Can an LI guy ride a bucking bull? Can a white rapper? A black NFLer? We can all find out in CMT’s just-debuted reality roundup “Ty Murray’s Celebrity Bull Riding Challenge” (new episodes Fridays at 9 p.m. on CMT).
Stephen Baldwin of the Massapequa acting brothers [at right in CMT photo] is among the nine who started the live-in gig last week, though by the end of that hour, wimpy ’70s teenybopper Leif Garrett had already pulled the covers over his head and refused to get out of bed. In the premiere’s final moments, Baldwin went down for the count himself -- but in action -- being thrown from a bull’s back with devastating results.
That episode repeats today at 2, 6 and 10 p.m., prepping us for the series’ second hour at 9 and 11 p.m. (Catch a repeat double-feature on CMT Saturday 3-5 p.m., 8-10 p.m., midnight-2 a.m.; also Sunday 8-10 p.m. and 11 p.m.-1 a.m.)
Vanilla Ice and Raghib “Rocket” Ismail are among the other celebs learning the ropes, literally, from seven-time all-around bullriding champ Ty Murray (you know, Jewel’s boyfriend), Professional Bull Riders hotshot Justin McBride, and former rider turned PBR judge Cody Lambert. Also aiming for eight seconds: reality dude Jonny Fairplay, actor Francesco Quinn, gladiator “Nitro” Dan Clark, motocrosser Kenny Bartram, and UFC fighter Josh Haynes.
Tough guys all. But the bulls look tougher. We’re betting Baldwin sees the hospital this week.