SOBER SPINOFF?


The brain scientists who brought VH1 "Celebrity Rehab" are lobbying for a spinoff called "Sober Living."

The show, which would be a cross between "Surreal Life" and "The Real World," would put a number of "Celebrity Rehab" alumni together in a luxurious Beverly Hills mansion for 30 days while they try to rebuild their careers without drugs and alcohol.

Like "Celebrity Rehab," the new show would prominently feature Dr. Drew Pinsky ("Loveline"), who oversees the celebs during their stints in televised rehab.

Filming on the show could begin as early as next week, although VH1 has yet to give the project a thumbs up.

Among those approached by producers to appear on "Sober Living" allegedly have been members from the latest cast of "Rehab" residents, former Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler, model/actress Amber Smith and last season's resident, Seth "Shifty" Binzer the lead singer of the rock band, Crazytown.

Many drug rehab centers offer comprehensive care for patients after they leave treatment - ranging from 12-step programs to regular monitoring. "Celebrity Rehab" attempting to offer some kind of follow up for its patients is not a shock, although turning it into a TV show open only to those residents invited back by producers is a bit surprising.

The cast of the most current edition of "Celebrity Rehab" was released from their 21-day stint on the wagon last Saturday. The new season is slated to begin airing on Aug. 4.

On the show, washed-up stars check into a Pasadena, Calif. drug and alcohol clinic and are filmed participating in therapy and socializing with other troubled members of the cast.

Last season even featured former "Taxi" star Jeff Conaway going through detox.

A VH1 spokeswoman said that network does not comment on shows that may or may not be in development.
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source: New York Post

 

1 comments:

  1. Lynn Earley said,

    I've been amazed , for the past 21 years that I've been sober, at the total lack of awareness, and ignorance I've met with regarding a certain issue. That alcohol-free social venues for adults over 21, targeted to the general public, do not exist. I 'll speak slowly...Not AA sober clubs, Not boring AA dances, not cutesy all ages events, not church coffeehouses, not teen clubs. One of the first things newcomers are suggested to do, as you well know, is to avoid people, places and things that involve alcohol. Kind of hard to do, in this booze-soaked society. I started the smART PArty, here in the NYC area. But forget the media; they refuse do any kind of story on this topic, yet bombard the public with countless features on celebs who drink, celebs in rehab, drunk drivers, binge drinking, etc.
    As for Dr. Drew, I called him on his radio show last month, and tried to make the point. His answer was, "well , that would be AA" (after rehab...spoken like a true rehab director..) even HE missed the point. Last time I checked, AA was NOT a party.
    I have such an intelligent, viable
    solution; that will create jobs, promote the arts, promote healthy lifestyles, and provide society with a much needed CHOICE. I have yet to find someone with intelligence to listen, and take an interest.

    on July 7, 2008 at 10:55 AM