Househusbands of Hollywood

Househusbands of Hollywood is a lot more real than I expected it to be.

This show tackles a genuinely interesting issue: how high-achieving men cope with what society sees as demoting themselves by staying home while their wives earn the family money. It tackles that question in a calm and at times even insightful way.

Househusbands pretends to be about shifting marital dynamics and social mores, and almost by accident, there is some evidence of that. Mostly, though, it's just another family sitcom starring a bunch of actors--and one ambitious morning TV host--auditioning for their next jobs.

Given the ubiquity of "Real Housewives" shows, it may be a sign of equality for a show about househusbands, but adding to the lame reality show glut does not feel like societal progress.