Ox Notes: November 17, 2008

Nigel Lythgoe has thrown down the gauntlet. The So You Think You Can Dance creator plans to debut Superstar Dancers of the World on NBC in early 2009, which could put it in direct competition with Dancing with the Stars.

According to a Zap2It article, SDotW will feature two soloists, one pair and one group from each of eight countries competing in a variety of dance styles. The show's host is DwtS substitute judge Michael Flatley.

The Dancing with the Stars Tour wraps on February 8, 2009, which would put the show on pace for its usual March debut. There's no word yet on when SDotW will begin, nor how many episodes it will last.

I'm trying to curtail my TV viewing, and if I have to choose one dance show to watch this spring, it'll be Superstar Dancers of the World. Given the hours I've wasted over the course of seven seasons of Dancing with the Stars sitting through commercials and boring filler material, not to mention the mostly-forgettable performances of the current season, I'm ready for something new.

What about you? Would you ditch Dancing with the Stars for Superstar Dancers of the World?

In other DwtS news, Julianne Hough talked with ET about her return to the ballroom.

TV Week has an article about reality shows that should be resurrected. Topping the list is Rock Star, which was hosted by DwtS 7's Brooke Burke.

Variety's Brian Lowry writes about the disturbing trend of TV news anchors pitching products during newscasts as a means of skirting Tivo's fast-forward feature.

Tim Gunn told EW that Project Runway 6 is "phenomenal." Let's hope a judge decides to let Lifetime air it.

People interviewed ousted Top Chef: New York contestant Patrick Dunlea.

Reality Blurred's Andy Dehnart writes that he's disappointed with the turn Survivor: Gabon's taken now that Kenny, Crystal, Susie and Matty have seized power. I agree, but I've been wracking my brain to figure out exactly why I do.

It's not just that I don't particularly like Kenny, Crystal, Susie and Matty, who've all gotten more annoying since they took control of the voting. I keep waiting for Sugar to stop buying Kenny's B.S., for Corrine and Randy to channel their misanthropy into a way to save themselves, or for Bob to use his MacGyver skills to come up with an unbeatable plan. But I don't know if they have it in them.

Is it wrong of me to hope for all that? Should I just sit back and enjoy the beautiful African scenery?

Is Survivor: Gabon getting you down, too? If so, why?