On Monday night, the Writers Guild of America’s worst fear?became a reality: over 20 million Americans tuned into ABC?s DANCING WITH THE STARS.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: Shouldn’t the writers be a little more concerned with the fact that they’re currently on strike,?guaranteeing a Christmas only the Grinch could love?

Well, yes, but the unprecedented success of DANCING should cause the scribes more than a few restless nights. Reality television is the TV writer’s kryptonite, and the continued?success of the genre can only mean bad news for the WGA.

After-all, why should networks and studios green-light intelligent and?costly scripted endeavors like DAMAGES and MAD MEN ? or even less stellar offerings such as CAVEMEN ? when they know that audiences will flock in record numbers to watch D-list celebrities compete for a glitterball and a chance to keep fame?s fickle timekeeper poised at 14:59.

It seems television viewers want to have their cake and eat it too by constantly complaining about the quality of programming being offered and yet flocking to reality offerings like DANCING, AMERICAN IDOL and BIG BROTHER.

Apparently, there?s a big difference between what we say we want and what we actually want.

In his book “Billion Dollar Kiss”, veteran television writer?Jeffrey Stepakoff put it best when he said, “Reality TV, in may ways is more than just cheap programming. It’s a threat to writers”

Which begs the question.? Come January 2008 ? when the HOUSEWIVES are homeless and McDreamy will only court Meredith in reruns ? will you be putting your money, ummm…?eyeballs where your mouth is?

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