Two very different and unusual shows are pitting county governments - and friends - in Ohio against each other.
The first show, "Lockup: Cincinnati," which premiers Saturday at 10 p.m. on MSNBC, shows the drama that goes along with being incarcerated. The other, "Neighbors With Benefits," is another reality show that depicts a lifestyle that also has its challenges but has just as much drama: The swinging lifestyle.
Regarding "Lockup: Cincinnati," Greg Harmann, president of the board of Hamilton County Commissioners, told Cincinnati.com that he doesn't think airing the show is "the best idea." He added that as much as he is in favor of transparency, "reality TV probably shouldn't be around our jail."
Cincinnati.com indicated that there were plenty of emails going back and forth among local politicians, and figureheads, most of them suggesting turning down the TV opportunity.
A commonly cited reason many don't want the show to air appears to be negative viewer reaction and the risk of running off possible investors.
The other Ohio-based reality show that's causing a controversy - this one in Warren County - is not played out behind bars or bedroom doors, but right out in the open.
"Neighbors With Benefits," which debuts on A&E on Mar. 22, has ruffled some feathers in the community. While the show takes viewers into the lifestyle of Tony and Diana McCollister, who actively go out and recruit play pals, some of the locals told Cincinnati.com that their community is not a hotbed of sex.
On his Facebook page, husband McCollister defends his chosen lifestyle and puts it in perspective by giving the newbie some terminology and description of how the swinging life works.
