Updated 07:54 am.EST, Mon November 23, 2009

Entertainment|Tue, Oct. 21 2008 08:42 AM EDT

Christian Reality TV Shows Burst on to the Scene

By Josh Kimball|Christian Post Reporter

In the first episode of the five-episode series, the two male members engaged in a conversation about tattoos and piercings with Christian rocker Krystal Meyers, who joined the group for the series premiere.

Also hopping on the foursome’s tour bus for the first episode were Hawk Nelson, Group 1 Crew and Ayiesha Woods. The group also met up with Natalie Grant at a Revolve “All Access” event.

“Revolve … gives our young viewers a cast they can relate to and music they love,” said Gospel Music Channel’s Siegel.

Then, there is THEDRIVEtv, which is presenting “fundamental issues” in a motivational and easy to understand manner both on screen and off.

The new reality show, which is airing in over 170 countries, captures the adventures of four young men – Chris, Kyle, Steve, and Aaron – as they take a “reality” road trip across the United States.

During each episode, the hosts meet unique people and discover the local “flavor” of the location, focusing on relevant issues for today’s generation, including love, self esteem, community, and social justice.

“It’s what ‘reality TV’ should be – relevant, reflective, real,” said Troy Miller, COO of the NRB Network, in an endorsement.

Miller described the four hosts as “media missionaries who bring the message of Christ to young viewers in a language they understand.”

“In a time when immorality and irreverence dominate the airwaves, The Drive TV takes a higher road,” he added.

What’s unique about the show is that the hosts have made themselves available to speak at churches and special events.

“Even though THEDRIVEtv is a reality tv show, the heart of it does not begin and end on a TV screen,” say the producers of the show. “The guys from THEDRIVEtv are available for speaking engagements. They love to share the message of THEDRIVEtv and the powerful experiences they had on the road."

“Young people are impacted by their message delivered through stories of their exciting adventure, original music, and personal ministry,” they add.

Only time will tell whether Christian reality shows will draw large followings as have their mainstream counterparts, such as “Survivor,” “American Idol,” “Dancing With The Stars,” and "Fear Factor."

But with Christian music closing the gap on mainstream music and Christian movies such as “Fireproof” ranking among the weekend box office’s top ten for three consecutive weeks, producers of the latest series are optimistic about the potential of Christian reality TV.

"Unlike the majority of reality television, 'The Uprising' isn’t based on a contest or produced in any kind of artificial environment," says producer Nathaniel Calnin of Steelroots, which partnered with Haizlip and his team to launch "The Uprising."

"It’s truly reality in the sense that we’re capturing scenarios that would happen regardless of a camera being there to tape it," he told The Christian Post. "These guys are out there praying for people and talking about Jesus in places that would make most of us feel uncomfortable. Whether Christian or not, I think viewers will find that compelling."

Christian author Young, meanwhile, is hoping for Christian media not only to mimic the success of their mainstream counterparts and close in the years-long gap, but to make radical changes.

"So yeah, nothing would make me happier than to see a full revolution in Christian media in my lifetime," he says. "Lord knows it's not that there's a lack of talent."

On the Web:
www.gospelmusicchannel.com/revolve
www.steelroots.com/theuprising/
www.thedrivetv.com

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