After a summer filled with internal investigations, angry parents and media outcry there was no way this TV Addict was missing last night’s series premiere of KID NATION. Yet as I watched the extended [practically commercial free] premiere I couldn’t help but speculate — brilliantly executed reality television or the end of the genre as we know it?
But first, a few words about the forty settlers. These kids were awesome. Knowing full well how I adapted to being shipped off to summer camp at age seven, I could only imagine what it must have been like to spend forty days in a practically deserted ghost town with no parental supervision. Although the Grocery Candy store and Soda Shoppe would have made things a touch easier.
Overall the show was utterly fascinating to watch because kids — unlike adult contestants who ‘play the game’ on SURVIVOR — gave us genuine emotional responses. Like when Laurel consoled little Jimmy or when Taylor decided to stay [so saw that coming], Michael’s spontaneous big speach and the moment when Sophia told her mom about winning the Gold Star. Yup, in terms of tear factor, KID NATION’S just hovering below EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION.
Which brings me to my only concern. What’s life going to be like for these kids now that the camera’s stopped rolling? We all know how cruel kids can be [see: GOSSIP GIRL!] and I can’t help but wonder what it must be like to walk into class this morning knowing full well that your entire school just witnessed you crying for your parents on CBS.
No doubt opinions are divided on the show, feel free to post yours below. The only thing this TV Addict knows for sure… I would have chosen the TV! 
