Tattoo Wars (TLC)

Following in the footsteps of other popular tattoo-centric reality shows, TATTOO WARS pays homage to the creative process of converting the human body into a complex, painted work of art. In each episode, two internationally renowned tattoo artists agree to simultaneously sketch and ink a specific image onto a willing recipient in less than four hours during a crowded tattoo convention. The image -- which is agreed upon before the competition -- must showcase each tattooist's own unique style. Convention attendees vote for the one they like the most.

The series approaches contemporary tattoo work as the modern form of an art that dates back to ancient times. Viewers get to see how tattooists research their designs, create rough sketches, and work with the shape of the human body to create their tattoos. Works ranging from ancient Japanese paintings to Picasso's Cubist pieces inspire them.

While not the most stimulating of shows, Tattoo Wars does offer some interesting details about tattooing as both an art form and as an industry. Tattoo artists describe some of the practices that are traditional to the industry and detail some of less-than-glamorous experiences they had as apprentices. They also showcase some of the complex body art for which they're famous.