Rock Of Love, the VH1 reality show that began in 2007 and saw Poison front man Bret Michaels looking for someone to match his rockstar lifestyle, was a hit for the network when it premiered, but will it ever be revived in the reboot era? As the front man of Poison, Bret Michaels was known for his hard partying ways and signature bandana, but in the mid 2000s, he was given his own reality show after the success of Flavor Flav’s reality TV dating series, Flavor Of Love, took off. Coming from a different angle, Bret was chosen to lead.
Throughout the series’ run, which lasted for three seasons and featured its own set of spin-offs, Bret met an array of women who would be put to the test to see if they could keep up with his fast-paced lifestyle. From challenges that were goofy and didn’t really prove anything to spending time with Bret in a luxurious mansion that housed the contestants, as well, the show featured some of the most iconic moments of early reality TV dating. Although it wasn’t the most wholesome series, it showed off a gritty edge to reality TV dating shows that viewers miss.
Rock Of Love Left A Lasting Impression & Legacy
The Show Is Still Remembered Fondly
As a concept, Rock Of Love was a lot like the other reality TV dating shows of the era. Taking inspiration from The Bachelor, the show had one leading man in Bret, and 25 eligible women who were looking to date the rockstar. While Bret had been the front man of hair metal band Poison, he’d started to make his own music prior to the show’s premiere. Throughout the series, it became clear that Bret was looking for a genuine relationship, and the ploy of the reality TV competition was making things fun, but more complicated overall in his life.
While Bret seemed like he wanted to find real love, the way Rock Of Love pushed its contestants to show their ability to keep up with his partying lifestyle wasn’t always the easiest. With a big of contestant-on-contestant drama throughout the season, the majority of the series had more of a fun, campy vibe rather than a genuine competition series. Culturally, the show had a major impact, spinning off into several other dating and competition shows throughout the next several years. The show revitalized Bret’s career, and eventually put him back into the public eye on other reality TV shows.
Rock Of Love is so much like The Bachelor that it would work on principle.
Rock Of Love Could Have A New Front Man
Bret Michaels Could Be Replaced
Rock Of Love ended its run in 2009 after three seasons, though a fourth was planned and scrapped after drama in the VH1 reality TV division stopped it in its tracks. While the show ended for legitimate reasons, it’s something that’s remained culturally relevant and has interest from those who were watching at the time, as well as some who have come to know the show after the fact. While Bret, who’s now in his 60s, wouldn’t be a suitable front man anymore, he could be replaced by someone like Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger, who’s memorable and likely searching for love.
Would Rock Of Love Renewed Fit Into Today’s Reality TV Landscape?
Space Could Be Made For The Show
Although some things about Rock Of Love would need to be updated for modern reality TV, like the overall objectification and sexualization of the contestants, it could still work as a reality TV show in today’s landscape. Despite knowing that some viewers would take issue with the concept’s return, Rock Of Love is so much like The Bachelor that it would work on principle. With the twist of fame and fortune making the show even more fun to watch, the series would fit into the streaming side of reality TV dating, and would shine a spotlight on a long-missed show.
Source: The Reality Channel/YouTube