DC ExtraTime: More Springtime Baby Announcements...

BY DC CUEVA                         

■ @DC408DXTR  @ IG/YT/SC/TB/TK

The past week we've just had to endure once again reminded us of how bad both this world and the last two years & a quarter have been. But those of you who get to visit my various social media platforms are reminded that whenever you come to this DCBLOG site, to my YouTube channel, Twitter, Instagram and everywhere else, that you have found "The Escape You Deserve." And one of the things that provides us a refresher from the madness has been of celebrating the arrival of new babies.

Instagram @bayydayy

Five years ago this spring, Bayleigh Dayton from the Kansas City area was competing in the Miss USA Pageant along with what turned out to be a slew of future reality stars: fellow contestants in her 2017 class would ultimately pop up later on The Voice, in Bachelor Nation and on Are You the One. Bay would also follow in the footsteps of DeAnna Johnson, Kelsey Weier and Lauren Roush into finding further fame elsewhere: a year later, she would find herself in the Big Brother 20 house, and she came out of the famed summer house sporting an engagement ring on her fingers when Chris "Swaggy C." Williams proposed to her on the final night when Kaycee Clark came away victorious.

The #SWAYLEIGH train has seen them head to courtside at many Lakers games, red carpets, and onto The Challenge: Total Madness two years ago where Bayleigh made it to the final. And almost right after when the pandemic hit, an All-Star Big Brother season would come calling as straight off of she was chosen to return to the big house. But had things gone their way a few years ago, then the total direction of this story would have changed: when she was living along in the BB20 house during the sixth week of that summer, Bay found out that she had gotten pregnant prior to Swaggy being evicted four weeks earlier. This was the first time that someone had gotten knocked up on the show... but it was after she went into the Jury house that she found that she miscarried that kid.

DC SocialPulse: The Challenge All-Stars 3 - The Queen Has Returned...

*** Advisory: #DCSocialPulse contains adult language, objectionable content and spoilers for some readers. Viewer Discretion is Advised. Due to its length, take frequent eye breaks if you're viewing this top to bottom. ***

BY DC CUEVA                        

■ @DC408DXTR  @ IG/YT/SC/TB/TK

In a perfect world, we would've started this post with the words we've been waiting three years for: welcome to the first normal American summertime of this decade. But Tuesday's events in Uvalde have cast a dark cloud over this Memorial Day Weekend... and we at DCBLOG join with the rest of the nation to express our condolences to the families of the victims and everyone affected in some way by that tragedy, and also offer our support to those advocating for immediate action to prevent more of these atrocities - including the many protesters gathering down not far away in Houston. But as the grieving continues there in Texas this long weekend, we proceed here with the business in front of us covering the week that was in the world of MTV Reality.

The Challenge: All-Stars on Paramount+ began in earnest a few weeks ago with something it hasn't had in its short but glorious tenure: some fresh meat from recent seasons joining in on the fun, along with two of its most notorious champions making their debuts on this spin-off. And last week, the Stars quite literally got down and dirty -- in the mud, as they fought their way towards trying to avoid going into the arena. Along the way, we got to know our first alliance of this 2022 in Challenge Nation: the Treehouse was formed with the intent to make this game their very own, just as they did when the members competed on the big show for the first time. But at nights end, it wasn't just the Arena that sent home players... an injury and family reasons saw Laterrian, Tina and Jemmye all take that departing flight from Panama.

So, what's to do with all of this? It means one thing in this game, and for background as we enter this week: it's good to know that with this All-Stars format and the abundance of old-timers returning to this game, it will also bring back into focus those rivalries from back then, while also opening the door for new ones too. For this instance, the arrival of a replacement Challenger will not doubt shake the game once again, all in time for our first sky-high challenge of this year as the players try to identify some math above the water during this time of final exams taking over this time of year -- we know the teachers watching will be most interested. But once again, the house politics rule the day after the players come back into the house, setting the table for two big showdowns in the elimination chamber.

The last time we had someone come into the game late, Ed brought a youthful energy into Spies, Lies & Allies. Now, who could possibly be that queen who is making her return? Join us here after the break as we bring you the answer to that question and all else on the SocialPulse of Week 3 of The Challenge All-Stars straight ahead... and thanks for escaping with us here on this holiday Sunday.

