{alltv} The top reality shows of 2010

"Best reality show" is one of the most oxymoronic phrases ever, much like "famous nobody" or "amicable divorce."

And while a best-of list isn't my usual way of summing up a year in reality TV, 2010 was different.

There are a handful of shows that actually stood out this year. Some because of their colourful casts. Others because of their surprisingly impressive quality. And all of them because, as with any good train wreck, I just couldn't look away.

So even though it's easier to compile a list of the worst reality shows (see chart), here's a look instead at the five best reality shows of 2010, in no particular order:

1. Battle of the Blades

CBC

The routines were cooler. The cast was hotter. The production was slicker. CBC's Battle of the Blades really upped its game the second time around -- and people noticed. The homegrown competition inspired an American network to come up with its own, gaudy-awful version but, really, there's no match for this slice of good-natured Canadiana, which pairs retired hockey players with champion figure skaters. It was mind-boggling how naturally winner Valerie Bure (aka The Russian) picked up the sport; Todd Warriner tossed Isabelle Brasseur around like a swizzle stick; and Shae-Lynn Bourne turned partner Patrice Brisebois into Gene Kelly. Sure, the judges (Sandra Bezic and Jeremy Roenick) weren't mean enough, and the hosts (Kurt Browning and Ron MacLean) weren't British. But we'll forgive them since, after all, they helped create an original reality show our home and native land can be proud of.

2) The Bachelor/Bachelorette

ABC, Citytv

Never ones to miss the opportunity to one-up themselves, this year's highly rated, widely publicized editions of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette were the most. Dramatic. Seasons. Ever! Previously known as the dorky, gentlemanly pilot Canadian Bachelorette Jillian Harris dumped last year, Bachelor Jake Pavelka turned out to be Mr. Brutally Honest, ditching some suitors mid-episode and slipping the three-carat ring he didn't pay for onto the finger of his most unlikely mate: Vienna Girardi. The pair dated briefly after the final rose, but soon went through an ugly breakup -- and aired their dirty laundry in an angry, teary "special" edition of The Bachelorette. Speaking of which ... blonde cutie Ali Fedotowsky had her own share of heartbreak as she riffled through the many men who wanted her heart -- including Canadian Justin Rego, who had TWO girlfriends back home in Toronto, and Frank Neuschaefer, who decided to get back with his ex at the last minute. Double ouch.

3. Teen Mom

MTV

Teen Mom (as well as 16 & Pregnant) put the "real" in reality TV. The lives of the four teen mothers, now raising toddlers, are anything but glam. Overachiever Maci Bookout spent Season 2 fighting a custody battle with her ex Ryan over their son Bentley; former brat Farrah Abraham struggled to come to terms with her abusive mother and deceased ex while raising little Sophia alone; lovebirds Catelynn Lowell and Tyler Baltierra got engaged and continued to have second thoughts about giving their daughter up for adoption; and Amber Portwood put her martial arts skills to use on her ex-boyfriend Gary, while their daughter Leah watched. And yes, the slaps and punches were real. Portwood has since been charged and, like the other girls, has become a major paparazzi target. It's no wonder, since it's impossible not to get glued to these very real girls and their mostly real storylines. Many parents argue the show glamourizes teen pregnancy. I think it's birth control.

4. Big Brother

Global, CBS

Summer's guiltiest pleasure is still worth sacrificing precious sunlight for. This year's Season 12 hit ridiculous new lows, with the very first Big Brother Saboteur, a lying podiatrist, a bitchy blond, an annoying showmance (hel-lo, Brachel!) and a whole lotta meatheads -- including ditzy winner Hayden. Ah, how I yearn for those long summer nights.

5. Undercover Boss

CBS

With a great concept (CEO gets a taste of life at the bottom of the company totem pole), and even better placement (its post-Super Bowl XLIV premiere pulled in 38.6 million U.S. viewers), Undercover Boss was a sure-bet off the hop. But it continued to melt hearts all year with two seasons of touching stories. Who can forget the Roto-Rooter boss who learned how to remove those stubborn clogs? Or the Hooters head who scolded a misogynist manager? Sure, each episode is essentially an hour-long commercial -- but one that calls for very few pee breaks.

Are they for real?! The year's 5 worst reality TV shows

1. Skating with the Stars (ABC)
2. Kate Plus 8 (TLC)
3. Kim and Khloe Take Miami (E!)
4. Bachelor Pad (ABC, Citytv)
5. The Real Housewives of Wherever (Slice)