Summer House Online

"Summer House" is a reality show featuring about ten professionals in their twenties and thirties who work in Manhattan and spend their summer weekends in the Hamptons. Although the show provides glimpses into their work lives, most of the attention is on their time in the summer house. These are people who are living for the weekend, attempting to avoid reality.

Where "Jersey Shore" had its "GTL" (gym, tanning, laundry), "Summer House" revolves around ABB--alcohol, bikinis, and bars. There is the obligatory hot tub.

The housemates, for the most part, have been friends for years. They include female twins (Lauren and Ashley), one of whom is married and will be going back to California at summer's end. Also included are a couple (Lindsay and Everett), who spend most of their time arguing and making up.

During the first episode, I thought the most relevant adjectives were vapid, irrelevant and unfunny. Once things get rolling, it feels like a real-life soap opera. The issues they deal with, like commitment and over-indulgence and discovering what is most important in their lives, are fairly universal issues, even if they can be seen as spoiled. These are the beautiful people living life in the moderately fast lane, so some viewers may not find them relatable. On the other hand, the television landscape is filled with Kardashians, rich housewives, and celebrities.

All of the housemates are basically good people trying to find enjoyment to balance their otherwise demanding professions. But don't look for any deep meaning. Just imagine what "Big Brother" would be like if there were no rules, no competitions, no eliminations, and the cameras rarely shied away (though pixellation is liberally used). This is a guilty pleasure, for sure.