From Karen O – Mr. Pop – “Survivor” was the first of the successful run of Reality TV shows – is this true? In all the research I’ve seen – including Wiki – they say yes. Can you confirm this?

Mr. Pop History – Technically – no. “Survivor,” when first pitched to CBS, was pitched on the basis of the “suddenly” hot game show genre. That’s right – “Survivor” is a game show before it’s a reality show – and that’s what gets lost. All the others which followed? – They’re game shows in a reality setting.

You can thank “Who Wants To Me A Millionaire” because that trend won producers over. I don’t think it ever would have happened without Regis Philbin and crew!

From Carl A – Bob Dylan appeared on a TV sitcom? When and where? Thank you.

Mr. Pop History – Bob Dylan appeared in a 1999 episode of “Dharma & Greg.” In the episode, Dharma tries out as a drummer for his band. It was an unbilled cameo. Dylan wanted no advanced publicity.

From Carter S – Mr. Pop – Did all the members of the famed “Seinfeld” cast have good relationships?

Mr. Pop History – Maybe not as well as your lead to believe. Back in May of 1994 – I thought this was interesting: Seinfeld’s Jason Alexander passed on his co-star – Julia Louis-Dreyfus when picking the cast for his film-directing debut. Although she auditioned, Ms. Dreyfus turned-down cold for the comedy “Stranger Things.” Instead, he chose Lolita Davidovich. I gotta believe that bothered Dreyfus.