Summer's guiltiest pleasure -- CBS' "Big Brother 8" -- premiered last week, and already the show's addictive drama is in full swing.

Fourteen men and women are sequestered in a house rigged with 51 cameras and 74 microphones. Each week, a different Houseguest will be Head of Household, who will nominate two players for eviction. Then, Houseguests compete for the Power of Veto, which can change the HoH's nomination. Each week, the Houseguests will vote one of their own out; the last one standing wins $500,000. This season, one Houseguest is named America's Player, and the viewers control his voting and actions -- if he performs five secret tasks, he earns $10,000. Also, there are three pairs of rivals/enemies in the house. "Big Brother" is easy to follow, but the show airs three nights a week, so it's a commitment! If you haven't started watching yet, do it now -- the show is like a soap opera and it's easy to get lost if you don't follow the story line.

As for this past week, powerful Kail wins HoH, and forms an alliance with young guys Mike, Nick and Zach, who dub her Mrs. Robinson. Kail nominates mom Amber and student Carol. Weaselly Eric is named America's Player, and successfully tells a dramatic fib to Kail to complete a task. Crazy Jen lies that Nick kissed her, and everyone wants her out. Danielle wins PoV, but keeps Kail's nominations.

Note to readers: While most weeks each elimination won't be available at press time, I plan to cover "Big Brother 8" because of popular demand by the Reality Check readers. Got a special request or a show you want me to watch? E-mail me at realitycheckkara@yahoo.com.

"Big Brother 8" airs Sunday and Thursday at 8 p.m. and Tuesday at 9 p.m.

The top 20 acts have been chosen to move on to the semifinals on "America's Got Talent." Although judge David Hasselhoff looks like he's ready to blow a fuse over hip-wiggling, drag impersonator Boy Sharkira making it through, I'm pleasantly surprised. Bravo to the gutsy Glamazons -- four sexy, plus-size singers from New York whose burlesque act gets them into the semis. Beatboxer/singer/pianist Butterscotch might be the poor man's Alicia Keys, but she makes it, too. I'm amazed Kashif Memon, the Bollywood-inspired dancer, is in the top 20, but he has the lovable Borat-factor, and he's quite entertaining.??

Sadly, Leonid the Magnificent, who returned for season two, didn't make it. "Enough is enough," he says. Apparently, the fabulous Russian drag queen is doing fine on the Beacher's Madhouse roster in Las Vegas, which is perfect for him. Guitarist/singer Fallon is out, too. The Jewel-like songstress was robbed, I think. I'm bummed The Three Redneck Tenors aren't in -- they're funny, entertaining and great opera singers. They are angry they're not semifinalists, and I can't blame them when ridiculous novelty acts like Boy Shakira and Kashif are. (Don't get me wrong, I love those two, but in terms of talent, the Tenors are superior.)

"America's Got Talent" airs Tuesday at 8 p.m. on NBC.

Channel surfing

On "Hell's Kitchen," Melissa's turn on the Blue Team is less than a success, as they lose the lobster challenge to the all-girl Red Team. Bonnie, Jen and Julia pose for a Charlie's Angels-style In Touch magazine photo shoot with Chef Ramsay. They're on a roll, winning the dinner service, too. Chef sends the Blue Team back to make nominations, but when they return with their ideas, Chef says, "Cut the crap," and calls up Melissa. "You, madam, had more chances than anybody. Goodnight." It's about time strange Melissa and her rat's nest hair are out of the kitchen. Chef also calls Brad and Josh forward, warning them that they're not performing well, but gives them another chance. We're down to three girls and three guys. I'm pulling for Waffle House short-order cook, Julia, and executive chef, Rock.

"Hell's Kitchen" airs Monday at 9 p.m. on Fox.

On "Age of Love," the ladies compete in a triathlon for time with Mark. Jayanna, 39, wins, followed by kitten Amanda and cougar Kelli. Mary, 24, has an obvious crying issue -- shedding tears five times during Monday's show. The best one is when Jayanna calls the kittens primadonnas, which sends Mary running upstairs to cry on her bed like a child. She's cute as a button, but a total weirdo. Tessa, 23, wins an individual date, where she opens up to Mark, but her honesty backfires -- she's eliminated. From the cougars, Kelli, 40, is out. She's pushy, but she has fire -- I'm bummed she's out.

"Age of Love" airs Monday at 9 p.m. on NBC.

On "The Next Best Thing," five more impersonators make it to the final round. Garry Moore does a remarkable Little Richard; Trent Carlini is as sexy as a young Elvis Presley; Sebastian Anzaldo croons like Frank Sinatra; Sharon Owens sings and has the nose of Barbra Streisand; and Roger Kabler draws laughs as Robin Williams. Too bad Shelton resident Anne Kissel doesn't make the cut as Roseanne Barr, but I'm sure she was close to the top five with her comedic act. The top 10 battle it out for the last time for the viewer votes next week. I think Suzanne La Rusch will win with her flawlessly funny Lucille Ball impersonation.

"The Next Best Thing" airs Wednesday at 8 p.m. on ABC.

