• by Wayne Friedman , Staff Writer, December 5, 2011

After years of many back-biting, snarly character efforts. aspirational reality shows -- "Biggest Loser" and "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" among the big names -- seem to abound now.

While, in theory, these shows have a spiritual nature, few have really gone to the next step -- incorporating aspects of organized religion. It seems that Rev. Joel Osteen, who heads a big congregation at the Lakewood Church in Houston, wants to have a go at that with none other than reality show impresario Mark Burnett.

What's in it for Burnett? The number to keep in mind would be 10 million -- the average number of viewers who watch Osteen's televised weekly services. Ten million viewers would be a nice healthy number for a primetime network series -- and a wildly successful cable show. More importantly for the show's success, 10 million is a good target number for marketing.

What's in it for Osteen? Hopefully a bigger congregation and more ways to spread his message.

In a press conference, Osteen said the show would be be in the "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" mode. The idea is that some 300 to 500 church members would go to help a community in need after a major disaster such as a tornado or flood.

While seemingly good-natured, we can imagine some rough segments --as happens in "Extreme Makeover" from time to time. Maybe, as a insider look at the goings-on of Osteen's ministry, you can still look at this an a reality show. In TV terms, reality shows don't always put their subjects in the best light. But usually there is some salvation at the end.

In any reality show -- or any TV show -- you need drama. Many reality show subjects like the attention and the cash even when things go bad (Think Gosselins!)

Perhaps Osteen has some sort of final edit considerations for his protection.

It seems like this could be a "documentary." Documentaries aren't reality series. Then again, considering where the show might air -- perhaps as a short-episode series on a mid-level cable network -- it might work. Burnett was producer of "Sarah Palin's Alaska" on TLC.

But Osteen’s plans got us thinking about competition-type reality shows. Think about congregants vying to see who can bring in the biggest number of followers -- or the most donations. Maybe one where potential new junior ministers can compete for a permanent job. Competition exists in all forms of human life. 

Does this sound trite?

Well, there always needs to be some goal, storyline, or deadline for viewers to latch onto when it comes to TV shows -- that is, if you think TV is important to what you do.