Who Are These Newbies? - Ex On The Beach Season 5: The Exes

Due to the heavy presence of graphics and video, "Who Are These Newbies?" is best experienced on desktops and fast-performing mobile devices. Some videos embedded contain adult language & situations, parental guidance is suggested.

BY DC CUEVA                        

■ @DC408DXTR  @ IG/YT/SC/TB/TK

We are more than halfway through our early summer on Season 5 of MTV's Ex On The Beach U.S., as the American version of the channel's global franchise of love in a totally twisted way continues after it and so many of the reality genre's biggest shows were shuttered during this unusual time in this crazy world of ours. So far, things have been as advertised: those reality stars who we love from both MTV and the wide world of the genre have been given a rude awakening by their exes, and there's plenty more to come from the Canary Islands.  

Whether it's the version of the series we see here, the original U.K. show that started it all in 2014, or the twenty or so adaptations filmed in Europe, Brazil or elsewhere in the world, there's one thing that binds every version of EOTB. It's that big moment every week where a few occupants of the villa venture down to the Beach of Doom to receive the answer of "Whose Ex is Next?" And it's when those ex-boyfriends, ex-girlfriends or even new singles invade the beach that causes a huge shock or even just pretending to be shocked when the looks on their faces come into the "ultimate relations*** show."

Ex On The Beach was already of huge interest to this blog and those English-speaking expats who reside here in the U.S. for that several alumni of the original British show were part of the first generation of the global invasion of The Challenge as a prelude to the premiere of our version of this lovefest in 2018. Like it is across the pond, EOTB U.S. has already sparked plenty of buzz just by the sights of familiar faces from all around the MTV Reality spectrum and the whole world of reality TV showing up as either OG's to begin with or as exes who invaded after the beach opened for business. From several of the big names of The Challenge, to those who went for love on Are You The One, and plenty from Big Brother too, this show is the definition of All-Stars in an MTV sense before a Paramount+ show took that name.

The pandemic caused us to wait a couple years for the beach to reopen here, and when this season began in March DCBLOG continued our longstanding tradition of getting to know the Newbies to MTV land of this show when we profiled several of the singles and a few of their notable exes... but we actually jumped the gun a bit on a few of them as they have not as of yet invaded the beach. But now, we turn the focus to some of the well-known exes who have popped up on the beach this spring and who will soon set sail for the Canary Islands where this return engagement is taking place. And after the break, we begin with the latest Big Brother houseguest to make her move to the cable-sphere.

DC SocialPulse: Ex On The Beach 5 - "Ready for More Baggage?"

*** Advisory: #DCSocialPulse contains adult language, objectionable content and spoilers for some readers. Viewer Discretion is Advised. Due to its length, take frequent eye breaks if you're viewing this top to bottom. ***

BY DC CUEVA                        

■ @DC408DXTR  @ IG/YT/SC/TB/TK

We are a week out -- five days, in fact -- from the spiritual beginning of American summertime... but you can say that to a certain handful of reality stars who were chosen to go on a summer vacation two months early... only to handle the kind of hell that only comes with being part of MTV's Ex On The Beach. And we are past the halfway point of Season 5 in the Canary Islands. 

Last week, my niece got to enjoy what's become a tradition this time of year for students everywhere from elementary to high school: the springtime dance as she awaits graduation from 8th grade. It was also the case for our villa-mates, as they all dressed up for EOTB's very own prom night... but instead of them dancing all night long, the Table of Truth gave them reason to cringe over their ex-partners, and it was enough for Ranin to take a hike the morning after. We also saw a big test come to David and Kyra when his ex came onshore, while Bryce had to endure watching his second ex named Nicole come into the house... but the one those who have Netflix know from watching Too Hot to Handle.

As we return to the Canaries, the complexity has shifted a bit after last week's departure... and that means plenty of open beds in the house. The one who has had to go through this ringer of seeing his exes a bit now enters unchartered waters of seeing the number of them go up to three, while his fellow Love Islander may stare down at the 'It's Complicated' Facebook status as she tries to reconnect with an ex. It's the same thing for another stable couple here, and one wrong choice of words could send our Las Vegas couple down the drain. And the one place in the house that's been the graveyard for many a couple here may prove that good things can happen: take what goes down in the Shack of Secrets.

