Can someone please explain 'The Hills' to me?

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I CONFESS! Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 01:42 AM EST

"FINALLY!"...since when is the cover of Rolling Stone the place to look for "role models"?? Hell, THE Rolling Stones were druggies. Talented, yes, but druggies nonetheless. Celebrities are just PEOPLE...people who have about 23 times the average person's need for attention at. The sooner we limit our expectation of them, the less shocked we'll be at their buffoonery. If you're looking for role models, take a drive to your local food bank and shake hands with some volunteers.

I CONFESS! Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 01:31 AM EST

Alright, alright. To answer the original question...I don't fit into the main demographic for this show (26 year old college-educated black woman)so maybe I could give another perspective. I compare it to a soap opera. We've all thought, "How the HELL can people watch that crap?", BUT say you're off work sick for a few days and there's nothing good on...you turn to ABC...and BAM! You get pulled in and actually find yourself asking friends "Did Sergio find out about Alexis?!! OMG!" Same thing. It's laughable and entertainingly mindless. And once you know a little about the characters, you kinda wanna know what happens! I've watched since Laguna Beach and from the 1st show I always thought LC stood out from the other kids as someone who seemed a bit more HUMAN and less empty-headed. She has real potential, seriously. SO when she got her own show, I was interested to see how she matured...um yeah, that totally hasn't happened. What was the question again? LOL

FINALLY! Thu, Apr 10, 2008 at 03:08 PM EST

Thank you ADAM!!! The cover of Rolling Stone?? REALLY? And what poor role model Heidi Montag is, for many reasons, but especially for getting plastic surgery.

James Thu, Apr 10, 2008 at 01:53 PM EST

As a gay man, I have ZERO INTEREST in THE HILLS! Please don't lump ALL gay men in this category..SOME OF US HAVE TASTE!

For Rob Thu, Apr 10, 2008 at 07:39 AM EST

If this crap is what we want to 'escape' to, then we need to really have a long chat with ourselves and ask 'WHY???'

Raul Thu, Apr 10, 2008 at 06:24 AM EST

Everytime I get trapped watching this show while my 16yr old daughter is watching,I have to fight the gorge that i feel rising in my throat.My daughter swears that its "real",but come on look at the setup shots,differrent camera angles.I think its pretty pathetic,their so-called reality has nothing whatsoever to do with our reality.The self importance hubris of these "characters" is extremly overbearing.Its in the same league as those "housewives of whatever place",my God,excessive money loving at its worse.NIN is right"shame on us,God have mercy on our dirty little hearts".

Rob Thu, Apr 10, 2008 at 01:59 AM EST

I have to say, if you need someone to explain mindless entertainment to you.. you are working too hard..

Its a show on TV.. whether it's real or fake, its no different than any other show be it sitcom, drama, reality or even game show. Its what entertainment is, An escape from the day that we have had.

we watch it for the same reason we took the time to read this article, simply because it was about LC, Heidi and the Hills. For the same reason we read magazines instead text books, blogs instead of novels. its fast brainless entertainment. Its a quick escape. Not because our minds were craving a good read.

And hey, who are you to complain, without that cast, you wouldn't have had your story this week!

And the rest of you commenting on this, why the hate? because they had something better to do tonight that was worth filming and putting on tv rather than sit on a computer and comment on a blog? Im just thanking god you dont have a reality show, bc i would just watch you all blog!

Ricky Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 09:58 PM EST

Adam, I'm guessing you're a heterosexual male, which just about says it all. This show isn't for you. It's for young girls and gays who love reality tv. I personally love the show. And at least Lauren is famous for actually doing something like being on a television show. When she was on Laguna Beach, she was a nobody. She got her fame because she was on a show. Paris Hilton became famous for being a whore and partying alot... QUITE different in my book. It's okay for you to care about the Hills the same way we don't care about football :)

Mike in Moncton Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 07:32 PM EST

I thought for the longest time that "LC" meant Lucky Chump, because neither one of these people has any discernible talent. Why are so many people fascinated with rich kids with 'problems', fictional or not??

actingup Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 07:27 PM EST

I too have seen maybe 2 minutes of the show. The horrible stilted "acting" was intolerable. There is nothing worse than non-actors reading lines like a robot. This fake "reality" show is so bad - I just don't get it...

