Reality TV- even dumber than you thought

Ever since the Apprentice came out, there have been all sorts of imitation extended job interview reality shows. Now TVNZ is re-hashing the Master Chef concept for NZ (and I hear the Apprentice is in development too).

You'd think this would be a great opportunity for young chefs to make their mark. But no. The conditions of entry include this non-sequitur:

Please note...to enter you cannot have any formal tertiary or other professional catering qualifications acquired in the last 10 years. You cannot have ever worked full-time in a kitchen as a cook, chef or in food preparation.

So whoever is crowned as the Master Chef of New Zealand will be neither a chef, nor a master. Not exactly a Master Chef then.

Here's a few more suggestions for TVNZ reality shows:

• So you think you can dance?- to enter you must be confined to a wheelchair or be a double-amputee
• Who Wants to be a Millionaire- top prize $17.50
• Survivor- first one voted out wins