Actual actors taking on public office is nothing new, from Ronald Regan to Arnold Schwarzenegger to, most recently, Al Franken. But now reality stars are starting to dip their toes into politics: Randal Pinkett, whom you may remember as the Season 4 winner of “The Apprentice,” is reportedly in contention to become the lieutenant governor of New Jersey. There’s no doubt that he’s well-educated and has done more than just kiss up to Donald Trump, but it still seems strange to us to have a reality contestant in an actual position of power. But if it’s the wave of the future, here are other reality TV winners that we’d actually want to see in charge of our government.

Bob Crowley, “Survivor”
Position: Secretary of Education
This quiet physics teacher from Maine was able to outwit, outplay, and outlast the competition, and looks sharp in a bowtie. He’d definitely focus on the importance of arts (and crafts) in the school system.

Uchenna and Joyce Agu, “The Amazing Race”
Position: Co-Secretaries of State
These two know how to schmooze people around the world. They respect other cultures, but aren’t above persuading airlines to bend the rules. Clearly they love to travel as they did the show twice, and can cope with the overbearing personalities of Rob and Amber.

Dan Gheesling, “Big Brother”
Position: Congressperson for Michigan
He’s been America’s Player, so he’s used to having constituents tell him what to do, and he was effective when given a task, even when it involved hugging that meathead Jessie. And he’s a conservative Catholic School teacher, which could bode well with some voters.

Yul Kwon, “Survivor”
Position: U.S. Ambassador to the Cook Islands
He has people skills and seems to be all about breaking ties and disagreements in fair ways, and he’s got the ability to win people over, so an ambassadorship would suit him well.

 

Will Kirby, “Big Brother”
Position: Surgeon General
We see smarmy Will sweet-talking the FDA into putting through some awesome plastic surgery drugs that will make Botox look blasé. And if Will did take any shady deals (which, he would) to recommend a particular medication that might actually kill you at a later date, he’d be upfront about it.

Taylor Hicks, “American Idol”
Position: Vice President
For some unimaginable reason, people really like this cheeseball, and his trademark salt-and-pepper hair lends him a bit of authority. We’re not sure what his policies would be, so second in command would be his best bet. Plus, second is a spot he should have landed in the first place.

Ali Vincent, “The Biggest Loser”
Position: Secretary of Health and Human Services
She lost an insane amount of weight and would likely make it her personal mission to stop obesity in America. Jillian Michaels would naturally be named her assistant.

If you watch “Mad Men,” then you know. If you’ve never seen it, then I’ll tell you.

 It’s the best show on television.

 I know, I know — someone else has probably already told you the same thing, and you’re wondering how some show on a basic cable movie channel about people working at an ad agency in the 1960s can really be better than network ratings behemoths like “Grey’s Anatomy” and “CSI” and “24.” Well trust me, it is. And I’m not just saying that because the show happened to win the Emmy for Outstanding Drama last year. I dare you to find anyone who’s ever watched an episode or two of “Mad Men” and just couldn’t get into it. Consider yourself warned: Once you watch, you’ll be hooked. Never seen the show? Below are a few of the reasons you should be watching. Already a huge fan? With just a month or so left before the Season 3 premiere on Aug. 16, let’s remember together why we love it so much.

 The Characters

“Mad Men” has a large — well, actually, giant — ensemble cast and yet manages to thoroughly explore every single character on the show. We viewers will think we know a character, but then they’ll do something completely unexpected or reveal some secret or piece of history about themselves, we’ll realize we had it all wrong, and suddenly a truly interesting character (Don, Betty, Peggy, Roger, Joan, you name ‘em) becomes absolutely riveting. Oh, and the amazing acting helps too.

 The Plot Twists, Turns, and Roller Coasters

Don’t worry, I’m not going to ruin the show for those of you who haven’t seen it yet (and will start watching as soon as you’re done reading this post, I’m sure) by giving away details of even one surprise, but fans can watch show creator Matthew Weiner and the “Mad Men” cast take a look back at the series’ top 10 show shockers here. The list goes way beyond 10, and while some of the wild plot twists may be a bit out there and take viewers a little while to process, there’s never a moment when we don’t absolutely believe it. And that’s the coolest part. Apparently, Season 3 will be the most shocking yet, so fans, start your countdown clocks and let’s try to find something to get our minds off this darn show until its return in mid-August.

All Those Details

“Mad Men” follows a group of advertising execs, creative types, and secretaries (and their families, significant others, lovers, and mistresses) working at a Manhattan advertising agency as the 1960s are just beginning. Of course we expect to see the appropriate wardrobe and mid-century decor from that era, but what we also get are dozens of details in every episode, illustrating the attitudes of a time that now seems light years away. You’ll see cigarettes just about everywhere — in restaurants, in the office, and in the mouths of pregnant women. A drunk driver is asked to pay a quick fine before being sent on his merry way. The only time you’ll spot a female in a pair of pants is on horseback. As for the children, they’re playing with toy guns, mixing cocktails for their elders, and getting disciplined by whatever adult happens to be nearby.

 Well that’s it. Now go become a die-hard “Mad Men” fan. Sorry, there is no other kind.