Reality TV Really is Killing Real TV

"Hate" is such a strong word. I don't toss it around lightly.

But I HATE so-called reality TV.

Hate it.

Hate that I even know who Snooki is. Hate that Americans are so enamored with voting to determine others' fate. Hate that network TV is so overloaded with "reality" shows that good television - with quality production, acting and writing - is the exception and not the rule.

And I hate that it's even called "reality" TV in the first place.

Most of the shows that fall under that category these days - and the website RealityTVWorld.com lists more than 500 that have aired - are merely contests with virtually no "reality" whatsoever. Singing contests, dancing contests, cooking contests, house-designing contests, sports contests, talent contests, modeling contests, weight-loss contests. And on. And on. And on...

So it would seem "contest shows" would be a much better description, but assuming the term "reality TV" is here to stay, can we at least agree that few people are really real when the camera's on?

I get it, to a point. Everyone loves competition, and when competition takes on the form of some type of entertainment you enjoy - singing, dancing, cooking, etc. - it becomes meaningful to you. And when snippet-style interviews in between the competition make you feel like you actually know the competitors (you don't), it becomes even more meaningful.

The sad thing is, America's obsession with reality TV is making things way too easy on network executives. How much thought, planning and talent is really necessary to sign a few celebrity judges to a contract, hold open auditions followed by contests that lead to the gradual ouster of competitors until one is left standing, all the while filming the whole thing?

We're making the networks billions of dollars by tuning in to this oversimplified, cookie-cutter contest format, and on top of that, in the case of shows like "American Idol," we're making 'em even more money by then going out and buying CDs and paying for concert tickets.

America tunes in in rabid fashion. America creates a product by voting. America buys said product.

Network executives kick back and rake in the cash.

It's a get-richer-now scheme for the major corporations that own TV networks, and it's sad that it's working so well.

Because among the casualties of this model's success are real TV shows, you know, the ones with quality production, acting and writing. The timeframe for turning in profits is shorter than America's collective attention span, so unless the financial backing is Trump-esque - and sometimes even when it is - shows better captivate audiences quickly, produce major ratings and draw boat-loads of advertising dollars or they won't even finish out a single season.

Some of the best shows in recent memory have fallen victim to this reality - "Terriers," "Freaks and Geeks" and Arrested Development" among them.

I realize that reality TV isn't going anywhere. People love to go "Dancing With the Stars," to find out who really does have "America's Best Dance Crew," to cheer and boo contestants on "The Amazing Race," to help crown the next "American Idol."

I don't like being inundated with all these contest shows, but I'll live with it.

Even though what it really means is a sad reality for real television.

Source:
All Reality TV Shows, Reality TV World