Erin Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 07:13 PM EST

Ok, since the question is "Why do people like the Hills" I'll answer since most of the posts below seem to be trashing it. I love the Hills. It's my guilty pleasure. I've also loved 90210, the OC and Gossip Girl. It is a soap opera. Now, MTV has made a smart move by trying to pretend the show is real, and get the show press by hyping the drama. Because of this, people on the show have become celebrities and you can't really figure out where the "reality" show ends and their personal lives begin. I can't explain why they are celebrities and I don't really think they deserve to be. But, ever since the Heidi/Lauren drama has played out, on tv and on gossip blogs, the ratings have increased.

We need our fictional shows back Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 04:31 PM EST

I realize I may sound hypocritical with that last post but I really try to avoid Reality TV. Seriously, I get most of my knowledge of these shows from The Soup and Chelsea Lately and that's enough for me. Tomorrow The Office and 30 Rock will be back and that's all I really care about.

We need our fictional shows back Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 04:27 PM EST

I'd rather watch Rock of Love or I love New York over The Hills any day. Not that I watch it religiously, just when all the good shows like The Office and 30 Rock aren't on. I think "Reality" TV is the worst thing that happened to TV since late-night hour-long ads and the QVC. But at least with the Rock of Love-type shows, they actually entertain because all the people vying for Brett Michaels, New York, Flava Flav, etc are idiots and you can't help but laugh at them. The Hills is just rich girls with too much time on their hands who back stab each other and who have boyfriends who are even bigger dumbasses then they are. And it's all scripted. That's not entertainment; that's just sad.

Scott Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 04:18 PM EST

The answer to the question about how and why these talent-free nobodies are "celebrities" is very simple: It's because the average pop culture consumer in this country has no taste whatsoever. Anyone with any discriminating tastes at all would not pay two seconds worth of attention to this nonsense show (or MTV at all anymore).

Erin Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 04:11 PM EST

The most upsetting thing about this article is the fact that Rolling Stone is putting such unworthy hags on its cover. They've been in a downhill turn for years now, but I'm officially convinced that Jann Wenner has lost mind and/or sold his soul for financial gain. Sad day.

Martha Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 02:58 PM EST

Never seen the show, but got a pretty good idea of its mind-numbing insipidity (?) from this amusing McSweeney's piece: http://www.mcsweeneys.net/2008/1/17molyneux.html

vw Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 02:30 PM EST

i like it because like others said it's pure cotton candy reality tv which isn't a competition. it's soap opera style is what keeps people hooked. but i liked lauren on laguna and that was my interest in the first place. if it had been anyone else i probably wouldn't have ever watched it.i am tired of seeing them all over the place in the media though. just one more example of the media playing something to death for all those extra bucks they think they can squeeze out of people. but it's tiresome and it needs to cool off. it also keeps me current on what's goin on with the 20 yr olds. sooooo glad i'm not there anymore.

Kathy Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 02:00 PM EST

Never seen it, never will. "Reality TV" is what is wrong with America. Talk about screwing up your priorities!

Todd Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 01:58 PM EST

These "girls" are fat and ugly. Why are they on TV? They look like trannies.

Andy Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 01:39 PM EST

I tried to explain the concept of The Hills last night to my father, and it really, really frightened me that, after having not seen a single frame of that "show," I managed to know a lot about it....yucky.

Jakeem Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 01:37 PM EST

Lauren Conrad is "America's Sweetheart"! She's Mary Tyler Moore in the big city (but with no Lou Grant or Ted Baxter around).
We root for her to succeed in the same way that millions watched "The Truman Show" in that 1998 Jim Carrey film.
Give MTV credit for backing the right horse, too. If this was a show about that other "Laguna Beach" alumna (the one with the initials K.C.), I'm sure lots of us would have bailed out a long time ago.

dma69 Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 01:32 PM EST

I guess I shouldn't really guilty about cancelling my Rolling Stone subscription after twenty years after all.

Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 01:07 PM EST

Its a fun, guilty-pleasure show. You get sucked into these people's "lives" and its a nice escape. The show has better production values than some other "escapist" reality shows, and its less vile than things like Rock of Love and I Love New York. It is also one of the few non-competitive reality shows out there. I'm not sure if I really explained anything...its cotton candy. Thats all. People have fun with it. It's something to talk about. It's fun to get wrapped up in other people's drama.

Al Fredo Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 12:46 PM EST

Is this a chicken and egg situation? Does the media play this up (Rolling Stone) because the population has deemed them celebrities, or has the media manufactured celebrities and the public just laps it up?

?? Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 12:45 PM EST

okay, are people getting Perez Hilton mixed up with Paris Hilton. Both are yuck but they're different people, people!

