Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List, Season 1

A snide and sweet look at the underbelly of fame and fortune, Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List is a reality show featuring a pseudo-celeb whose star just doesn't shine quite as brightly as those A, B, or C-listers. Comedienne Griffin's observations of the perils and pitfalls of sorta-fame—like constantly being mistaken for Kathie Lee Gifford, or worse, not being recognized at all—are at the heart of this hilarious puncturing of celebrity lifestyles and public obsession, which follows Griffin in her day-to-day personal life (with then-husband, parents, and assistant) and professional scrambling up the ladder of success. Griffin is a smart gal who lives in a twilight zone between fame and obscurity, both drawn to the flame and repulsed by it. All six episodes from the 2005 debut season on Bravo are compiled here, and they are a trashy joy to behold (and should attract even more interest in the wake of Emmy winner Griffin's recent controversial remarks about Jesus at the Emmy awards ceremony). DVD extras include Griffin's HBO standup special Kathy Griffin Is...Not Nicole Kidman. Recommended. (M. Johanson)