The Phone (MTV)

In a seemingly random American city, four unsuspecting people are about to become contestants on THE PHONE, a high-stakes game show from executive producer Justin Timberlake that sends participants out on a fictional mission that seems frighteningly real. The plot springs into action when a mysterious cell phone rings, and the players are split into teams to compete in a series of challenges. Each success yields them more and more cash, with the chance to win as much as $50,000.

As much as you try to remind yourself that what you're seeing isn't real, you can't help but feel anxious for these players as they muddle through what must be an overwhelmingly out-of-body experience. And the thing is, it's downright entertaining. Yes, the so-called "Operator" (Emmett J. Scanlan) who runs the game is a little corny. But after listening to him long enough -- and recovering from the shock of the well-timed pyrotechnics -- you start to feel like you're Harrison Ford's stunt double in Patriot Games.

In short, this is thorughly entertaining escapist television. And thanks to cinema-quality camerawork, high-stakes plot lines, and dramatic pacing, it's easy to forget that it's only a game show.