Spike TV and Nickelodeon aren't exactly lifting our spirits these days

For those who like their leisure-time TV light and frothy, I wouldn't suggest the following programs: Spike TV's Surviving Disaster and an episode of Nickelodeon's Nick News called "Stressed Out! The Economic Crisis and You." The former will use "realistic simulations" of airplane hijackings, bio-chemical attacks, mall shootings and home-invasion robberies. (See, viewer, it's like you're really there!) The latter will feature adorable children like David, age 12, who feels terrible for his folks because their house is going into foreclosure. "We're losing our home, and there's nothing I can do about it," says the tween. What is this, Trauma TV? Shows like this send me diving under the covers, though maybe some tips from a Navy Seal named Cade Courtley could toughen me up a bit. Not sure I can get past the "catastrophic scenarios" in every episode of Surviving Disaster, premiering Sept. 1, but the guys who watch Spike dig this kind of thing. Here's how Courtley promotes the new show: "You can be a survivor or a statistic." Can't we just go for a round of paintball? And I certainly can't be expected to listen to economic tales of woe from newly homeless kids without coming unglued. In fairness, "Stressed Out!" comes with award-winning pedigree in host Linda Ellerbee, who has a track record of deft treatment of sensitive subjects. It airs Sept. 6. Both shows promise to have uplifting moments (you lived through hell, but you lived!), but it's a slog to get there. Bring on the Housewives!

—Posted by T.L. Stanley