Because 75 Hours of American Idol a Week Isn't Quite Enough

This press release came in over the transom from Fox Reality Channel:

"From FremantleMedia, producers of American Idol, comes AMERICAN IDOL EXTRA — the first-ever series to reveal the backstage drama of what really happens on AMERICAN IDOL after the weekly vote-off show on FOX.

"The original Fox Reality series, which is produced by FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment, begins on Thursday, March 16 and will continue through the crowning of this season´s winner in May.

"Each week, the show will air on Fox Reality at 6:30 p.m. EST and again at 10:30 p.m. EST, repeating numerous times throughout the week."

Having spent some time on the set of American Idol, the "backstage drama" after the vote-off seemed to consist of the judges doing quickie interviews with Access Hollywood and the contestants rushing off to get out of makeup and go to the weekly post-elimination dinner at a rib joint. Riveting stuff! ("Will Katherine McPhee try the hush puppies or stick with the corn bread? We'll find out... after the break!")

I suspect the televised version will be something along the same lines, but maybe with more product placements for Ford and Coke. But for those of you who find that you're still spending too much of your time reading books or talking with your family, I urge you to check out this indispensible piece of television.