After the break, DCBLOG brings you the 'Pulse of Week 8 of Ex On The Beach 5, along with a word from one of the parties involved in a key moment in this episode.

DC SocialPulse: The Challenge All-Stars 3 - "Treehouse of Horror"

*** Advisory: #DCSocialPulse contains adult language, objectionable content and spoilers for some readers. Viewer Discretion is Advised. Due to its length, take frequent eye breaks if you're viewing this top to bottom. ***

BY DC CUEVA                        

■ @DC408DXTR  @ IG/YT/SC/TB/TK

Today is Saturday, May 21st, and it's an important day in the history of something that the one behind this DCBLOG site has been following in some sort ever since it all began. It was on this date in 1992 that MTV aired the premiere episode of the very first season of The Real World when Eric Nies unlocked the door to that New York apartment, and it marked the beginning of the genre of reality TV as the majority of us take for granted. And it has been one whale of a ride ever since, as we progress into the next three decades of the most influential reality programming there is anywhere.

A show that was an offshoot of Real World was what would evolve into The Challenge, and last week saw the 2022 slate in the fifth major pro sport kick off with the third season of the All-Stars spinoff on Paramount+ with some fresh youthful energy getting initiated into this game, along with the master of politics in this world making his All-Stars debut as is the show's first two- and three-time female champs. And right from the get-go, the game was put on its head early when a twist from the past few years was unleashed on this show where those who win either a daily challenge or an elimination would get power in the game itself... it's something that would be a beneficiary to that KC ginger man named Wes.

The results of what happened in those first two dailies and eliminations (really, one & a half battles in the arena after Mel conceded her battle to Tina) are already radiating in the Panamanian jungle, and this week things are quite literally getting down and dirty: a challenge in the mud will see the Stars take off those clothes and gloves to try and avoid a night in the arena. A newly-formed alliance who knows real well what it's like to turn the game on its head try to bring what they got to pull off a few years ago in this game as they look to make some big power moves on those who they see as threats in this game... and on the topic of threats, not one but two surprises may turn things upside down.

Aren't we all feeling thirty on this Saturday? Join us here after the break as we mark the thirtieth anniversary of MTV Reality with the DCBLOG Pulse of Week 2 of The Challenge: All-Stars... and there's even a flashback of sorts for those who watched the show that gave us one of our two old-time rookies. And welcome to the weekend, folks...

DC ExtraTime: It's KamRoy's World and We're All Living In It...

BY DC CUEVA                        

■ @DC408DXTR  @ IG/YT/SC/TB/TK

In our ten years Inside MTV Reality, we have seen plenty of couples around this wide world of this part of the reality TV world -- and chances are they have gone the way of many others outside this cable bubble: just another afterthought after an almost inevitable breakup. But if things are going good in any one's relationship, then they can last forever... and there are plenty of them here.

If you have watched the entire run of the Teen Mom franchise dating back to the original 16 & Pregnant series thirteen years ago next month, then you can appreciate the longevity of Catelynn & Tyler. If you're a Real World fan dating back from when it began thirty years ago this coming week, you'll be happy to know that there are those like Judd & Pam and Sean & Rachel who are still together as we all watch the New Orleans Homecoming. And for a show we've seen from day 1, there's Amber & Ethan from the first season of Are You The One?, MTV's first entry into modern reality dating television.

It was on AYTO that we first met Kam Williams when she came onto Season 5, and a year later she went onto The Challenge leading the current generation of female competitors and notching several finals appearances. And after she was part of the only group of singles to go home broke in that love house, it was on a Challenge that she would ultimately meet her perfect match: one of the show's most-respected players who started on MTV when Las Vegas welcomed Real World a second time a decade ago. Leroy Garrett always stayed calm, cool and collected with the occasional laugh in the heat of the battle... and despite walking away without a ring, he still remains one of its most beloved players.

Collectively, Kam and Leroy have been on seventeen Challenges, and the last four they were on together -- making the final together on both War of the Worlds II and Double Agents. But it has been after she placed second and in the money in Europe last year that the best time of their lives awaited them... and the course of the past half-year they have now not one, but those two signs that we're all getting up there in both age and wanting to move into the real world outside reality TV.

