Since I’ve been on maternity leave I’ve had a lot more time on my hands. It’s not always time that can be used on just anything, though, because the baby refuses to be put down for any stretch of time. So I’ve found myself watching a lot more TV than usual. And since I started writing reviews for ApeDonkey, an entertainment blog run by my brother and his friend, I’ve become even more interested in TV in general.

So my thing is that I refuse to jump in on a show in the middle if it is a serialized drama. That’s why I’ve been watching a lot of competitive reality shows, since they start new every season. (But I do watch some other shows via Netflix; right now we’re into Prison Break and Mad Men, both available on instant streaming.)

Shows I watch now:

>Project Runway – how have I never watched a full season of this before? I love it.

>So You Think You Can Dance – again, I watched my first season this summer on my brother’s urging, and it was quality. I’ve always loved watching good dance.

>Dancing With the Stars – this is one I’ve watched for years, not only for the dance (which is sometimes terrible) but for the personalities. I’ve come to enjoy it as much for the pros and judges as for the “stars.” (And for the record, my favorite couple going into this season is Hope Solo and Maks!)

>American Idol – one of the classics, and as a singer myself I even feel somewhat qualified to critique the performances.

>The Bachelor/Bachelorette – some may call this a guilty pleasure, but a pleasure it is.

>HGTV Design Star – another new one that I absolutely love. One of my favorites got kicked off this week so now I’m rooting for Meg to win.

What other shows in this genre should I be watching?