Laughs on tap as reality gets edgier

This is an action-packed month for cable, with plenty of returning series, but also a compelling new assortment of shows and specials coming up, including these, and many others:

• The Carbonaro Effect — Premieres Thursday, May 15 at 11pm on truTV:

Who can resist a new comic-reality show hosted by a guy who is both a professional  magician and a total prankster? 

Each week, host Michael Carbonaro will demonstrate his skills in both areas by performing incredible tricks on unsuspecting individuals in ordinary, real-life situations, while catching it all on hidden camera. Look out for shoe laces that tie themselves, and other wacky happenings. After multiple appearances on other shows, including Jimmy Kimmell Live and The Tonight Show, Carbonaro is getting a well-deserved turn at hosting a series of his own.

• Reality Ex-Wives — Special, Premieres Thursday, May 22, at 9pm on E!:

What a night for revealing secrets it will be when these five ladies open up about their messy hollywood divorces! 

This one-hour special features Linda Hogan (Hogan Knows Best); Adrianne Curry (My Fair Brady); Courtney Stodden (Couples’ Therapy); Jennifer Williams (Basketball Wives); and Countess Luann De Lesseps (The Real Housewives of New York) as they describe their relationships, the on- and off-camera drama, the break-up and life after a very public divorce. 

Expect juicy details but also inspiring triumphs. It seems being a “reality ex-wife” is not the end of the road, it’s the beginning of something new.   

• One-Night Only: An All-Star Comedy Tribute to Don Rickles — 90-minute special — Premieres Wednesday, May 28, at 10pm on Spike:

 Tune in as mega-stars of comedy and the silver screen come together at the Apollo Theatre in New York City  to honour iconic comedian Don Rickles, who was an inspiration and even a catalyst for many of their careers. 

Headlining the event are: David Letterman; Jerry Seinfeld; Jon Stewart; Tracy Morgan; Martin Scorsese; Robert De Niro; Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. The tribute will include stand-up performances, short films and personal stories and will culminate with Rickles himself addressing his friends and colleagues in his legendary style.

 — Comedian Don Rickles gets his One Night.

• No Limits — Premieres Friday, May 30, at 9pm on Animal Planet:

This show follows IMPACT Wrestling superstar and recently crowned TNA World Heavyweight Champion, Showtime, Eric Young, on a series of far-flung extreme outdoor adventures that take him beyond the edge of his comfort zone. 

Whether he’s searching for invasive pythons in South Florida, river boarding through Class IV rapids on the Ocoee River in Tennessee, or scaling an Alaskan iceberg from a paddleboard,  this guy is out to prove he knows “no limits”. 

If you loved him in Off the Hook: Extreme Catches, you won’t want to miss this new series.

• 2014 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Special— Saturday, May 31 at 10pm on HBO (check website for additional air dates):

It will be an all-star music night on HBO at this year’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Special. 

The 2014 list of inductees includes: Nirvana; The E Street Band; Daryl Hall & John Oates; Peter Gabriel; Linda Ronstadt; Cat Stevens and KISS, while Brian Epstein and Andrew Loog Oldham are the non-performer inductees.  

Taking to the stage will be Bruce Springsteen; Lorde; Chris Martin; Carrie Underwood; Stevie Nicks; Glenn Frey; Sheryl Crow; Tom Morello; St Vincent; Joan Jett; Bonnie Raitt; Emmylou Harris; Youssou N’Dour; Art Garfunkel and Peter Asher. 

• Little Women: LA – Premieres Monday, June 2, at 11pm on Lifetime:

Lifetime is out to break new ground with this unique docu-series that will make you realize that height is just a number.  The show follows a group of six bright, amazing, magnetic women who are all friends and who all happen to be little people, with huge personalities and big hearts. The show invites viewers to walk a mile in their tiny shoes as they deal with relationships, parenting, careers and friendships, all while sharing a special bond. These ladies are clearly out to show the world what it means to live life to the fullest.

These are just a few selections, but if you go exploring, you’ll find lots more fresh programming out there. Till next month – enjoy!

Shavonne Jeffries joined Bermuda CableVision in 1991.  She currently holds the position of Customer Service Manager. www.cablevision.bm.