Mr. Personality is an American reality television series broadcast by the Fox Broadcasting Company (Fox). The five-episode series premiered on April 21, 2003 and concluded on May 19, 2003. Filmed in Malibu, California, the series followed Hayley Arp, a 26-year-old stockbroker, as she selected a suitor among a group of twenty men. In an effort for Arp to select her suitor solely based on personality, all of the men were required to wear color-coded latex masks throughout the competition. Arp eliminated a predetermined amount of suitors each week until only one remained; upon selection of a final suitor, Arp was allowed to remove his mask and see his appearance. The series was hosted by American media personality Monica Lewinsky.

Mr. Personality was a part of Fox's intent to capitalize on the burgeoning success of the reality television genre. The series received unfavorable reviews from television critics, who derided the series' concept and the network's choice of casting Lewinsky as the host. The series premiered with strong ratings, however, they waned over the course of the season; the two-hour finale was condensed into a one-hour episode as a result of the series' subpar ratings. Since the series' end, several producers and contestants have voiced their regret over Mr. Personality.

Format

thumb|left|160px|alt=Refer to caption.|Bachelorette Hayley Arp (center-left) and host [[Monica Lewinsky (center-right) surrounded by Arp's masked suitors]]

Set on an estate in Malibu, California, the series depicted a competition among a group of 20 men who attempted to court Hayley Arp, a 26-year-old stockbroker from Georgia. Through a series of dates and social interactions, Arp was required to select a suitor among the group of men solely on the basis of their personality. In order to conceal their appearance, the men were required to wear color-coded latex masks, in which only their eyes and mouths remained visible. The men additionally were prohibited from discussing their job titles or financial status. Arp had the opportunity to get a feel for the men's appearances during one-on-one dates set in "the dark room"; on these dates, the man removed his mask in the pitch-black room and Arp was permitted to feel his face. Arp eliminated a predetermined amount of contestants from the competition every week until only one man remained. Upon elimination, the men removed their masks and revealed their appearances to Arp. The series was hosted by American media personality Monica Lewinsky.

Production

Reception

Alessandra Stanley of The New York Times claimed that the series was "interesting", although she criticized its underlying appeal of "snobbism and class tension." Lisa de Moraes of The Washington Post called the show's star a "chick who swallowed a large dose of Stupid Pills." In 2009, Time cited Mr. Personality as one of the top ten skanky reality television series.

Ratings

Mr. Personality premiered to over 12 million viewers; at the time, it was 2003's highest viewed premiere of a new reality television show. The premiere placed second in its time slot, although it succeeded in the 18-to-49-year-old demographic. The premiere aired after an episode of American Idol, which assisted in boosting its viewership.

References

  • at the Wayback Machine