In favour of...

The Hills. Monday marks the end of Season 3 of what remains, ratings and (perhaps more
important) US covers, one of MTV's key shows, and as such, maintains
some essence of influence in the grand pop culture scheme of things.

What's the appeal? Though a lot is made of the ongoing friendship feuds and boy drama,
The Hills is a veritable Seinfeld of the 90s, a bold claim perhaps-
but it might be even bolder to claim that the Hills is 'about' anything.

A major part of the show has to be its own Aftershow, where a finely chemistry-ed team
deconstructs what little has happened in the prior 22 minutes, and advertently creates
the impression of compelling television, with a fair amount of tongue placed in cheek. The
'stars' of the main show, who are often targets of derision on the Aftershow, seem only
willing to acknowledge it when contractually obligated to do so.

The Hills (and its necessary counterpart) are a brilliant one-two punch, making the case for more
faux reality shows in its wake.