monday, June 23

Tuesday night might just be the worst night of TV viewing—ever. Or it could be insanely, ridiculously fun.

Blame—or applaud—ABC. The network gives us a double whammy of physical foolishness beginning at 7 p.m. with the reality competition “Wipeout,” in which 24 people with no sense of embarrassment run through obstacle courses to win the $50,000 prize. Next up at 8 p.m. is “I Survived a Japanese Game Show,” in which 10 Americans, including Donnell Pitman of Chicago, are surprised when they are ushered onto the set of—drumroll please—a Japanese game show! Shot in Tokyo! With a studio audience! And the winner gets $250,000!

The contests on “Game Show” include something called “Chicken Butt Scramble,” while one of the “Wipeout” courses is called “Dirty Balls.” I’m leaving that alone.

You will see human cannonballs, a player trying to eat food off the head of a teammate who is running on a treadmill and hosts who provide mocking, often hilarious commentary.

ABC didn’t provide screeners—probably a smart move. Viewers will either hate these reality show spoofs—or love them.

Me? After watching a few short clips, I’m tuning in for more before I decide.

ABC provided this bio for “I Survived a Japanese Game Show" contestant Donnell Pitman, who is from Chicago:
Age: 32
Occupation: Real estate appraiser
Although Donnell is usually loud and energetic, this "All American" dad is struggling to provide for his family and fulfill his shattered dreams of playing pro football. Donnell has competition coursing through his veins and would love the opportunity to prove to his family that he can be greater than what they’ve seen so far.

Posted at 9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4

Evan Dollard beat Wolf in the Wall (left) and Hang Tough (right).

Evan mania swept “American Gladiators” on Monday night.

Chicago’s Evan Dollard sped his way into the NBC show’s finals with another record-breaking run in the Eliminator. He beat his own record by six seconds, zipping through the obstacle course in 1 minute, 23 seconds.

“I feel like a rock star,” the Evanator said after it was all over. “I feel there’s a huge possibility I can take it all now.”

Evan now faces one more yet-to-be-determined opponent to win the $100,000 prize. The second semifinal takes place next week.

The Windy City rock climbing enthusiast overcame a poor showing in the Joust event, where Titan knocked him into the water in less than 2 seconds.

Evan frustrated Wolf in two events, out-smarting him in the Hang Tough competition and scaling the Wall in 20 seconds, almost making it to the top before Wolf even started.

“Evan mania is running wild in this place, brother,” host Hulk Hogan told Evan. “You rule.”

PHOTO: The Evanator fights off Toa in the Powerball competition.

Posted at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4

Reality series aren’t the only game on TV this winter. A glut of game shows are heading into your living rooms, too. One new Fox game show, "The Moment of Truth," stands out.

The Moment of Truth
8 p.m. Jan. 23 Fox

Participants strapped to a lie detector must answer 21 personal questions honestly.

We’re talking questions you wouldn’t want to answer on national TV, such as “Would you cheat on your spouse if you knew you could get away with it?”

Mark Walberg (left) hosts the show in which the presumably most honest competitor can win up to $500,000.

You can watch promo clips for the game show on the video player above.

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