The Three R's: Reruns, Replays and Reunions

Once, in my opinion, is never enough. I appreciate being able to view an episode more than once. More and more, I'm seeing networks replay their new episode more than once. Cable stations like VH1, MTV, Food Network and CMT have aired the new episode several times during the week. This gives everyone a chance to see the show. Even some of the broadcast networks do this now. "America's Next Top Model" airs its new episode on two different nights. Shows like "Lost" and "The Baby Borrowers" replay the previous week's episode right before the new one. The Scifi Channel, among many others, airs the new episode more than once on the night it premieres. Then there are those like Bravo who show the last several episodes before the new one, as it does with shows like "Project Runway".

I also like the new trend of having shows air on other networks. NBC does this a lot. "The Apprentice" and "Deal or No Deal" aired the latest episode on MSNBC. "Nashville Star" replays right now on CMT. It was great when "The Amazing Race" was on the Game Network. I didn't begin watching till Rob and Amber were on the show, so I was able to go back and see all seasons I missed. I wish I could do the same for "Survivor".

Reruns always seemed to be the ghetto of television. Major networks have chosen not to have reruns so they can tout 'all new' schedules. Fortunately, if you miss an episode of "Heroes" or "Lost" or other favorites, you can often watch them online. Still, I miss being able to rewatch episodes after I know what they were leading up to. Thank goodness for DVDs. Now I can watch the old episodes whenever I want.

However, what I really like when it comes to reruns are the marathons. I love seeing a whole season of "America's Next Top Model" on VH1 or MTV all at once. It's great when I can watch an older season of "Project Runway" or "Top Chef" in one sitting. Sure, I know how it's going to turn out. I have the tv on while I'm on using the computer. It's like spending time with an old friend. Every so often I catch something new that I'd missed in previous airings. CMT will soon be running marathons of the two seasons of Scott Baio's show. It's also a great way to catch up on seasons you missed because you hadn't begun watching the show yet.

Finally, for those of us who want to know what happened to our favorite reality stars, there are the reunion shows. CMT will be running a "Gone Country" season one reunion in preparation for season two which starts August 15. I'm particularly eager to catch up with Maureen McCormick. "The Bachelor" also had a recent show following up on couple from the bachelor and bachelorette versions. I was particularly interested in Matt and Shayne, the latest bachelor couple. And tying things up nicely, Shayne's father, Lorenzo Lamas, will be on "Gone Country 2".