TLC's 'Virgin Diaries' Awkward, or Refreshing Alternative to Over-Sexed TV?

By Katherine Weber , Christian Post Reporter

December 1, 2011|1:54 pm

TLC's new reality TV special "Virgin Diaries" follows the trials and tribulations of several virgins as they work their way through an over-sexed society, and the show looks to be a welcome alternative to controversial reality programs like "Sister Wives" and "Jersey Shore."

The show documents a group of 20-something and 30-something female and male virgins, some of whom are saving themselves for marriage, and one who admits his virginity is not "entirely by choice."

The show also films the wedding day of Ryan, 31, and Shanna, 27. The wedding's kissing scene, shown on a promotional commercial for the show, has some observers up in arms.

British newspaper theDaily Mail calls the kiss "toe curling awkwardness."

Commentators on the Daily Mail website describe the kiss as "embarrassing," "refreshing" and "revolting."

"I think they should be commended for waiting - I think it should be the norm actually," commented Dawn Calgary of Alberta, Canada on the Daily Mail website.

While the Houston Chronicle blog claims the new show is another brainchild of TLC that "gawks at social outliers," others commemorate the show's message, including TLC's vice president Timothy Kuryak.

"We want to show that this is something that can be celebrated," Kuryak told ABC News.

TLC is known for addressing the unaddressed with past cult-following shows such as "Tiaras and Toddlers," which follows child beauty pageant contestants, and "Sister Wives," which follows American polygamists.

Critics argue that "Virgin Diaries" will certainly attract a large audience, as its promotional commercial is already drawing out a wide array of emotions from viewers.

Many describe the show as a refreshing change from over-sexed reality shows, a trail first blazed by the 90s cult classic "The Real World," and newer programs like "Jersey Shore."

The hour-long special premieres on the TLC channel this Sunday at 9 p.m. ET.

A copy of the "Virgin Diaries" promotional commercial published on YouTube on Nov. 27 has bee viewed more than 1.6 million times.