Ohh, the benefits that ‘15 minutes of fame’ can bring to some people. This has become ever more evident with the advent of ‘reality TV.’ I’ve written about this a few times before, but generally it’s been about those who unknown before they were thrust into the limelight. Many of these ‘quasi-celebrities’ have found new lives as guests on sitcoms (eager for a quick ratings boost), motivational speakers, and even get to show up for the random tanning salon opening. They often even get to sign autographs and be hounded by their own paparazzi (though these are probably ‘paparazzi-in-training” who are years away from chasing the likes of Tom Cruise). What’s even better though, is when burgeoning celebrities get their own ‘reality TV’ series that becomes popular enough to boost their celebrity status into levels they would have never reached if they had stuck solely to their chosen craft. Take Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey for example.

Both had enjoyed meager success as singers, Lachey having hit it slightly bigger as one of the members of the boy band, “98 Degrees.” For the most part, they had hit their career peaks and were on the move back to obscurity.

But then someone had the bright idea (on of the parents, no doubt) to propose a reality show based on their newlywed status… and “Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica” was born. Airing on MTV back in 2003, the 10-episode series followed the misadventures of the couple as they ‘struggled’ with their flagging careers and disparate lifestyles. Of course, the popularity of the series improved their careers (as well as created one for a certain ‘acid reflux’ suffering little sister), but they still butted heads due to Jessica’s ‘spoiled rich kid nature’ and Nick’s more ‘down-to-Earth’ way of doing things.

I had never seen a single episode of the series, in part because it was a ‘reality show’ and I avoided them like the plague, but more because I wasn’t sure I could handle the saccharine sweet style I imagined the show to have. Then there was the matter of the news. Hardly day went by that I didn’t hear about how incredibly naïve (re: air headed) Jessica was purported to be. I’d catch reports about how she didn’t know if “Chicken of the Sea” was fish or fowl, or that she wouldn’t eat Buffalo wings because she didn’t eat buffalo and shake my head at the fact that actors are starving in Hollywood while some studio gave this person her own show.

When the 1st season DVD showed up on my doorstep, I took one look at the cover and wondered what the heck I was doing. I knew I had to watch it, otherwise I couldn’t tell you what I really thought of it, so I popped in the first disc (there are 2).

While I cannot say that it is the most entertaining series I’ve ever seen, I will admit to being caught up in it rather quickly. I was determined to figure out if Jessica was really as ‘blonde’ as she acted or if it was all an act (unlike Paris and Nicole, who are undeniably as brainless as they seem). A few episodes in, all I can say is if she’s smarter than she appears, then she’s a heck of an actress. I don’t care how ‘hot’ everyone seems to think she is, I couldn’t sit in a room and have a conversation with her for more than five minutes without my head exploding. But what I could do is watch in amusement as she and Nick argued about the stupidest of things. I generally found myself taking his side as he came across as the more grounded of the two. The dumbfounded look he gets on his face at times is priceless (and I’m sure mirrors the audience’s).

The DVD release from Paramount includes all 10 episodes from the freshman season, but they did go little light on the extras. For the most part, all you’ll find is some interview footage, series highlights and music videos.

“Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica”, much to my surprise, was a lot funnier than I thought it would be. So much so, that I’m actually kind of looking forward to seeing the 2nd season when it becomes available. While the two stars are still only amateur singers at best, they definitely have a certain charm that makes the show a worthwhile watch.

Starring: Nick Lachey, Jessica Simpson
Extras: Never Before Seen Footage, Exclusive Interviews, Music Videos, Jessica Moments, Nick Moments
Specifications: Full Screen
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: 12/14/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give Newlyweds - Nick and Jessica: Season 1 a B-.