BURBANK—In a press release issued jointly with the Clerk of the United States Supreme Court, NBC Universal and 20th Century Fox TV announced the creation of a new reality TV show featuring Antonin Scalia, the colorful Supreme Court justice best known for his salty talk about “orgies” and “homosexuals.”
Reached today in Burbank, an NBC-Universal spokesman expressed delight about the deal. “When we heard the judge was talking to audiences about orgies again, that cinched it,” she said. “Even for relative unknowns, a little dirty sex talk and some Internet buzz is often all it takes—reality TV's a wonderful thing.”
There’s no doubt it's a formula that’s worked well for Ozzy Osbourne, Paris Hilton, and several others. While no one is certain whether a Supreme Court justice will be similarly catapulted to fame, the consortium producing the show certainly hopes lightning will strike again.
Tentatively titled 'Justice 696,' a reference to a little-known Washington dance club, the show will fill a half-hour slot on Friday nights. “Judge Scalia is as pumped up as we are," the spokesman said. "We plan to have cameras follow him pretty much everywhere—shopping for flashy clothing, displaying his collection of funny masks, whatever he's doing at the moment. And even though he’s contractually obligated to show off his beefy chest as he’s robing up for oral argument, it won’t be all about sex. We’re just giddy with excitement.”
According to the spokesman, the only disappointment is that Scalia’s famously raunchy comments will have to be toned down a bit for network TV. “The last thing we want is a big fine from the FCC,” she said. “Be assured that the judge will be duly warned.”
From an office in Washington, the Clerk of the Supreme Court seemed unfazed. “When it comes to reality TV,” he said, “Justice Scalia doesn’t favor bright-line rules. Does it mean he'll go too far? I’m not sure, but I think we’ll know it when we see it.”
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Justice Scalia is currently visiting the University of Michigan Law School, and he gave his general public lecture today. Sadly, no mention of orgies.
Nonetheless, his talk was, as expected, quite interesting. Heidi blogged his talk here, Carey blogged his take here, and I made my own humble contribution/rant, here.
Posted by: J | November 17, 2004 at 12:17 AM
How about a reality show featuring the attorneys behind the Vioxx litigation? With all of the greed, backstabbing, and big egos, how could it not be a hit?
Posted by: JR | November 17, 2004 at 04:22 PM
Wow! Dumbfounded and at a loss for words. I'd never have thunk it and that's really sayin' somethin' comin' from me
Posted by: Tig | November 17, 2004 at 10:02 PM
I thought Scalia was anti-media or at least anti-press. Didn't he refuse to let the press tape one of his speeches?
Maybe Scalia can talk about the fine points of hunting with assault rifles . . . ?
Posted by: practical legal paralegal | November 29, 2004 at 03:57 PM