BYU launches family reality TV series

PROVO, Utah (AP) -- It's not quite an episode of "Supernanny," but a new reality TV show from Brigham Young University may help some viewers pick up the skills to be a "Survivor."

The 13 episodes of "Real Families, Real Answers" starts Tuesday on BYU Television. It airs at 8 p.m. MDT. In Utah the show won't be seen until Sept. 28 at 6:30 p.m. MDT on KBYU.

Filmed last year, the program examines the challenges and strengths of real families. A team of family life experts -- some from the university's faculty -- will separately share principles for success.

Director Blair Treu says the show realistically portrays and celebrates modern family life, leaving out the over-the-top drama of some reality TV programs.

"Some people enjoy sitting back and watching a dysfunctional family yell and scream at each other," Treu said in a statement. "That's not what we're about. We're celebrating the things that families are doing right, accepting the fact that they're not perfect and there are things they could do better."

BYU professor Steve Duncan was the program's content development director. He said the answers promised in the show's title were drawn from leading-edge scholarly research on topics in each episode. The topics covered include family finances, managing emotions, blending families and overcoming pornography.

"We've got some great shots of these families being who they are," Duncan said. "These are good families, but they're not perfect, and in many cases they are struggling with issues viewers will find appealing and will empathize with and relate to."

BYU alumna and former CBS "Early Show" host Jane Clayson Johnson narrates the episodes.

BYU Television is available on cable and through satellite providers DirecTV and the Dish Network in 48 million homes. Program video is also streamed on the Internet.

Information from: Deseret News

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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