Another item from while I was away. This one a day old, from the Hollywood Reporter (I'll include all the paragraphs on The Amazing Race):

CBS' 'Race,' 'Brother' set for Season 5

CBS has picked up fifth installments of the reality series "Big Brother" and "The Amazing Race."

. . . The Julie Chen-hosted "Big Brother" is set to return in summer 2004, while "The Amazing Race," which won an Emmy this month for best reality/competition program, has received a 13-episode order for midseason or summer.

"I think qualitatively, both shows are absolutely at their peak," said Ghen Maynard, head of CBS' alternative programming department. "I think what we've really done well at CBS and what our whole goal has always been with shows like 'Amazing Race,' 'Big Brother' and 'Survivor' is to create long-lasting franchises that have appeal for the long term."

. . . "Amazing Race" has already started casting for its fifth edition, which will feature two-person teams trotting the globe for a $1 million prize.

. . . "We're incredibly thrilled that we got picked up again," said "Amazing Race" executive producer Bertram van Munster. "The fifth race is laid out and ready to go, and it is shaping up to be an extreme globe-trotting event."

He declined to reveal any details about the "drastic changes" he said the producers are making to keep the series fresh, but promised that the show's regular viewers "are going to be in for a big surprise."

Van Munster is executive producing "Amazing Race" with Jerry Bruckheimer and Jonathan Littman for Bruckheimer Films, Earthview and Touchstone TV.

NBC has also picked up more episodes of the shitty Restaurant for midseason, though it can't decide whether they'll continue with Rocco or try a new restaurant. Dump Rocco! He's an ass!

Yes, they have definitely broken up. Completely. Sorry this came out while I was in LA and unable to update, or I would have had it up sooner. (Much thanks to Michael from All About RC for the early heads up.)

The website All About RC has posted a message directly from our heroes, Chip & Reichen, announcing they have completely called it quits. An excerpt:

We recently gave an interview to the Advocate, which will appear on shelves 14 October 03. In that interview, we have officially announced that we are no longer pursuing our relationship and marriage and that we have decided to separate from each other. Further details are given in The Advocate interview. Without going into the intimate details of why we have decided to separate, please know that we have come to this decision, over a great deal of time, very seriously, to heart, and with great and on-going discussion, analysis, and thoughtfulness. It is the best decision for both of our physical and mental well-being, peace of mind, and happiness.

Well, that's just plain sad, sad, sad. But it happens. The only thing worse than a bad marriage is two people staying in a dead marriage just to say they did and destroying both lives in the process. Probably healthier for both of them. I wish them well.

(But the faint silver lining is, they're both available. Go get 'em boys! You're just going to come back with rebound burns, but don't let that stop you.)