I remember the early promos for Jersey Shore highlighting the cast and their excessive amount of hair products. The press made fun of their accents, hair styles, and fist-pumping ways. When the show went to air, people scoffed at their excessive drinking, inappropriate behavior, and lack of sexual discretion, especially on the part of the male cast members. Some thought the show would be a gigantic bust. It was much too ridiculous after all. But it was like a fiery train wreck. We couldn't look away. Saturday Night Live welcomed "Snooki" to Weekend Update with Seth Meyers. You know you've hit it big when SNL uses you for material. All of a sudden, members of the Jersey Shore cast were making over $100,000 an episode. I don't know if that makes things more or less ridiculous. Regardless, the show was a hit. All that partying paid. As the new Bravo show Southern Charm comes to air at 10:00 p.m. tonight in Charleston, the city it uses as its backdrop, I can't help but wonder if it is simply a gussied up version of Jersey Shore, with the bottom line being a buck.

DETAILS

Dates: April 9th-13th, 2014

Location: Venues include the Sottile Theatre (44 George Street, Chaleston, 29401), Charleston Music Hall (37 John Street, Charleston 29403), and Memminger Auditorium (56 Beaufain Street, Charleston 29401)

Cost: Ticket prices and packages vary.