Snarf Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 12:32 PM EST

All you need to know is it's another manufactured "reality" tv with brain-dead valley-girl like "stars" that make Paris Hilton look like a mature, thoughtful, schollar by comparison.

Brian Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 12:29 PM EST

You hit on an interesting point that has bothered me for years - who are these people and why do I care? Well, these people (The Hills, Paris Hilton etc.) are famous because the media blasts this garbage at us 24/7. Kind of ironic that I'd be reading this article in an entertainment blog...

Eli Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 12:10 PM EST

I understand the Hills phenomenon as much as I understand when DIRTY PEREZ became a worthy news source. Both are like the venereal diseases of the media.

Ryan Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 12:06 PM EST

To Entertainment Weekly: please stop linking to Perez Hilton. He's everything that's wrong with Hollywood and pop culture at this moment, and I don't even like seeing his name on my computer.

To Rolling Stone: Please stop sending your magazine to my home ASAP.

JenCar Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 11:48 AM EST

Anyone who's reading Perez Hilton can't complain about not understanding they hype around the Hills. You lost all credibility as soon as your revealed him as your source.

mom Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 11:42 AM EST

My 17 yr. old and her friends watch this rot. My 19 yr. old son thinks she's an idiot for doing so. It's definately tailor made for the ditsy teen mindset. And guys basically hate it, rightly so.

Kristina Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 11:34 AM EST

Gringo, you expressed exactly how I feel haha. I also agree with Ben. I've never watched the Hills, I actually make it a point to avoid it. I don't even know when it's on. All I've seen are the clips they do on The Soup and when they're on the cover of magazines I pass in stores and I can't believe that more rich girls have a TV show. I'm their age and I can't even understand what they're saying. They make my generation look bad. What a waste of a half hour of TV.

mscisluv Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 10:50 AM EST

Please don't put these girls on my Rolling Stone! I have a lifetime subscription (yes, they do that - or at least used to), and I can't stand when talentless little pricks show up on my magazine.

Todd Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 10:48 AM EST

I have never seen this "show", is it about a bunch of trannies who all have the same plastic surgean? Is that why they all look the same? I love trannies but why did they have to pick such ugly ones? Ugly people should not be on TV.

Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 10:45 AM EST

CMT did a kick *ss parody on their website. Check it out:

http://www.cmt.com/videos/misc/222008/them-thar-hills-world-premiere-trailer.jhtml

Bree Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 10:38 AM EST

GOB - you are my hero. couldn't have said it better myself. the mere fact of their existence ignites hatred in me. they are just rich, vapid, ignorant idiots that our media, and therefore, country suddenly love to idolize. it's sickening.

Ferris Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 10:37 AM EST

Honestly, I watched maybe 2-3 eps in the first season. I discovered that reading the recaps were way better and more entertaining, especially when done by B-side.

Jelana Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 10:14 AM EST

Laura, on job interviews you should slip in that you love The Wire but won't watch the Hills. I'd hire you instantaneously.

GOB Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 10:07 AM EST

HATE THEM. Can't stand how E! does daily updates of every lame detail of their stupid lives. Also hate the Kardashians, the Lohans, and all the other no-talent, fame-seeking, attention whores who are being paid for these "reality" shows. Here's a reality... nobody likes you!

Red Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 10:07 AM EST

Thank you, Adam. Thank you.

Eve Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 10:02 AM EST

I love the show, I can't help it. It's my guilty pleasure. Even if it's not reality, I don't care. I get to stop using my brain for at least 30 minutes a week. I do, however, hate all the attention these people get outside of the show. That's getting pretty out of hand, especially Heidi and Spencer who are attention who***s.

paige Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 09:47 AM EST

yea i have no idea who these people are. just reminds me how much better it is to be a 27 year OLD

Matt Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 09:39 AM EST

I agree. Everytime I see any of these people on tv or in a magazine, I think "How the heck could these people be so famous for doing absolutely nothing??" Just goes to show what kind of world we are living in now. Where have all the talented people gone?

melissa Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 09:35 AM EST

The Hills is so bad, it's good.

Tiffany Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 09:33 AM EST

Amen Adam! I love celebrity gossip and read all kinds of magazines and browse all of the gossip blogs but I hate any coverage on The Hills or Heidi or "Lo" or LC or any of those wanna-be celebrities. Why oh why did MTV have to make these people into D-List Celebrities?

Michelle Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 09:26 AM EST

I love my gossip mags, but I groan and cringe every time I see the word "Heidi" or "Spencer" or "Hills" anywhere on it. I don't know who made them important but I certainly have no desire to even glance at them while quickly turning the page.
And Rolling Stone? Why?!?

