Confessions of a Reality TV Junkie

Hi, my name is Hooked and I am a junkie. I can't go a day without turning my TV on and surfing the channels until I find a mildly amusing reality TV show that screams at me to watch it. From bridal shows to shows where everyone breaks a bone all the time, I am hooked.

15-20 years ago we were all into sitcoms. We would rush home after work or school, eat our dinner, and plop down on the sofa just so we can catch the new season of shows such as Family Ties, Murphy Brown, Saved by the Bell or any one of those other fabulous shows from back then. Sitcoms were as staple to the American peoples diet as was McDonald's. We simply could not get enough.

In the late 80's we seemed to come on an era when TV producers where beginning to try and reach out to a broader group of people, to give the viewing public something different. Something to sink our teeth into that would leave us wanting more. So came the birth of a new type of television. In 1989 a new show aired by the name of COPS. It basically followed countrywide police departments on everyday activities and showed the ups and downs of being a police officer. We got to see suspects maced, thieves running, carjackers and drug addicts. We got to see fights and traveled by TV to areas we have never been. It was an exhilarating ride that we wanted more of. If COPS came to your town, everyone crowded around them and wanted to get in the picture. It was a big deal that normal everyday people were being able to be shown on TV.

Within the next 15 years, we saw shows following the same path as COPS. From police shows to home repair shows, everyone wanted a piece of reality TV. Everyone wanted to be the next "Star". Appearing in any one of these reality shows for any length of time has catapulted that person's career to unimaginable heights. For instance, American Idol is watched by more people than those who watch the President during the State of the Union Address. It is one of the highest grossing reality shows in history and the winners of the show have become overnight celebrities, popping out album after album. Even the losers are winners, being offered singing, acting, and modeling career. Being in the top 10 finalists means your future is set. Just look at Sanjay or Clay Aiken.

Today we have channels specifically designed for reality TV. My favorite, the Food Network, is on 24 hours a day totally dedicated to cooking. They had their own show created to try and find the next Food Network Star- who won a TV show of their own on the network. That is the newest phase. You can tell what shows are in this type of Reality Genre. It usually starts off with a title of " Americas Next..." Fill in the blanks after that. Tyra Banks brought us Next Top Model, Alton Brown is trying to find the Next Iron Chef and David Hasslehoff just wants to show us that "America's Got Talent".

No matter what you need, or what stage you are in your life, there is a reality show made just for you. If a loved one was killed and the case was never solved, the Psychic Detectives can come to your rescue. They try and unravel the mysteries and help the police solve crimes. If you are getting married- I am sure that the WE channel can give you ideas to help make that day go smoothly. If you are having a baby or want to learn about them- TLC would be your best bet.

Thank you goes to VH1 for showing us that even if you are old, ugly and a short rapper from decades ago you too can hit it off with women that are really out of your leagues. Thank you to MTV for showing us on Jackass that when boys act like boys, they can become rich and no, if you get kicked in the stomach by a horse you wont die. Thank you to TLC for showing us how feeding our children fast food and candy all day long, every day, will lead them to looking like an overweight fat person with thinning hair and moles. The last thank you goes to the Grand daddy of them all, the founder of reality TV (and longest running show ever), COPS. Without you, we would be nothing!

No matter how you cut it, hate it or love it, Reality TV is here to stay. So sit back, put your feet up and lets see who makes it to the final round of Beauty and the Geek!