Interesting article in today’s Inside Higher Ed:  Alternate Academic Reality, by Rob Capriccioso:

“The Seedy Side of Tweed: Professors Swap Wives.”

If Jerry Springer was in charge of casting a new reality program endeavor for FOX television, that could well be the title. He’s not, but Rocket Science Laboratories, the company behind many a reality show smash hit, including "Joe Millionaire," "Temptation Island" and "My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiancé," is taking on the task.

Last week, the company put out a call for new families to take part in Trading Spouses, a reality program on FOX entering its fourth season that features moms switching places with each other in their respective families each week. The point is to see how well they mesh in their new environments and confront unexpected challenges, according to the show’s creators. Moms are given $50,000 at the end of each episode to spend on items and services that they believe will improve their temporary family’s overall dynamic.

For one episode this year, Rocket Science Laboratories wants to feature two families in which one or both of the parents are professors. "Our show is about celebrating families from eclectic backgrounds," explains Brooke Krinsky, a casting associate with the company. “One reason we’re going after higher education professionals is that they tend to lead amazing lives and do amazing things.”

Yikes!  I agree with Law Prof Paul Steven Miller (Washington University):  "I”d have to check with my wife. I don’t want her to end up seeing that there’s a better life out there with some other academic."