“Wipeout” is one of those shows you don’t tell anyone you watch because it’s basically a show about rejects for rejects.

The best way to describe “Wipeout” is the bastard son of “Ninja Warrior” and “MXC” – both of which rock hard. “Wipeout” does not rock hard. It’s degrading.

Contestants on “Wipeout” compete against each other in different obstacle-course style events. Unlike “Ninja Warrior” or “MXC,” these events are not designed to actually be doable.

For example, the initial obstacle course has a section called “Big Balls” – snicker, chuckle – that the contestants have to “cross.” It’s almost impossible. In the fourth episode, one contestant was able to cross the Big Balls. It was the first time.

The best strategy, then, would be to get as much distance bouncing off the first big ball, so you can swim to the finish line. In other words, there are no skills to develop to compete in this show. Contestants will not be building their own Big Balls in their backyards to train for “Wipeout,” a la “Ninja Warrior.”

Also in the initial obstacle course is a section called “Sucker Punch.” The contestants walk on a ledge next to a wall that has boxing-gloved pistons that shoot out and knock the contestants into a mud pit. Once again, it is impossible. The best strategy is to get hit early and get out of the mud and on to the next obstacle.

Unlike “MXC” or “Ninja Warrior,” elimination is not by not completing the course. It’s by time or last-man-standing.

Fighting an undefeatable foe has it charms, but these events are purely for embarrassment. If you laugh when someone gets hurt, “Wipeout” is for you. If an emergency room full of accident victims causes you to chuckle, check into getting the DVD box set.

The real embarrassment is the contestants themselves. Sure, it’s the first season, so no one really knows what to expect to do on the show, but let’s get real – they can’t walk down the ramp to the first obstacle.

Commentators John Anderson (ESPN) and John Henson (“Talk Soup”) remind us that walking down to the first obstacle is not an obstacle, but the contestants are so out of shape, fat or dumb that they can’t manage that simple task. Of course, the bigger and dumber they are, the more we get to see of their shame.

Those who go on are typically the ones who are younger, slimmer and better looking – but still dumber than a drawer full of doorknobs.

At least with the Japanese versions of these types of game shows there is some honor and dignity given to those who do well. The U.S. version? Nope.

To sum up, “Wipeout” is about laughing at stupid Americans doing stupid stunts – and Americans love it. “Wipeout” pulls down between a 10 and an 11 share. That puts it in the top 10 each week with more than 10 million viewers.

After so many seasons of “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” why are we still laughing at others in pain? If “Wipeout” adds an event called “Ball Cruncher,” it may take down “CSI.”

Laughing at people in embarrassing situations comes from the uneasiness you feel watching the inflicted person. It’s not funny, it’s uncomfortable, and so we laugh.

ABC is sure to continue with “Wipeout,” and they may add similar shows. If they can make watching skaters face plant  over and over – and in slow motion – into a game show, they may have another hit on their hands.