September's TV Guide Covers

It’s official: Americans can’t get enough of The Hills. But the question is, why do 3.5 million viewers (one of MTV’s biggest franchises ever) obsessively tune in to a reality show that follows the lives, loves and frenemyships of a group of rich, self-absorbed twentysomethings? We’d love to answer. But we can’t right now. The Hills is on!

Just days before the brilliant California sun rises over one of L.A.’s most famous reality-show homes, its resident, Lauren Conrad, insists that this time, she’s “learned not to get involved in other people’s business.” Applaud her resolve—and the way she expresses every emotion by sweeping her wispy bangs away from her widening eyes with one black manicured fingernail. But just know that the whole staying out of other people’s business thing is not going to work. Hills executive producer Adam DiVello explains why: “Since all of the characters revolve around Lauren’s world,” he says, “each of their stories affects her, especially this season.”

In fact, the first moments of The Hills Season 4 ably demonstrated that Lauren can’t avoid conflict. Her decision to double-book BFFs by moving in with high-school pal Lo Bosworth and new bud Audrina Patridge last season remains a serious problem. Turns out, Lo and Audrina still have nothing in common. And, already, Lo has avoided Audrina’s birthday party by playing upstairs with the dog while Lauren ignored all Audrina’s friends. And when Lo went to Audrina to voice the concern that they “didn’t really click,” Audrina’s response of “I don’t really care” indicated that ruffled feathers will remain so for the time being.

Expect more drama from the Lauren-Lo-Audrina triangle as the season moves forward. “Before things get better they get a lot worse,” Lauren says. “The tension gets really bad.” For example, adds Audrina, who loses her dependably sweet smile when she talks about Lo, “I’m like, why should I try to be friends with her if I can tell she doesn’t want to be friends with me?”

Lo complains that Hills fans who see her as the antagonist are off base. “I am friendly to Audrina and don’t feel like I’m getting the same in return,” she says. “In Season 4, you’re going to see a reconciliation. But you’re also going to see more of how she treated me.” Sounds icy.

The living arrangements aren’t any warmer over at chez Speidi. No sooner had controversial couple Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt moved back in together after a near-breakup than Heidi’s sister, Holly, came for a visit and
announced that she’s considering hanging around permanently. “She’s my best friend,” Heidi says. Spencer has
other words for Holly: “She is an uninvited houseguest.”

For more on The Hills, pick up the new issue of TV Guide, on sale now.

Source: tvguide.com