DC SocialPulse: Ex On The Beach 5 - It's Prom Night!

*** Advisory: #DCSocialPulse contains adult language, objectionable content and spoilers for some readers. Viewer Discretion is Advised. Due to its length, take frequent eye breaks if you're viewing this top to bottom. ***

BY DC CUEVA                        

■ @DC408DXTR  @ IG/YT/SC/TB/TK

Hello there folks, we are into that time of year when many of your favorite television shows are into their season finales... but for a season that began back last month, MTV's Ex On The Beach is halfway through its fifth season on American screens, and we roll along in the Canary Islands with just as much juicy drama to heat up this early summer.

Whenever anyone goes onto this show as either a single to start things out or as an ex, there is something a bit triggering whenever you see a piece of paper inside of an empty tequila bottle. Well last time out, the Message in a Bottle appeared not one, but three times in the space of week 6 in the villa: its purpose: settling the love triangle with Kyra, David and his ex Dani... and it was when the two love show alums went on a date that saw the 2000's quiz show alum take a flight out of Europe. Plus, we welcomed our first Big Brother 21 alum to MTV in Kat, who has her eyes on her ex Ricky as his thing with his ex Derynn is about to be tested in paradise.

May not only means a transition from fall fare to reality shows taking over network TV in time for summer, it also means a special time of year for those in high school and junior high when it comes to dressing up. And as that sight of prom night returns for the first time in three years, as we come back to the villa that is on the mind for the housemates as they dress up for their own prom night -- but it's not exactly that kind they experienced when they were young back then, and it's what happens here that may cause the single & her husband to be dunzo. It comes just as the relationship with the Islander and Hotel guest gets its biggest test yet when the ex they feared shows up... it's also the case for a guy who loves boats but now has two exes with the same name.

After the break, you are cordially invited to Prom Night in the Canaries, as DCBLOG brings you the 'Pulse of Week 7 of Ex On The Beach 5. Thanks for joining us...

DC SocialPulse: The Challenge All-Stars - A Season 4 Premiere Double Shot

*** Advisory: #DCSocialPulse contains adult language, objectionable content and spoilers for some readers. Viewer Discretion is Advised. Due to its length, take frequent eye breaks if you're viewing this top to bottom. ***

BY DC CUEVA                        

■ @DC408DXTR  @ IG/YT/SC/TB/TK

Pic: ViacomCBS

We have had a stellar sporting weekend with SEVEN Game 7's in the NBA and NHL: the Suns blown out by the Mavs at home, the Bucks getting knocked out by the Celtics, the Rangers and Flames winning in overtime and Carolina joining them in advancing in the Stanley Cup. We've also had Albert Pujols on the mound after the Reds lost no-hitter, Chelsea winning the FA Cup, and Oliveira defending his UFC belt. So, what could cap off this amazing weekend of action? Well, the fifth major pro sport that is.

After giving us plenty to enjoy and plenty to talk about last year, the thought among those of you going into Season 3 of MTV's The Challenge All-Stars on Paramount+ was, how can they make this junior year campaign better? Well, how about giving the competitors who are chosen to be on here an extra prerequisite -- having competed in a final challenge for all the money. That's the theory behind what should be quite the season ahead, and thus the field is stacked with those that the old generation of fans knows a bit, and those who we have followed closely during the past decade in these Challenges.

Now, they've all come together in Panama for what promises to be a most explosive season, led by the debuts of Wes, Veronica and Kailah to this spinoff... and they are keen on making their mark on this game as it gets turned on its head once they compete in a tense first daily and first trip to the elimination arena. As always, there will be plenty of twists along the way in this game, as those who win in that first week will be in a power position -- something the man who loves politicking would like to be in, and it will turn just this simple little reunion into something much more as we get to do this all over again.

After the break, DCBLOG brings you all the action, reaction and interaction of the two-episode premiere of Season 3 of The Challenge All-Stars, all as it unfolded on Twitter in and around last Wednesday's premiere... and all specially curated for you to enjoy in its uncensored and raw nature, which includes adult language. Thanks for joining us Challenge Nation, and thanks for wrapping your Sunday with us...