A&E picks up MC Hammer show

Just legit enough for reality TV.

The whole "where are they now" question is solid gold for reality programs, with rocker Bret Michaels, actor Scott Baio, and the two Coreys (Haim, Feldman) all being subjects of such fare. The latest former star to get another shot at fame through reality television is Grammy-Award winner and puffy-pants wearer MC Hammer.

A&E; has picked up a reality show starring Hammer (the "MC" was dropped a ways back) titled Hammertime--after his trademark "Stop! Hammetime!" phrase from the number-one smash "U Can't Touch This"--according to The Hollywood Reporter. The show comes from executive producer J.D. Roth (Opportunity Knocks) and is set for 11 half-hour segments.

But rather than dwell on Hammer's rollercoaster past, which included him squandering his riches on free-loading family and friends, the project will focus on his family and future.

"Here's a dad with five kids, married to the same woman for more than 23 years, living in the same place where he grew up and going to church every Sunday," Roth told The Hollywood Reporter. "He's had his ups and downs, and it's what makes him such a character you root for." Roth also compares the show to an unscripted The Cosby Show.

Hammer, real name Stanley Burrell, has been involved in reality television before; in 2003, he was one of several celebrities on The Surreal Life.