The when: VH1's latest "celebreality" series premieres Thursday, Jan. 10, at 10 pm/ET.
Why watch?: Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew documents the lives of eight stars seeking treatment to battle their addictions before it's too late. Unlike the other "Where are they now?"-type shows that dominate the cable airways these days, the difference here is that nothing feels staged. The first show quickly gets down to the heart of the matter, revealing the very real demons these famous-ish faces are battling. While some know they need help, others are still in denial. Perhaps the most compelling reason to watch is to learn the personal history that contributed to each star's descent into addiction. In a very candid moment, one celeb admits he has it all and has been blessed with fame... shortly before getting high and admitting there are times when he doesn't care if he dies.
Who's who: The celebs that have chosen to commit themselves to this very real rehabilitation and recovery process range from film stars to athletes to recording artists. Among the mix you will find
Grease's Jeff Conaway; Hollywood's favorite family bad boy, Daniel Baldwin; former WWF star Chyna Doll; Crazytown frontman Seth "Shifty" Binzer;
Family Matters alum Jaimee Foxworth; porn star Mary Carey;
American Idol wannabe Jessica Sierra; and the multifaceted Brigitte Nielsen. Dr. Drew Pinsky, most notably from the radio and TV series
Loveline, oversees the treatment programs.
What's next: The season kicks off with a meet-and-greet between Dr. Pinsky and the troubled celebs, but before long, one doped-up star suffers a medical crisis and ends up in the hospital.
Say what?!: Rumor around the campfire is that a ninth star surfaces to join the program later this season. We can only hope it's Britney Spears.
What do you say? With so many celebs failing to rehab at ultra-private treatment facilities, what are the chances that this very public take on the recovery process will yield better results? Will the added pressure of prying cameras motivate these stars to fight harder and sober up? "Celebreality" fans, tell us why
you plan to commit to this show! -
Erin Lulevitch Use our Online Video Guide to get a sneak peek at the rude awakening that awaits these troubled stars.
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