Maybe you’re a big fan of the Real Word, or True Life, or Jackass. In which case, you watch MTV. 
Which probably means you aren't a fan of music, since Music TeleVision doesn't play any.
Anyway, two of MTV's most popular shows this season is two relatively new ones. The station's latest hit is "Life Of Ryan." Plus Rob and Big returned for their second season. Both shows fit in the genre of "Reality TV." And both shows feature the lives of professional skateboarders.
Ryan Sheckler is a teenage phenom with more sponsors than the Superbowl.
Rob Dyrdek is a
successful skateboarder, skateboard film-maker, and skateboard entrepreneur.
The only question surrounds the success of theses shows. Why are people watching them? I am going to predict about 75% of the people who watch "Rob and Big" and "The Life Of Ryan" never touched a skateboard, don't know what a "deck" is and don't know why bearings are so important. 
But something about the appeal of skateboarding or a skateboarder is catching on,and MTV is "laughing straight to the bank with it." Why do people who don't skateboard, like a show about a skateboarder?
My only answer- Skateboarding was, is, and always will be cool. Not cool in the popular-trendy kind of way. But cool in the way where people will always be amazed by it. There is something exciting, thrilling, and dangerous about skateboarding that even people who don't skate are still enamored by it.
Somehow, MTV knew that. They saw how successful "Rob and Big" was. So 
what did they do? Find a different skateboarder who would attract a different and some of the same demographics and audience. And so far it is making MTV "MAD MONEY!!!!"
The best part of both shows? Rob and Ryan both show off their boarding skills throughout the season. In a recent episode of "Rob and Big" Rob broke 21 Guinness World Records. All of which involved skateboarding. Some included the most consecutive ollies, kickflips, and the longest manual.
In this season of "Life Of Ryan," Scheckler showcases his best tricks for a skateboarding video and tries to develop his "brand" of clothing.
"Rob and Big" can get pretty funny. "Life of Ryan" can get pretty sickening, and I have a feeling the show's producer has a lot to do with that, not necessarily Ryan. Sheckler is a great skateboarder. No question. However, The voice-overs/narrating can get nauseating.
But my opinion shouldn’t influence whether or not you watch the shows. Check them out for yourself, then come back and leave a comment on my Blog. Scream-Yell-Or Curse me off telling me how wrong I am. Or totally agree with me. The choice is yours.
