ABC's Non-Harsh Reality

Reality TV will never be regarded as high culture, but let's face facts: It has won a place in prime-time television viewers' hearts. Granted, not every show is a smashing success or in the best taste. For instance, an offering from Fox Entertainment's (NYSE:FOX) FOX network, Who's Your Daddy, in which the contestant was tasked with identifying her biological father from a group of possible patriarchs, both failed to capture viewers' interest and arguably brought the genre down to new depths. General Electric's (NYSE:GE) NBC television show Fear Factor has also gone to extremes, most recently by featuring contestants racing through high-voltage wires from a power substation and receiving shocks along the way.

For its part, Disney's (NYSE:DIS) ABC network appears to be taking different approach from its competitors when it comes to reality TV. One of the network's solid ratings vehicles is its Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. The show has "feel-good" written all over it: Needy or otherwise deserving families are selected to have their homes radically improved or sometimes even rebuilt. The show has gotten solid ratings and allowed ABC to secure a deal with Sears (NYSE:S) for product placements.

ABC apparently is looking to replicate Home Edition's success with a like-minded show concept. According to TheNew York Times, the network has placed an order for six episodes of a new show, Miracle Workers. The idea behind the program is that a group of doctors will seek out people who need medical care but who don't have the means to obtain it. Like Home Edition, the show would not involve competition, just care for those in need.

At first blush, the potential for Miracle Workers seems great. Television watchers have already shown an interest in medical drama, and most people are well if not acutely aware that rising costs are making it hard for many people to get health care. Further, it seems people just like to see others helped out. With these dynamics working in its favor, ABC's new show probably won't need a miracle to connect with viewers.

Fool contributor Brian Gorman is a freelance writer in Chicago. He does not own shares of any companies mentioned in this article.