Okay - I don't usually watch shows made for stations like VH1 but SCOTT BAIO IS 45...AND SINGLE is a real doozy (Baio, as you know, played Chachi on HAPPY DAYS and was in a show called CHARLES IN CHARGE...and other assorted movie/TV stuff).

This "reality" show follows Baio as he approaches mid-life without a marital partner, screaming headlong into crisis mode. Baio's great as he gets more and more pissed about his "lot" in life. The guy was an absolute stud "in the day" connected with more Hollywood poon than even Warren Beatty.

Its compelling, funny and sad. Baio's assignment from his life coach is to contact all the women he's slept with, dated, burned, etc. before settling down to a committed relationship to find out why he can't commit.

At one point he lunches with Erin Moran (Joanie from HAPPY DAYS) and talks about some very personal "issues." (It turns out Moran was Baio's "first..."). In a moment of desperation, Baio phones Henry Winkler for marital advice.

Its also hilarious when Baio runs into Clint Howard (Ron's brother) at his agent's office, finding out they share the same agent. Baio complains to Howard that for whatever reason Ron won't cast him (Baio) in one of his films. Clint just stares at him...

I think I would have enjoyed this a whole lot more if they'd thought of it 20 years sooner, when he was 25 and single! THAT would have been the time to follow him around. ;)

Does portraying "Bob Boblaw" on "ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT" not count as getting a hookup from Ron Howard? Or was this series taped before his brief episode arc in Season 3?

Either way, I'm smelling contrivance. And how shocking would that be to find in a reality show? ;)

Indeed, the cameras are already running in the agent's office, focused on Clint Howard, when Baio walks through the door. What--Howard didn't notice and ask why the cameras were on? It was this big surprise when Baio entered?

The show is enjoyable, however. And the conversation with Erin Moran seemed real--uncomfortably so.

My one big complaint is the guy who has the "best friend" part. He's kind of an asshole, and not even in an amusing way. (Am I right in assuming he's an actor/comedian? He looked familiar, but I didn't catch his name and I can't find the show on the IMDb.)

Also, judging by the commentary on the season three DVDs of ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT, Baio was difficult to work with, so he may not be getting any more calls from Ron soon. (The participants don't get specific, and the commentary isn't fresh in my mind, but that was my impression.)

I think - in a way - its the show's contrivance I find compelling...

I can imagine Baio being "difficult" - he's making his own charmed life difficult...

I also find Baio's "entourage" immensly, enjoyably, ridiculous - he and his "fat cat" buddies sitting around chomping on big phallic cigars...hilarious machismo...

My wife said it best as she walked out of the room after watching a few minutes - "Who'd want to marry that asshole?"

Which is why I think the show is dead nuts on...