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'Celebrity Rehab' returns to VH1 -- but should we watch?

With two alum fatalities the stakes are high, but the star wattage is low

By Liane Bonin Starr Wednesday, Jun 8, 2011 6:55 PM

Dr. Drew Pinsky of VH1's "Celebrity Rehab"

Dr. Drew Pinsky of VH1's "Celebrity Rehab"

Credit: VH1

So VH1 has managed to round up yet another passel of Hollywood’s D-list for a fifth season of “Celebrity Rehab.” The mildly familiar names who will be gracing us with their detox vomiting and general grumpiness beginning Sunday, June 26 at 9 p.m. are Sean Young (“Bladerunner”), Michael Lohan (Lindsay’s dad), Bai Ling (“The Crow), Amy Fisher (the infamous Long Island Lolita), Jeremy Jackson (“Baywatch”), Dwight Gooden, Jessica Kipper (“Survivor”) and relapsing alumnus Steven Adler (Guns n’ Roses).

Every season I’m pretty sure the show has scraped the bottom of the barrel in looking for so-called stars, but this time the show may want to change its title to “People You’ve Never Heard of Rehab” or “We Consider Someone Who Shoots A Woman in the Head with an Arrow and Made A Porn Movie A Celebrity Rehab.” Sorry, Amy. But as hard as it is to convince even foggy-brained addicts to appear on a show for questionable exposure and free counseling, I’m sure it’s only going to get harder. The deaths of Alice in Chains rocker Mike Starr (season 3) and Jeff Conaway (seasons 1 and 2) earlier this year cast a sizable shadow on the show. As many times as Dr. Drew warned his wards (and, indirectly, us) that recovering addicts often slip with sometimes fatal consequences, these deaths (granted, Conaway’s autopsy is not yet in) made it clear that even Dr. Drew’s level-headed assistance is not a miracle cure. For better or for worse, the participants on “Celebrity Rehab” aren’t just mugging for the cameras.

There have long been questions about whether showing anyone in rehab, much less public figures, is appropriate or even ethical. While I think both sides of the argument have valid points, I also think, having watched the show since season one, it’s a far cry from most so-called do-gooder reality programming. I tend to buy Dr. Drew’s argument that he and his staff offer valid treatment to participants and, though they may lose some privacy and likely amp up the drama for the cameras, their trials serve to demystify the rehab process. You know the old saw; if one person goes into rehab after seeing the show, yada yada yada. And at this point, it seems some of these “stars” are going into the process hoping to exploit their time on the show, not the other way around. If you have to Google most of the names above, you won’t be the only one. I’m sure at least one of them may have just needed a clean place to sleep and a shower. If Dr. Drew manages to get them cleaned up in the process, it’s a win-win for all involved.
 
But what may be the most telling item about “Celebrity Rehab” is who won’t be appearing on the show: “Real Housewives of D.C.” star Michaele Salahi. After going through the pre-taping assessments for the show, she was given the boot in March for, basically, not being an addict. Apparently, being a narcissistic fame whore is not one of the diseases Dr. Drew is inclined to treat. Regardless of what fantastic plan a participant may have going in (renewed celebrity, a shot at other reality TV gigs, a hope of derailing the program, a shower), Dr. Drew’s plan is to sneak in there and, whether they expect it or not, help these people. Whether Dr. Drew loves the sound of his own voice (we do hear an awful lot of it whenever a star goes down in flames) or not seems beside the point. Granted, I’ve listened to more episodes of “Love Line” than I care to admit, but it seems to me that one thing that’s never wavered with the guy is his commitment to pulling lost souls out of the gutter. And at the end of the day, when the cameras finally shut down and the lights are turned off, that’s all that matters.

 

Liane-bonin-starr-sm
Liane Bonin Starr
Sr. Editor
Liane Bonin Starr is an author, screenwriter and former writer for EW.com. Her byline has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Variety and a lot of other places. Her last book was called "a scandalously catty, guilty pleasure" by Jane magazine. Expect the same from Starr Raving.
Related Searches: Dr. Drew Pinsky, Bail Ling, Michael Lohan, Sean Young, Amy Fisher

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  • Summer09hitfix_talkback_profile

    gregel

    Wait, so Michaele Salahi isn't an addict? I thought she was dying or in AA...you mean - it was all made up? I'm shocked.

    June 8, 2011 at 7:23PM EST Reply to Comment

    • Ha!

      June 8, 2011 at 7:38PM EST
  • Default-avatar

    13thGuest

    dr. drew is level headed?! the dude is an egotistical prick; and a terrible therapist.

    June 9, 2011 at 12:32AM EST Reply to Comment
  • Default-avatar

    HundleyFan

    While Drew Pinsky clearly has a huge ego, I don't think he's a pr!ck or, necessarily, a terrible therapist.

    Yes, by all indications, he's as addicted to fame as the worst of today's wannabe celebrities; however, I believe he truly cares for his patients and wants them to get back on the right path. He views paying these celebrities and pseudo-celebrities for appearing on Celebrity Rehab as a way to get them to at least see what rehab is about. Of course, the bottom line is, unless the addict wants to get better, it's just not going to happen.

    Even if you don't like Dr. Drew, give him credit for being a licensed, practicing physician (M.D.) and surgeon, unlike Phil McGraw (ugh!), who has a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, but is currently unlicensed to practice psychology in any state. He says he doesn't need to be licensed because what he does on TV is entertainment. Okay, then...

    June 9, 2011 at 4:20PM EST Reply to Comment
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    Nurse Tacky

    From what I can tell, and I'm in medicine, Pinsky and staff prolonged the lives of the likes of Starr and Conaway. You can't blame the deaths of two very serious addicts on the treating physician, unless said physician is providing the drugs (I'm looking at you, Conrad Murray). Relapse is certainly part of the process, just ask Robert Downey, Jr.

    From where I'm sitting, Celebrity Rehab may be salacious, but Pinsky happens to be the most legit of the physicians broadcasting today. I'll take his advice over that of Drs. Oz, Phil, or Laura any day.

    June 11, 2011 at 4:29PM EST Reply to Comment
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    Bill Preston III

    Janice is one of the most self-absorbed people i've ever seen on this non-celebrity show.After watching through day 7,I realize,I have no problems.

    June 24, 2011 at 2:09AM EST Reply to Comment
  • Default-avatar

    Alexandra london

    At the end of the day
    The facts are
    & I am a recovering addict
    Help is help
    Media n people r always ridiculing something
    I choose to see the humanity
    Which n the end is all we have!!!!

    August 30, 2011 at 1:10AM EST Reply to Comment

    • Read "acceptance" big book

      August 30, 2011 at 1:14AM EST

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