Now this is interesting.  An upcoming new ABC TV show being co-produced by Tyra Banks and Ashton Kutcher called “True Beauty” turns the tired reality show cliche of “who’s hotter?” on its head in a way that we beauty docs can’t help but find intriguing.  The show was unveiled recently after six months of secrecy.  Read on:

Hosted and judged by TV personality Vanessa Minnillo, along with supermodel Cheryl Tiegs and Nolé Marin of “America’s Next Top Model,” the series will spotlight six females and four males who will live together as they undergo a series of challenges to determine who is the most beautiful. While the contestants think they are being judged solely on their outer appearance, the challenges are actually designed to test their inner beauty. At the end of eight episodes, a winner who is the most beautiful inside and out will receive a cash prize and a spot in People magazine’s 100 Most Beautiful People issue.

Perhaps the format is a little bit deceptive, but what a fascinating and challenging idea!  Details aren’t 100% clear, but it looks like the contestants will be videotaped dealing with stressful or morally challenging situations and rated not on their physical appearance, but on their character.  Participants won’t know about the actual judging criteria until they are eliminated. This suggests that the “most manipulative, scheming person wins” model that has dominated everything from “The Apprentice” to “Survivor” won’t be in play here.  Instead, losing contestants are likely to see an ugly side of themselves.

One of the reasons we find this so interesting is this: in the same way that outer beauty is different for everyone (for example, some people find tall, curvy women irresistible while others prefer small and petite) the concept of inner beauty is difficult to define.  So what qualities should the judges rate in determining who has the greatest inner beauty?  We have some suggestions:

• Kindness to others
• Coolness of temper under stress
• Honesty
• Generosity
• Willingness to listen
• Authenticity (being a real person rather than a self-created TV persona)
• Optimism
• Emotional maturity

Odds are, a man or woman with all or most of these qualities is someone that any of us would want as a friend, colleague, partner or mentor.  It will be fascinating to see if the producers of “True Beauty” can really focus on emphasizing what true beauty means, instead of focusing on “gotcha” moments that show people at their ugliest.  Aside from bringing a breath of fresh air to a withering TV genre, that would also bring to light the genuine qualities of attractiveness and magnetism that we talk about.  We’ll be tuning in…or at least running the Tivo.

Stay beautiful,

Debi & Eva