I really enjoyed the first two episodes of The It Factor, which is a new, badly-named series airing on Bravo. It's a "reality" show about the acting profession — at least to the extent that there's any reality in that world. Basically, it's a matter of cameras following a dozen real, aspiring stars around New York as they go to auditions, take classes and work other jobs to pay the rent while they go to auditions and take classes. This is a process I've observed throughout my career in open-mouthed amazement — amazed that anyone could subject themselves to it — for 25 years, and The It Factor captures it very, very well…perhaps, in some ways, too well.
If the twelve careers progress as any random twelve careers progress, we can expect to see a high quotient of denial, frustration and coming painfully close to the brass ring, only to see it sail past and well out of reach. It's kinda like Fame, only they don't dance on cars in the street…or, at least, they haven't yet. It's kinda like Survivor, only the contestants don't have to eat quite as many dead rats, they can't vote anyone off, and no one is guaranteed any prize at the end. It's kinda like Marat/Sade, only no one in that had to wait tables.
If I understand correctly, thirteen episodes have been made. The first two aired this evening on Bravo and will repeat on Friday, January 11. Then the next two air next Sunday ( the 13th) and repeat the following Friday…and so on. More info and a sneak preview can be found over on the Bravo website, on this page — though the website seems to be keeping the Friday replays a secret. I think I'm in for the duration on this one.