The Farmer and His Wife

Like the rest of the world, Australia likes a reality show. It also likes a panel show. I don't quite understand that, save for the fact that they're probably pretty inexpensive to produce. And, frankly, this place isn't much for spending money on its television.

So when it's time to watch TV, it's either such unfunny gems as Good News Week, Spicks and Specks, or Rove; excruciating "soapies," such as Home and Away or Neighbors, or year-old American television. So since the Biggest Loser Australia and So You Think You Can Dance Australia ended, I have to say that television viewing has been a bit dry.

But last week, something new started that I feel I can throw my complete support behind. It's called The Farmer Wants a Wife and the premise is pretty much clear from the title.

Farmers (sheep, dairy, etc.) have turned to television to find a wife or at the very least someone to love. Women, ranging in age from 19 to thirty-something, look at the farmers' bios online and submit their interest. The farmers choose 10 and the show hits the road to the Outback.

I've only seen two episodes, but each farmer has cut their choices down to two women, both of which will head to their chosen farmer's abodes to see what life is like. If the previews are accurate, we're going to see some good stuff beginning next week. If it's worthy of a report, you'll get one.