Extreme Makeover: Wedding Edition: An Advance Review of TNT's "Wedding Day"

I had a hard time reconciling the fact that reality series Wedding Day was airing on TNT... much less in primetime.

If anything, the Mark Burnett-produced reality series, which throws elaborate "dream" weddings for deserving couples, feels more suited for a daytime slot on Lifetime or TLC. There's a softness that seems completely out of touch with the high-stakes drama that has become the network's bread and butter, with series like The Closer, Leverage, or Saving Grace.

I had the opportunity a few weeks ago to watch the first three episodes of Wedding Day and was shocked to discover that it was executive produced by Mark Burnett; it's certainly a departure from the producer's fast-paced reality series like Survivor and The Apprentice. Granted, this isn't a reality competition series but a feel-good wedding-themed series but it could have used some of the polish and smoothness of Burnett's other series.

I feel bad criticizing Wedding Day because they are rewarding some very deserving people with the wedding of their dreams with an inspirational focus that's akin to something like Extreme Makeover: Wedding Edition.

But there's a glacial slowness and a cheesiness to Wedding Day that prevents it from truly being inspirational. I tried to care about these couples but some awkward hosting and some strange format choices--with the opening scenes each week consisting of stilted talking heads--make it difficult to forge a connection with the individual couples in each episode.

Ultimately, I understand why TNT would want to be in business with Mark Burnett but the ordering of Wedding Day is a bit of a head-scratcher as it's so different from TNT's brand and core audience. As much as these couples deserve their perfect day, I couldn't care less about attending these weddings.



Wedding Day premieres tonight at 8 pm ET/PT on TNT.