5 TV shows to watch with your spouse

Television programs these days seem to want to divide the genders. There are programs aimed specifically at men (sports, "The Walking Dead", most cop shows) and specifically at women ("Glee", "New Girl", "Are You There Chelsea?” etc.) and still others that don't seem to be aimed at anyone at all, like "Rob". So where are viewers supposed to turn if they want to watch a program with their significant other? Surprisingly, to the world of reality TV.  

To be sure, there are scripted network and cable shows that appeal to both sexes, but no type of program can truly get a conversation going between you and your spouse like a reality TV show. You'll have to sift through plenty of junk (anything dealing with teen pregnancy or swamps) but there are some fun shows out there that seem to be made just for couples to enjoy. 

If you're looking for something to share with your loved one the following programs, all of which I watch with my wife, are worth checking out. 

“Kitchen Nightmares” (Fox) – In “Kitchen Nightmares” world-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay takes his famous temper and deeply wrinkled forehead to a failing restaurant to help save it from closing. What makes this show so much fun to watch is seeing how Ramsay takes a disgusting, poorly run eatery and turns it into a respectable establishment. You and your spouse can reminisce during the show about all the places you’ve eaten that could have used Ramsay’s assistance. 

“House Hunters “(HGTV) – This series takes viewers behind the scenes as individuals, couples, and families go through the experience of buying a home. The process of becoming a homeowner is stressful, time consuming and (eventually) rewarding. It’s also a bonding experience. Whether you’ve bought a home on your own, have already purchased one with your spouse, or are currently house hunting, this show will give you and your significant other plenty to talk about.

“The Apprentice” (NBC) – “The Apprentice” is one of the few programs on TV that pits conniving, intelligent men against equally conniving, intelligent women. This is a great show for couples because it almost always creates Men vs. Women teams for each gender to root for. The countless jokes you can both make at the expense of Donald Trump’s hair is an added bonus. 

“Top Chef” (Bravo) – Everybody likes to eat, and this series, in which chef’s compete against each other in challenges, illustrates just how cut throat the culinary world can be. “Top Chef” appeals to men’s competitive nature and to women’s sense of artistry. It will also probably make you hungry so be sure to eat before watching it.

“The Bachelor” (ABC) – Hold it fellas! I know you’re thinking this is some kind of trap, that I’m trying to trick you into watching a “chick” show. I can see why you’d say that because at first glance “The Bachelor” screams Made For Women just as much as “Dancing With the Stars”. However, this show really does appeal to both genders. “The Bachelor” is a dating show on steroids, with every emotion amplified and exploited. Any person, man or woman, with any dating experience whatsoever will see this show not as a realistic way for love to be found, but for what it really is – the best unintentional comedy on television. 

Honorable Mention: “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”, “Millionaire Matchmaker”, “Survivor”, “America’s Next Top Model”