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"The Ashlee Simpson Show" was a reality series that ran for two seasons, starting in 2004. It was one more shameless self-promotion vehicle for a lesser known star trying to catapult their fame with reality show exposure. Ashlee was previously best known for her work as the character Cecilia on the show "7th Heaven" and as being the younger sister of Jessica Simpson. Ashlee's show followed on the tails of the success of Jessica's reality show, "Newlyweds", and focused on her departure from the acting world as she started a singing career.

The first season starts with Ashlee signing her first record deal and subsequent episodes show the process she goes through writing and recording songs for the album. Other aspects of her life, such as living in an apartment on her own and dealing with a break up are shown. As the season progresses, a new relationship develops between Ashlee and another new recording artist, Ryan Cabrera, whose appearance on this show elevated his career for a short time. Ashlee promotes her album by performing at small clubs and the season ends with the release of the album, which skyrockets on the charts.

Because the album and the show are a success, there is a second season, which follows Ashlee as she goes on the rollercoaster ride of fame. Shortly into the season, episodes revolve around her now-famous lip-syncing debacle on Saturday Night Live. Since her excuse for the lip-syncing was medically based, viewers become privy to doctor's visits where issues that involve losing her voice are handled. With her rise in fame, Ashlee is able to afford a house, so she moves out of her apartment; an upcoming tour requires a backup band and members are chosen; and, more goings on with her love life and general goofing around fill out the season which concludes with the beginning of her first concert tour.

Would Ashlee have gotten a record deal without the success of her sister Jessica's reality show? Maybe not. Having a record deal, would the album have been as successful without the reality show? Maybe not. There have been those wanna-be stars whose reality show endeavor did not produce the level of fame that Ashlee Simpson achieved (think Ashley Parker Angel), so talent does come into play to some degree. Still, reality shows such as "The Ashlee Simpson Show" are marketing ploys and only time will tell how if the careers of their stars can endure.

Learn more about this author, Molly Jasinsky.
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