Sometimes train wrecks get salvaged.

Take Denise Richards: It’s Complicated, E!’s lame reality show starring, well, you-know-who. Although the show was about as interesting as a tie rack, E! renewed it for a second season. In the summer, however, rumors had E! dumping the show due to low ratings. The network denied the rumors for what are now obvious reasons.

I only caught a few episodes, but that was enough. Watching Denise curse (zzz!), talk about her sex life (zzzzzzz!!) and play with her dogs (zzzzzzzzzzzzz!!!) wasn’t my idea of must-see entertainment. But E!, and the 1.8 million viewers who watched the show, obviously disagreed. Here’s the release the network emailed to TV writers…

E! ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION ANNOUNCES SECOND SEASON OF “DENISE RICHARDS”

Premiere Episodes of “Denise Richards: It’s Complicated” Averaged Nearly 1.1 Million Viewers

Los Angeles, October 29, 2008 ˆ E! Entertainment Television announces a second season pick-up for its popular half-hour reality series “Denise Richards.” Production for the new season will begin early 2009, which is poised to be a year of changes for Denise, including new career opportunities, reconnecting with old friends and a move on the horizon. The series follows the daily life of the actress as she juggles career, motherhood and romance while living in the glare of the Hollywood spotlight. Produced by Ryan Seacrest Productions, “Denise Richards” offers an intimate look inside the world of one of today’s most talked about celebrities.

The series debut of “Denise Richards: It’s Complicated” in May 2008 ranks as the 3rd highest-rated premiere in E!’s history and reached over 1.8 million total viewers. The series more than doubled the network’s primetime delivery among total viewers, averaging nearly 1.1 million viewers in its premieres, and scored its highest ratings among the coveted Women 18-34 demo, nearly tripling E!’s primetime average.

“When Denise let viewers into her home last season, they got to know the real Denise and judge for themselves,” said Lisa Berger, Original Programming and Series Development, E! Entertainment Television. “We all know that Denise is full of surprises and, from what we are already hearing, there is much more to come. Ryan Seacrest Productions is a fantastic partner for us and we look forward to the new season.”

“We are thrilled about the renewal of the show and are geared up for an exciting second season with our continued partners at E! Entertainment,” said Ryan Seacrest, Executive Producer.

In the new season, viewers will follow Denise as she attempts to get back into killer shape for movies, pilots and other career opportunities with the help of a new trainer. Denise’s dad Irv, sister Michelle and friends will continue to be by her side and support her through all the ups and downs as she navigates life, love and family.