The Waterkooler

Reality TV shows are gaining popularity in Iraq, spreading material prosperity to the needy and giving Iraqis some escape from their war-torn world.

The Sharqiya network is leading the way with shows that rebuild bombed houses and deliver money to poor elderly people, the Times of London reports.

The popular show "Best Wishes" provides couples with lavish weddings -- complete with white stretch limousine on streets where tanks and car bombs are more familiar sights.

"We see the happiness on the faces of the people whose houses we have rebuilt and those still waiting because of the American destruction during the war," says Sharqiya senior producer Majid al-Samarrai.