Oxygen, essentially created as a network for women, hasn’t jumped on the TV bandwagon of showing older actresses in a sexy light.
It instead seems hellbent on becoming the channel of choice for Paris Hilton. Having struck out in its pursuit of the high road, Oxygen is competing for the lowest common denominator. In the last two weeks, Oxygen joined networks such as the CW and CMT in launching shows that feature scantily clad females in what many would say are situations that degrade women.
Yet it’s women who are setting aside hours at a time to watch. The CW network says more than 70 percent of viewers of its surprise hit “Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll” are women. That’s roughly the same breakdown for the CMT shows listed below too.
It seems that TV has provided women with guilty-pleasure viewing.
More Top Picks Jigsaw
Age of Love 8 p.m. Monday, NBC
Kittens vie with cougars for the affections of hunky tennis pro Mark Philippoussis.
Bad Girls Road Trip 9 p.m. Tuesday, Oxygen
Foulmouthed young women roam the country, get drunk, party and fight in this reality show.
Fight Girls 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oxygen
Foulmouthed young women train and compete for a chance to fight in a world Thai boxing tournament.
The Girls Next Door Various times, days E!
The program follows Hugh Hefner’s three younger girlfriends as they shop, groom, plan parties, flash the camera and vie for Hef’s affections.
The Ultimate Coyote Ugly Search CMT
Young women compete for a spot as a bartender at a Coyote Ugly Saloon. Must have bareable abs, a tough-girl attitude and the ability to “shake it” on the bar.
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team CMT
A behind-the-scenes look at the tryout process for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll CW
The first season found a new member for the burlesque-act-turned-singing group. Season 2 will search for a girl group in the vein of Danity Kane.
America’s Next Top Model CW
Beautiful women compete for a modeling contract. Hosted by Tyra Banks.