Best Show or Series Reality – Professions

Winners
Blackboard Wars – Discovery Studios/OWN

This poignant look at life in a troubled inner-city school in New Orleans offers a rare glimpse into a world that most of us couldn’t imagine and reminds us that much of the public education system remains in serious crisis. We follow new principal Marvin Thompson as he asks the students of John McDonogh High School to do something they’ve never done: Believe in themselves. It’s tough. It’s frustrating. And it’s never smooth sailing. But this determined fixer won’t quit until he has
proven to these kids that they surmount any obstacle, even when surrounded by poverty and violence. One thing’s for certain: There’s no soft scripting on this reality show. This is real. And raw. And often uncomfortable. But it’s one of the best unscripted shows on TV. Period.

Honorable Mentions

Deadliest Catch – Discovery Channel – After so many seasons and so many imitators, there’s still something about this show as fresh as the crustaceans that line those perilous crab pots.

Inside Combat Rescue – National Geographic Channel – It’s the first time in history that the U.S. Air Force has allowed cameras to follow these rescue airman—and we hope it isn’t the last.

Million Dollar Listing New York – Bravo – Could these real estate agents be any more obnoxious? Doubtful. But watching them fight for those commissions is high art.

Pawn Stars – History – Who would have thought that a few crusty guys in a Vegas pawn shop could anchor one of the most successful reality franchises of all time? Apparently, History did.

Second Act – RLTV – Such a refreshing show that reminds us that older Americans often match (or even exceed) the professional drive and determination of their younger counterparts.