Real Housewives of New Jersey ratings

I thought 2010 was the Year of New Jersey. Then we saw this news: Last night’s Real Housewives of New Jersey premiere attracted 2.87 million viewers, making Monday the best night in Bravo’s history, according to the network. Add to that the fact that interest in Jersey Shore has only increased in its third season, and that I see posters for Jerseylicious more than I see my own face, and it’s official: I was wrong. Clearly, 2011 is the year in which we will fully embrace the Garden State (until next year) with successful series that spout more stereotypes than a third-rate stand-up comic at an open mic night. Because, if we listen to reality TV, New Jersey is a state full of loud women with big hair and beefy husbands who are suspicious waste management workers entrepreneurs. Actually, that’s true. (Hey, I live there half the year.) But! It’s also full of other wonderful things that should be highlighted on the small screen. Television, here are the New Jersey-centric series I want to see in 2011:

The Turnpike: A new A&E series chronicling the gritty, frustrating, and thankless life of a New Jersey toll booth worker. (Seriously, this would be kind of awesome, right?)

Cheesequake Cheesecakes: Who is the mover and shaker of New Jersey cake-making? Find out at New Jersey’s most appealingly named rest stop!

Climbing Ivy: A reality show chronicling the selection of one Princeton Eating Club’s new class. Will you accept this ascot?

Jersey Racketeering: The name will pull you in, but you’ll stick around once you’re won over by a charming crew of badminton players.

Cape May: An alternative to Jersey Shore. Watch as normal folk on the ritzier side of the shore go to the club (that is, the yacht club), GTL (Gin, Tennis, and Luncheons), and smush (avocados, for a perfectly pleasant summer guacamole).

The Sopranos: A group of 10 opera singers fight to win your vote to become the Best. Soprano. Ever. Journey songs banned from competition.

Your turn, PopWatchers. What Jersey-centric shows do you want to see? And did you catch Real Housewives of New Jersey last night? Of course you did.

Follow Kate on Twitter @KateWardEW

Read more:

‘The Real Housewives of New Jersey’ season premiere recap: ‘Butt Cheeks’ and a Baptism!