Readers sent us so many comments on ramping up the profanity and drama that we want to share a few this week before we get to the questions.
We're also being asked by readers how one can dine at "Hell's Kitchen." In the past, we of one of those diners, who was recruited, and paid, to dine in the "restaurant." A FOX spokesperson tells us that earlier this year, the Hell's Kitchen Web site featured a link where interested parties could sign up to be diners, but that they are not looking for any now, so the link has been removed. And judging from the comments of many of you, "Hell's Kitchen" is the last place you'd want to dine.
Show is unwatchable‘Hell’s Kitchen’ is unwatchable. Do they advertise for fat slobs who can’t cook? And the amount of cussing is just over the top. This show has nothing to do with food. I’m not sure what it’s about other than humiliation. –Carl, Oregon
Enjoys the obscenityIt is about time a reality show owns up to being real, I happen to enjoy Chef Ramsay’s obscene language and sometimes annoyed behavior. Television reality shows have gotten away from what is real and fake, if the language bothers you I suggest you don’t watch. What do you do when you are really fired up? --Anonymous
Not about Ramsay‘Hell's Kitchen’ rocks. It isn’t about what Ramsay is doing but rather the reaction of those he directs it to. Dealing with him on the show gives the viewers an indication of the integrity of the chefs and how well they would adapt to criticism from patrons and reviewers. I loved it when Rachel rubbed the meat to discolor it to make it look rare and the camera captures her expression when Chef Ramsay is going to inspect it. She knew she was BUSTED! --J, North Carolina
Not realityIf Ramsay was a real chef he would be part of the solution rather than part of the problem....in “Reality” and in a real kitchen he would have been cooking alone or beaten til near death by the staff....but then this is TV and not really reality isn’t it? –Loren, Connecticut
Lawsuit time‘Hell’s Kitchen’ should be taken off the air big time. No one has the right to talk to people like that. I would sue him! --Betty, Canada
Scary suppersWould anyone actually eat in one of Chef Ramsay’s restaurants? After watching the episodes this season, his proteges don’t seem to know much about cooking. I don’t think I will not ever eat at one of his establishments because of what I’ve seen this season. I would be really afraid of food poisoning. ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ actually has me pretty worried about ever eating out again at any restaurant. –John
Q: I have a question about "Last Comic Standing." Why don't the rules stipulate that the contestants must be amateur comedians instead of pros? Anyone who has had a special on Comedy Central or significant TV experience should be excluded to make it more interesting. Gabriel Iglesais and Bill Dwyer are funny but it would be cool to be exposed to more comics I have never heard of. —Brian, Virginia
The show has been criticized for this very thing since its first season. On the surface, the obvious reason seems to be that professional comedians are funnier and make for better TV than amateur ones who don't have a lot of material. In addition, their fans become viewers of the show, which has the potential to help ratings — or at least buzz.
During the first two seasons, that more than one finalist was actually managed and represented by producers on the show. In addition, comic Drew Carey called the show "crooked and dishonest" after he and Brett Butler guest-judged the second season and learned that their votes were being overruled by producers.
Despite the controversy, NBC brought back the show for a fourth season (the third season was a ratings disaster, and featured a sort of "all-star" competition) this summer, and it's doing well. Thus, "Last Comic Standing" has been renewed for a fifth season, which will air next summer. —A.D.
Q: Why is it that your column never mentions anything about “So You Think You Can Dance”? —Shenette, Dallas
A: If you mean why hasn't the "Ask the Experts" column addressed it recently, it's because we receive fewer questions about "So You Think You Can Dance" compared to other reality shows.
If you mean why doesn't MSNBC.com as a whole cover the show, it's true, we don't cover "Dance" in a weekly chart. We only have so many writers and so much time to devote to reality TV charts. This summer we chose to cover and We try to monitor reader interest as best we can and devote our resources to shows that are of the most interest. If we had unlimited money, time, and resources, we would also offer charts for "Dance," "Rock Star; Supernova," and "America's Got Talent," but we had to make some choices.
While attending the TV Critics summer press tour in Pasadena in July, I did attend a panel at which the "Dance" finalists, judges, host, and executive producer were present. Some of your questions might be answered . I address the topics of host Cat Deely, why dancers must perform in many genres, the prize money, whether there will be a live finalists' tour, why Canadians can't audition, and more. —G.F.C.
Gael Fashingbauer Cooper is MSNBC.com's Television Editor. is a writer and teacher who publishes , a daily summary of reality TV news.