My two daughters love a reality TV show called “Flip or Flop” on the HGTV network. Tarek and Christina buy homes in poor condition, remodel them, and sell them for a profit.

Every episode is another house they bought that they are trying to renovate. Every episode is full of drama. The cabinets they ordered for the kitchen are white and not brown. The contractor installing the chandelier notices that the wiring is old. The house won’t pass inspection unless they spend $10,000 to rewire the whole house. You can see the angst on their faces as the remodeling bill climbs each day with yet another surprise. But in the end, they always seem to make money when they sell the house. All is well that ends well.

I think philately would benefit from having its own reality show. I could be the main character of the show.

The camera follows me around as I review and appraise collections.

Picture this: I buy a collection and that US #1 looks like a mint copy with disturbed gum. I offer $3000 for it. I send it in for a certificate of authenticity. (Commercial break). The episode resumes with the camera zoomed in on two old farts huddled over my stamp sitting under a microscope. “That looks like a removed cancel to me. What do you think Frank?” “Yes Jim, you’re right. The pen cancel was removed and someone added gum to make it look mint. Are you going to write up the bad news this time or me?” (Another pesky commercial break). The episode resumes with the mailman putting the envelope in my mailbox. I fly to the mailbox and see the letter from the agency. I’m excited (rapid heartbeat sounds in the background for effect). I rip the letter open. There it is: my #1 with a certificate. I crumple to the ground in agony. What have I done? I bought it for $3000 to find it’s now worth $250! Oh the devastation!

The number of episodes is boundless. There are regummed stamps. Something was reperforated. We need a few Sperati or de Thuin forgeries in the mix. How about an episode with a seller and his “Golden Replicas” collection where he insists he has $10,000 in gold in those First Day Covers. The possibilities are endless!

If you would like to be a producer and you can convince a network TV channel to carry this “Genuine or Fake” TV show, count me in!