Is Reality TV Better When It's About Unusual Lives?

Until some news around TLC's programming came out this week, I never gave a lot of thought to a reality TV subgenre that TLC likes to call "unusual lives." The set includes shows like LA Ink — that's star Kat Von D at left — and American Chopper, and anything else that showcases people working in non-mainstream professions. (TLC has new "unusual lives" shows on the way about a bikini maker and a class at a makeup academy.)

It's kind of a neat little genre of reality TV, more like mini-documentaries than about throwing a bunch of people in a house together and seeing who explodes. On the other hand, how relaxing is it to sit down in front of the TV after work only to watch other people work? Do you like watching these shows about unusual lives?

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