Reality Television Review

Many people may argue that Reality TV is completely and utterly fake.  I disagree.  While I do agree that shows are somewhat "scripted" and that the people on the show are often coaxed into doing things, I believe in the end the people are ultimately REAL like you and I.

There are many reality shows out there, many which I watch, many which I don't, but overall I do enjoy the genre a lot.  Some shows have failed miserably, but that's because not every reality show has an audience.

Different Types of Reality
Reality shows can be split into 3 categories:

1. Real Life - cameras follow people around their supposed real lives.
Example: The Hills, Hulk Hogans show, The Osbornes, etc

These shows are based on these people's real life... but is it real?  I say WHO CARES!  Sure everyone puts on a show when they are on TV.  Sure the producers edit the shows down to a particular storyline, cutting out all the regular "real life" things these characters do.  Regardless, who cares if it is edited, who cares if it is planned, it's entertaining so I enjoy it.

2. UnReal Life - people are put in an abnormal situation with cameras
Example: The Bachelor/Bachelorette, The Surreal Life

These shows are real people, once again, but the situation is so UNREAL and so planned that you can't help but notice.  On the bachelorette, every date seems so PERFECT, but that is not realistic.  However the reactions of the people is realistic for the most part, although once again the producers edit everything to increase the drama.

3. Contests - cameras follow people as they compete for something
Example: So You Think You Can Dance, Hell's Kitchen, Survivor, the list goes on

These shows take real people and give them the opportunity of a lifetime, to win money or status in some way.  I think these are the MOST real Reality Shows because the focus is not on the drama as much as it is on the talent of the individuals.  Sure, once again, the producers edit it for drama and suspense, but overall I believe the reactions of people on these shows are real.

In the End
Many people try to lump all reality into one and say it's horrible.  If you ask me, that's like saying Sitcoms are horrible because you didn't care for Friends!  Reality TV spans many ideas.  Every channel has something reality on it now. If you're into cooking, you'll find multiple cooking contests.  If you are into dancing, you'll find many of those contests as well.  If you like dangerous jobs, you'll see a few of those shows too!  If you are just enjoying watching people in real or unreal situations, you'll find a show out there you like, I guarantee it.

I find it very easy to get into a reality show because you don't feel like you have to watch the previous 10 seasons to enjoy the 11th.  I stopped watching Lost b/c I missed a few episodes and was confused.  Same with Prison Break.  But with Reality TV you can miss a few episodes, or even a few seasons, and still quickly catch on.  Every show has characters you will cheer for an characters you will LOVE to HATE!  That is part of the fun that normal scripted shows can't give you.

Don't knock down all of reality just because you saw one show you didn't like.  If you look for something in your interests, or on your favorite channel, you're sure to find at least 1 reality show you get hooked on.  The best part of reality is that you get to see the behind the scenes of various things, various types of jobs, various types of lifestyles.  Nothing on TV is 100% real.  But then again, even my wedding video was edited!  So don't have a hissy because it's not "real", just sit back and watch.  Enjoy!!