On the finale of MTV's "Reunited: The Real World Vegas," life coach Awesome Anne shows up and tackles some uncomfortable subjects with the roomies right before their time in Vegas is up. While exes Alton and Irulan don't exactly kiss and make up, they're finally civil to each other. On their final night together, the cast attends a red carpet party in their honor, and amazingly don't argue. Five years since their first turn at the Palms, the cast is noticeably spent after two weeks of partying, compared to almost six months the first time around. Has Trishelle really grown up? Two weeks and no scandalous behavior to speak of! At least Frank had fun -- he couldn't stay drunk for more than four days, though -- he was too wiped out. Steven partied it up, too. "Very few regrets, mostly because I can't remember much that happened while I was there, but I'm pretty sure I had a good time," he says. Oh, Vegas cast, how I'll miss you so.

On the VH1 "Flavor of Love Girls: Charm School" reunion, Mo'Nique again congratulates winner Saaphyri, who says she's using her $50,000 winnings to create her own line of lip chap and start making wigs for cancer patients. Mo gives runner-up Leilene $10,000 toward raising her kids, which makes Brooke seethe. Speaking of Brooke, she tries to say her slutty, drunk behavior all season was just flirting -- right. Becky and Shay make up over the stolen photograph drama, but Shay and Larissa are still at odds. Mo has to step in when their argument turns into a bleep-filled, Jerry Springer-like moment. Mo tells Larissa she loves her and wants her to stop degrading herself and the others, but Larissa says Mo is full of it and is saying that for her paycheck. Talk about nerve!

On "The Simple Life Goes to Camp," Paris and Nicole lead survival camp with survival specialist Myke Hawke, who says he roughed it in the wilderness for 30 days with no change of clothes, which baffles Miss Hilton. (Clearly this was taped before her prison term!) Hunky counselor Hunter finally opens up to Paris. "Here I am, take it or leave it. I think you're really great," he tells Paris. "Thank you. I think you are, too," she says, leaning in for a smooch... which is interrupted! Maybe next week? At least someone gets some action -- one overly flirtatious female camper kisses Hawke!

"The Simple Life" airs Sunday at 10 p.m. on E!

On "Gene Simmons Family Jewels," Nick visits colleges in London with his new friend, Victoria. Sophie goes to Paris with Gene to try fashion modeling. Gene's sad his little girl is growing up fast -- she's just 14, but looks 21! When the family regroups in London, Shannon takes them on a road trip to a castle, where she convinces them it's their new abode since Nick wants to study in London. Gene's ready to turn the place into a rock fantasy camp until Shannon breaks the news that it's just a joke. Too bad -- now that could be a good reality show.

"Family Jewels" airs Sunday at 9 p.m. on A&E.

On last week's "Hey Paula," Paula must do damage control for her recent bad morning show publicity when she was acting loopy again. (Ms. Abdul insists it's from "insomnia" -- right.) Paula attends a gifting party, and plenty of retailers ask her to pose with their products, which is a sign her reputation is salvageable. Then she wins an award from a dance organization, but beforehand she bombs the press interviews, again. Luckily, fellow "American Idol" judges Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson are on stage when she's honored, and Simon kindly says, "You supply the heart to our show, Paula." This show's fantastic -- Paula's an unpredictable mess, which makes for incredibly entertaining reality TV.

"Hey Paula" airs Thursday at 10 p.m. on Bravo.

On MTV's "The Real World/Road Rules Challenge: Top 10 Moments from the Inferno 3," the contestants recap who hooked up with whom in South Africa. While it seems Jenn got busy with Kenny, Ace and Derrick, word is Coley was on the prowl. "I heard Coley tried with damn near everybody, but everyone refused," dishes Janelle, who denies hooking up with Alton, The No. 1 moment of "Inferno 3"? Derrick finally wins!

Crybaby of the week

... is Jen on "Big Brother 8." When her photo is revealed in the house, she freaks out because she hates it. "I've never taken a worse picture -- it's horrible," she says, bursting into tears. "Everyone else's picture looks good. Mine looks horrible." She even stands and holds her hand over her photo until she tapes a potholder over the frame. This girl is nuts.

Coming up

"A Model Life," today, 10 p.m., TLC.

"Rock of Love," Sunday, 9 p.m., VH1.

"Scott Baio is 45 ... and Single," Sunday, 10:30 p.m., VH1.

"Victoria Beckham: Coming to America," Monday 8 p.m., NBC.

"Scarred," Tuesday, 10:30 p.m., MTV.

"Just for Laughs," Tuesday, 8 p.m., ABC.

"Hogan Knows Best," July 22, 10 p.m., VH1.

"Design Star," July 22, 10 p.m., HGTV.

"Who Wants to Be a Superhero 2," July 26, 9 p.m., Sci Fi.

"Welcome to the Parker," July 26, 11 p.m., Bravo.

"LA Ink," Aug. 7, 10 p.m., TLC.

"The Real World: Sydney," Aug. 8, 10 p.m., MTV.

"The Hills," Aug. 13, 10 p.m., MTV.

"The Biggest Loser: Where Are They Now?" special, Sept. 4, 8 p.m., NBC.

"The Biggest Loser," Sept. 11, 8 p.m., NBC.

First Published: July 13, 2007, 1:15 p.m.