For years now, the WB has been one of my favorite networks for several reasons. I like a lot of its shows, and I like the people who run it.

I'm worried about the Frog right now, however. What with founder/CEO Jamie Kellner pulling back from day-to-day operations and about to retire, maybe the WB is headed in the wrong direction.

Nearly three years ago, then-Entertainment president/now-co-CEO Jordan Levin insisted his network would avoid "exploitative" reality shows and stick with ones that were "fun." In recent months, however, we've seen a second go-round of "The Surreal Life" that exploited the presence of porn star Ron Jeremy and a second go-round of "High School Reunion" that exploited a divorced couple who are the parents of two young children.

And, beginning Monday (8 p.m., Ch. 30), we get "Superstar USA," which appears mean-spirited in a way we've come to associate with NBC and Fox reality shows.

It's supposed to be a joke, but this "parody" of "American Idol" is going to make miserably untalented people believe they have a shot at a singing career. Instead of simply exploiting how bad they are — like "Idol" does with its early audition shows — these people will be lied to.

They're not in on the joke. We're supposed to laugh at them, not with them.

That seems not only exploitative but downright mean.

I used to think the WB was better than that.

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E-mail: pierce@desnews.com