Laura Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 09:24 AM EST

Try being the only girl in the dorm who would rather watch "The Wire". I can get through a lot of trashy TV, even soaps, but not "The Hills".

Cinderella Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 09:23 AM EST

One of my coworkers keeps telling me that I need to get into this show. I just can't. I can't stand listening to them talk! Even from the little bits they show on the Soup!

Ames Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 09:19 AM EST

The only time I see this show is in clips on "the Soup". The funny thing is it's so bad you would assume that it is a fake show The Soup came up with to make fun of reality shows. but no, it's real, and people take it seriously. But I still like to think its a joke that only some of us are in on (not the "actors" obviously).

Gringo Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 09:18 AM EST

At first I thought my not understanding was just a sign that I'm getting older, but I've realized that not liking the sugary pop confections of Miley Cyrus or the cast of HSM is what makes me old. Not liking 'The Hills' just proves that I have taste.

Tom Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 09:02 AM EST

That Funny or Die clip was definitely way better than that stupid show. I am pretty sure if you actually write down what they say on the Hills and read it, the conversations makes zero sense.

Vicky Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 09:01 AM EST

I love to hate Spencer.

TSD Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 08:49 AM EST

The show is there as an escape from reality for me. I love laughing @ rich, white people and their "problems". Plus, Spencer is the best villian on reality TV since Omarosa first appeared on the Apprentice.

snarky Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 08:43 AM EST

I admit that "The Hills" has a season pass on my DVR. It is basically a huge music video with some crap about these girls and their "lives" in LA. It is not "lost" or "house" or other great TV, but it is 30 minutes a week when I get to remember how great it was to be 22, not have to work and get to go out all the time. That was fun. SIGH. Now I have to work and be like, a grown up, so this show is just some good ole escapist fun. I do agree that the amount of attention these girls get has gotten out of hand. I mean, Mariah Carey played the party for the premiere!

Nix Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 08:42 AM EST

Well, I've never seen it (I prefer actual fiction to made-up reality), but I assume that since it's on MTV primetime, you have to be on drugs to appreciate it.

Amber Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 08:42 AM EST

Why are are they appearing on the cover of Rolling Stone? Isn't that a mag about music? That makes no sense.

Ben Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 08:37 AM EST

Lame show that is only good to be made fun of on E's "The Soup"

Stef Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 08:36 AM EST

I think it's about girls who go to work and fight with their boyfriends. Really that's all I've ever seen happen on that show. So weird and boring.

Alissa Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 08:36 AM EST

eh, it's not half bad.

Elizabeth Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 08:35 AM EST

True that J Lo!! I watch and I don't really know why. I guess I hope that we'll get to see more than 45 seconds of the fashion show that the girls get to work at and see how that all works out. (And Spencer reminds me that I am happy I am single and I don't have to deal with a d-bag like that!) To each his own, but when Elodie stuck it to Heidi last year - one of my top 20 favorite moments on TV ever!

sara Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 08:31 AM EST

Ugh. As someone who reads a lot of pop culture blogs and watches The Soup, I can't help hearing about The Hills. And it seriously sickens me - why should anyone care what these vapid rich girls think or do or say? Also, WHAT THE HECK Rolling Stone? For serious? I get that they're trying to stay hip and relevant for my unfortunate "millenial" generation, but this is just...wow.

J Lo Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 08:13 AM EST

And just another vapid example of how Rolling Stone has been irrelevant since the 70s.

Wendy Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 08:08 AM EST

Count me as one of those people who also does not understand nor care to understand the popularity or the appeal of these people/that show. I thought it was a scripted show forever, but now its reality? I don't get it and I consider myself a pop-culture junkie normally.

Tyre Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 08:07 AM EST

I completely agree. I wish I could have a show where a few scenes were dedicated to me looking off in distance, "thinking hard"...which is what I think they're doing...or maybe they were being told what to say by the producer, so rather than dub anything in, just silence..

NineDaves Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 07:48 AM EST

NO! DON'T TELL ME! I DON'T WANT TO KNOW! I've done everything in my power to avoid knowing about these girls. I think if you ignore them, eventually they will disappear. It's worked before. There used to be this boogie man in my closet when I was a kid, and I just started to ignore him, and eventually, he went away. I'm telling you - it works!

Krissy Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 07:42 AM EST

Finally! Someone that agrees with me. I can't stand these kinds of shows. Who the hell cares who these women are! MTV needs to get back to putting music on tv instead of these airheads.