Reality television has been a staple of American entertainment since Survivor and Big Brother hit the small screen. The shows give viewers a glimpse into the lives of celebrities and lifestyles that most people can only imagine. Recently, though, the realm of reality TV has expanded to include such an array of topics that one can only laugh at some of them.

Since her Vice Presidential campaign in 2008, Sarah Palin’s fame has been astounding. Television producers recognize this and seem to think that somehow everything Palin touches turns to some sort of entertainment gold. While I must admit that Palin proved her ability to provide entertainment back in 2008, it would seem as though a show could not come out of this unless it featured Palin’s interviews with Katie Couric and the talents of Tina Fey.

Instead, producers have decided to surround the Palin family with cameras and just see what they get. Last year, Sarah Palin’s Alaska came to TLC and offered viewers the chance to watch the Mama Grizzly watch nature. Now, Bio has launched a currently untitled series following Bristol Palin, the famous teen mom, as she works for a Los Angeles charity. TLC has also announced that they are in the making of Big Hair Alaska, which will take place in the hair salon credited for Palin’s famous up-do.

I can understand why some people may want to see how Sarah Palin acts in “real life.” I can even understand how people might be interested in Bristol’s life, especially after her stint on Dancing with the Stars. But a hair salon? Creating one style that could only possibly work on one person hardly seems like the credentials for its own show. And now that Sarah will certainly keep busy with the 2012 presidential election, the producers will be lucky if they get one guest appearance from the hockey mom.

Reality TV can be entertaining. It can even sometimes be educational. Most of the time, though, it seems it is just plain ridiculous.