Though the title makes the show sound like cheap exploitation, “How to Look Good Naked,” a new reality series on the Lifetime Network, actually is an entertaining and sensitive way to improve one’s self-image.
“How to Look Good Naked”: A Kindler, Gentler “Extreme Makeover”
Nearly every talk show does a special “makeover episode” every couple of months and ABC even had a bit of success with “Extreme Makeover,” a graphic show in which “ugly” people are transformed through rather extreme cosmetic and dental surgery. Some participants sat in a dental chair for hours at a time, making one think of the torture scene in “Marathon Man.”
Each week, “Naked” host Carson Kressley, a former member of the makeover team in “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” helps one woman feel better about herself through some simple self-exploration and a change of wardrobe.
“How to Look Good Naked”: The Pilot Episode
The pilot, which is available as a free download on iTunes, featured Layla, a young woman who, after years of failed diets, has an extremely bad self-image. In one of the shows most telling moments, Kressley, with the help of a computer, shows her how wrong she is about her body and her attractiveness.
Kressley even posts a headless shot of Layla in lingerie on the side of a Santa Monica office building and records the reactions of passers-by. The consensus is that Layla has a nice shape and looks like a real woman.
“How to Look Good Naked”: Shedding the New Wardrobe
After taking his new friend clothes shopping, including a long stop at a lingerie shop, Kressley gets to the real point of the show, namely seeing if he can makes someone who hates her body pose naked for a professional photographer.
“How to Look Good Naked”: Carson Kressley is Surprisingly Effective
In many ways, “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” was a cruel show, with five gay hosts ripping a straight man to pieces before rebuilding his home, wardrobe and appearance. On “Naked,” Kressley is a surprisingly effective host, using his natural charm to draw women like Layla out of their shell. Of course, he gets to vamp around a bit, especially in places like spas and lingerie shops, but that’s forgivable.
“How to Look Good Naked” debuts on the Lifetime Network at 9:00 p.m. EST on Friday, January 5.
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