Shear Genius (Bravo)

Following the standard reality-competition format, SHEAR GENIUS begins with a group of 12 hairdressers who live together and compete in a series of challenges judged by pros, battling for the chance to take home the top prize. Tasks include things like creating "hair art" -- in which contestants get 20 minutes to shop for supplies in a craft store and then two hours to create their masterpieces on models. The models later walk down the runway in front of the judges, and the familiar elimination process begins, complete with tense moments when host Jaclyn Smith draws out the seconds before announcing whether a stylist is safe or has met their "final cut."

Just like in close cousin Project Runway and other shows of the same ilk, the contestants frequently get mean and catty. For example, during a trip to the craft store, one stylist sees another choosing feathers off a display and rushes in to grab them all before the first one knows what's happening. The camera catches a cruel shrug of the shoulders as the second stylist walks away triumphant.

While that kind of petty behavior certainly isn't good role modeling for younger viewers, it's also what makes Shear Genius fun to watch, in a guilty-pleasure sort of way. Parents who let their kids watch can use the opportunity to discuss the benefits of being kind to others, even in the face of competition.