Pete Rose’s New Reality Show is a ‘Hit’

I normally find reality television to be vapid, mind-numbing, narcissistic pig slop.  Suffice it to say, I tuned into Pete Rose's new TLC show with something less than an open mind.  Five minutes in, I was hooked.

The problem with most reality shows is that the characters are boring. (being loud, drunk, petty, or obnoxious does not equate to one being interesting)

The good news for people who tune into "Pete Rose: Hits and Mrs." (Monday nights on TLC) is that Peter Edward Rose is an American original.  Pete doesn't try to be anyone else but himself.  He's brash, funny, and politically incorrect.

Rose, however, is just one half of the winning formula.  His fiancee, former Playboy playmate Kiana Kim, is a great foil for the 'hit king.'  Kim is about 40 years his junior, and has two young kids of her own.  Watching Pete Rose interact with these kids is comedy gold.  Pete's grown children from his previous marriages might not be as amused, but that's neither here nor there.

Another thing that separates this show from others is that it seems to have a soul.  I understand that Pete Rose is in the business of promoting Pete Rose, but it's obvious that he'll never get over his lifetime banishment from major league baseball.  He's not a deep or introspective man, but he regrets his choices (or at least getting caught).  At his core, he is a simple man from Ohio who owes everything he has to the great game of baseball.

Here is a typical scene from the show.  This is Pete at his best, coaching kids at his camp.  He proudly proclaims that he coaches the kids the same way he coached big leaguers.  I don't doubt it.

Pete's boorish sense of humor might not be for everyone, but I'd be willing to bet you can find plenty of people out there who enjoy it as much as I do.