Pop Fiction (E!)

In POP FICTION, celebrities turn the tables on the tabloids by deliberately luring them into reporting false rumors about them. With the help of host Peter Katona, stars purposely do things in front of the paparazzi like shop with eccentric-looking shamans or wear outfits that make them look pregnant -- the goal being to spark speculation and, hopefully, generate a media feeding frenzy. After each well-planned charade is over, the participants go back and take note of how the tabloids exploited it all.

Produced by Punk'd creator Ashton Kutcher, Pop Fiction pokes fun at the tabloid media and their often-desperate attempts to get juicy information about celebs' personal lives. Not surprisingly, the paparazzi often look foolish as they literally trip over themselves trying to get pictures of the stars' antics, while bloggers and tabloid shows make themselves look silly by reporting the details of these staged events. Meanwhile, the folks involved in the farce justify their actions by claiming that it's simply payback for how the tabloid press treats them on a daily basis and take pleasure in making fun of the buzz they've created.

Watching people like Paris Hilton outsmart the paparazzi has its entertaining moments, but the behavior of these celebrities is a tad dishonest and, ultimately, self-serving. True, they may not be openly lying to the press, but their actions are clearly intended to encourage the media to make specific assumptions about them. It's also a chance for these famous folks to stay in the spotlight -- which only adds to their celebrity status, despite the misguided headlines. This, combined with some mature material, makes the series a less than ideal pick for young kids. But teen celebrity fans mature enough to understand the concept behind the show will most likely find it entertaining.

TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: E!
Cast: Peter Katona
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: E!