I Want to Work for Diddy (VH1)

In I WANT TO WORK FOR DIDDY, 13 hopefuls competing to be Sean "Diddy" Combs' new assistant are put to the test in a slew of team and individual challenges designed to separate the weak from the strong. The contestant pool -- a diverse bunch to say the least -- includes a transgendered woman named Laverne, a full-figured go-getter who calls herself "Po-Prah" (a self-described "Big Girl w/ Big Skills"), and an Iraq war veteran. Evaluating their performances are Capricorn, Diddy's former assistant who's now the director of marketing for Sean John; Phil Robinson, Diddy's former manager; and Kevin Liles, the executive vice president for Warner Music Group. Combs' own personal appearances are rare, but he adds occasional insights via pre-recorded interviews that are spliced into the action.

Just as Combs has many names, he's also many things -- including a designer, producer, aspiring actor, and father of six. But, above all, he's an expert promoter. (He's also hip to the power of television when it comes to plugging his products, thanks to the success of his Making the Band reality franchise.) In fact, that's the true genius behind I Want to Work for Diddy: It not only showcases several of Diddy's marquee brands, it also positions him as a godfather-esque mogul who makes things happen. It promotes several products at once -- including the man himself.

Of course, I Want to Work for Diddy isn't just about blatant promotion; it's also about giving one lucky young person a thankless job that could lead to bigger and better things. But applicants be warned: The road to success is more often than not paved with humbling tasks like picking up Combs' dry cleaning or auditioning a clown for one of his kids' birthday parties. The glamorous stuff comes later. Much, much later.

TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: VH1
Cast: Sean P. Diddy Combs
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: VH1