Coming to VH1: Basketball Wives, Secrets of Aspen, Complete and Utter Nonsense

Say this about VH1 programming: it isn't trying to fool anyone.

As much as we adore Chris Harris and can't wait to see Jake Pavelka as The Bachelor (debuting January 4 on ABC!), most reality TV fare of this nature is grating and insulting in its supposed portrayal of love.

There is a reason, after all, why the aforementioned program is zero for 13 in its attempts to actually mate a couple for life.

That's why we find VH1's reality shows so comforting: they are complete and utter nonsense; they know it; and they embrace it.

Two upcoming series, announced this week by the network, are perfect examples:

1. Basketball Wives will follow the lives of current and former squeezes of such professional players as Shaquille O’Neal (pictured), Eric Williams, Antoine Walker, Jermaine O’Neal and Udonis Haslem. Shockingly, Dwight Howard's baby mama, Royce Lyndsay Reed, was not asked to appear.
2. Secrets of Aspen will explore the pampered world of six women and one man that reside in Aspen, Colorado; known "as a playground for the rich and famous," according to VH1.

Shaquille who?!? The reality TV world awaits the debut of Shaunie O'Neal.