One of the contestants admitted into the top 12 finalists for the popular television show “The X Factor” hails from Santa Cruz. Chris Rene used an original song to represent his struggle with addiction during his audition for the show.

From Oct. 12 to Nov. 16, UCSC’s Wednesday Night Cinema Society will be screening “An American Family,” one of the most influential and controversial reality TV series in America’s history.

After 25 seasons, Oprah Winfrey’s landmark talk show finally came to an end last week. Blair Stenvick looks back on what Oprah meant to her and to the world.

Reality TV might be the last place one would look for a dose of actual reality, but Blair Stenvick argues that “The Hills” was more true to life than many gave it credit for. She uses this theory to assess “Audrina,” the latest “Hills” spin-off.

Blair Stenvick loves the Food Network — a lot. But she’s not so excited about its newest show, “Last Cake Standing.” However, the program does make sense at this point in the United States’ history.

Home may be where the heart is, but should not be what defines the politician. That is the lesson that the viewer should take away from “Sarah Palin’s Alaska” despite its entertainment value.