REALITY TV

Brad Pitt, Anne Hathaway: Pajamafied!

VH1 Greenlights New Kutcher Show "Pajamafied!"

LOS ANGELES (CAP) - This fall Ashton Kutcher will return to the small screen as he takes on hosting duties for VH1's newest reality TV offering, Pajamafied!. The show features Kutcher and a revolving group of accomplices convincing unwitting celebrities to don pajamas and make embarassing appearances in public.

"You are so pajamafied!" Kutcher hoots at Brad Pitt during the taping of the series premiere, which finds Pitt standing on the corner of Hollywood Blvd. and Vine St. in a red sleeper, hailing a cab. "Dude, you got feeties!"

Other celebrities featured in the first few episodes include Star Trek's Chris Pine, Lost's Evangeline Lilly, and Kanye West. Kutcher attempted to pajamafy Kiefer Sutherland but only received a headbutt for his efforts, all the while listening to the 24 star yell in a drunken slur that "we don't have time!"

"The safety of Ashton, the crew, and even the celebrities is tantamount to the success of the show," said executive producer Steven Bochco. "As such, we're using only flame retardent pajamas that are preferably snug-fitting, and we do have medical staff on the set in case anything goes wrong."

Bochco confirmed rumors that Ellen DeGeneres has taken to wearing pajamas all the time so she can never be pajamafied, but said he'd also heard that she was dressing in sweats and lounge pants. "And while that may be comfy sleepwear, that doesn't count," said Bochco. "We'll get her, don't you worry. We'll get her."

Although the first episode has yet to air, critics are already panning the show as a poor man's version of Punk'd, the Candid Camera-like practical joke show that Kutcher hosted on MTV from 2003-07. They point to the fact that Pajamafied! is airing on MTV's wimpier sister station alongside such stellar programming as Charm School, Daisy Of Love and I Love Money.

"Let's face it, Kutcher isn't as edgy as he used to be," said CAP News TV critic Marc Price. "I mean, delivering snack cakes to a crowd of people standing outside Ted Turner's restaurant? Oh, that's crazy. That certainly takes some kahones.

"I guess being married to the geriatric Demi Moore will do that to a guy," Price lamented.

However, Bochco downplays the critics' concerns, saying that this new show is a logical progression for Kutcher's career.

"Sure, he's got 20 movies coming out in the next two years, but bulk does not denote success," said Bochco. "Pajamas denote success - just ask Hugh Hefner."

Pajamafied! is slated to air on Monday evenings following episodes of Real Chance Of Love, which will likely make it seem like Emmy material in comparison.