The current trend of “snarky, irascible <fill in occupation> whom everybody has to put up with because he’s a genius <occupation>.”
**House ** started it and did it best, followed by **Shark ** and **3 Lbs ** (the latter already cancelled).
Since Martini Enfield already mentioned Twilight Zone, Outer Limits, and Amazing Stories…
“Have one person go on dates with 3 other people of the opposite sex, then have them choose one to continue dating.”
Elimidate and 5th Wheel
“Lets have contestants sing and the best ones will come back for another show. Eventually we will have one left that will become famous.”
Star Search and American Idol (Though American Idol is singing specific where Star Search covered acting, spokes-modeling, comedy, and Singing)
SNL, **Friday Night ** (I think that was the name and Mad TV