Here’s the problem with these rehab-on-TV shows: They are showing rehab. On TV. Um, most sobriety programs have “anonymous” in their names for a reason. Because anonymity is a key aspect of getting over addictions, which means television might make the process a bit tougher. VH1’s Sex Rehab with Dr. Drew becomes the latest semi-serious attempt to depict the process of overcoming addiction. And with its Sunday premiere, the series, like Celebrity Rehab before it, achieved the same odd combination of attacking important issues and allowing a salacious look at people who seem far worse off than most of us. It’s truly great for anyone in any public forum to treat masturbation, condom use, STDs, and the tricky connection between sex and emotion as serious subjects worthy of genuine, nonjudgmental discussion. But there’s no denying the more voyeuristic elements of this series: While not a “celebrity” reality show per se, every attempt was clearly made to satiate viewers with characters who have as sexy a public connection as possible — a pro surfer, a Playmate, a rock drummer who worked with Skid Row, a porn star, the gorgeous wife of a guy who won Rock Star: Supernova, and even the requisite reality crossover star, Celebrity Rehab grad/swimsuit model Amber Smith. And yes, all these pretty darn beautiful people are expected to live together while fighting their urge to sleep with other beautiful people, and these people who for the most part perform for a living are supposed to ignore the cameras while doing this. It’s the kind of show that can seamlessly move from painful admissions of repeated childhood sexual abuse to funny, camera-ready demonstrations of sexual frustration (when hyperactive surfer James Lovett hits the treadmill). Uncomfortable? Yes. Reprehensible? Maybe. Watchable? Absolutely.
What did you think, PopWatchers? Does Sex Rehab successfully walk the line between redeemable and egregious? Is this an acceptable way to fight addiction? Most important: Will you keep watching?
Comments (1-15) of 47 Add your comment
Oh, I’ll absolutely watch this. VH1 has become just as bad as MTV in terms of straying away from its roots but unlike MTV, it puts out amazingly addictive shows to watch (Tool Academy, Tough Love, Celebrity Fit Club, etc.).
Dr Drew is a scumbag in doctor’s clothing.
I agree. I used to love him on Loveline, but now he seems to do whatever he has to in order to keep a show on the air.
As a doctor I agree… what he is doing is offensive and he is lowering his profession, but as a celebrity tv star he is a genius
i disagree. i think drew sincerely cares for his patients, and is trying to educate both them and the public on the issues they’re struggling with. the problem is that current methods for treating addiction are clearly ineffective, as few appear to succeed with them… this seems to be drew’s blind spot. the ability to think critically about whatever the current medical industry status quo happens to be…
Did this program even do these people any good? I mean, even in the last episode, they all look so weak and broken. I don’t think this program helped them at all. The weren’t ready to leave the rehab, and the producers just left them out on the streets with their demons still tormenting them.It’s like they got diagnosed with a terminal disease, but are released before they were even close to recovery. It only made things worse!! All in the name of “entertainment”. And that half-assed out-patient program is a sorry attempt to make amends, when you KNOW these people are not inclined to follow through with it. They’re not strong enough yet.
Aren’t doctors sworn to “do no harm”?
i’ll keep watching. i’ve been in recovery for 20 years now and a counselor for 18, and believe or not this exposure and especially dr. drew help people get over the shame of coming into recovery.
Absolutely not! This is the worst kind of exploitation TV. No one should be demonized for having an addiction, but neither should they be cannonized or thrust into the spotlight as “celebrities.” Healing is painful and should be private. Shows like this are not art, they’re not public service, they’re not entertainment. Instead of watching the public debasement we should find someone in the real world who needs real help and lend them a hand, or just be a sympathetic ear. In matters of additction and personal redemption, it’s actions that count, not ratings points.
If this is what it takes to get these addicts to deal with their junk then i’m glad they are doing it. They get tv recognition they want plus the treatment they need.
This is shameful. Reality TV has reached a new low. Whats next? Next thing you know, some show will have recovering pedophiles and kids from juvie living in the same house. Let the wackiness ensue!!
G, that is kind of a brilliant idea. I’d watch…
G, that is kind of a brilliant idea. I’d watch…
Sorry… forgot to say great post – can’t wait to read your next one!
Celebrity Rehab was ludicrous enough and lost all credibility by allowing addicts with just weeks of sobriety to leave the “Sober House” to go to Hollywood parties (that’s always a good idea when you’re giving up drugs and alcohol…go to a party where you’re surrounded by drugs and alcohol)…
but this has jumped the shark. Well, maybe one of the participants will actually jump a shark.
“Dr.” Drew should have his license revoked.
Man oh man. I saw it and I do have sympathy for the ones with a real problem, then there’s some I feel that just like sex, but like tv contracts too. Amber? I mean c’mon! She never came on to anyone in rehab, not a flirty moment, but now she has a sex addiction eh? Lol, I also noticed her mom still lives with her, so I suppose it’s a money thing. I’m just waiting for Jeff and Shifty to come back. I can see Shifty on the roof saying “I like sex too, let me in or I’ll jump!”
I’ll watch! I hope they do a lot of backsliding into orgies! This is why we are watching….yes??? Its not like “Intervention”, which treats addiction with a very severe gravitas and respect.
I dont watch any reality tv at all. But, Ive seen enough stories on Ew to know people will watch anything. How much is made up? How much is exagerated? How can anyone possibly get help while weight training to look hot for the camera? How many years has it been since VH1 showed videos?
I’ve always had a lot of respect for Dr. Drew and thought that he maintained his dignity and integrity on Celebrity Rehab. However, if he says he’s doing this new show for any reaso other than $$,he’s kidding himself.
Yes, I will watch. Amber is a joke, she always dresses sexy and seems to be living in a hotel room with her momma. WTF? And the guys, except the gay one, are not cute and truly gross. The Teen Queen has far deeper issues than sex addiction…. and I like
Dr. Drew, but who is the new chick?
Watching this show is enought to turn anyone off of sex.
Sex has been around for years and a tv show is NOT gonna stop anybody who wants to get some!
You’re an absolute idiot who doesn’t understand the context of the original content. And I like how you say “sex has been around for years” like it’s only been a few decades. Aw, hims is trying to sound smart. Don’t hurt yourself trying to breathe, there.
If you’ve never had the problem or have known someone with the problem, you would probably have a hard time relating. As one who has struggled with this issue for many years, I can say from experience that it’s no laughing matter. It really does destroy lives. It almost destroyed mine. I agree that even though this show might be perceived as somewhat exploitative, it might also end up helping more people that it would ever hurt. It’s a tough addiction to cop to, esp for men who are culturally rewarded for scoring.