The Most Watched Reality TV Series Follow a Winning Formula

In the reality TV universe, there are dozens of series that depend on established themes to draw an audience. Here are 7 examples:

Dirty Laundry (celebrating the misfortunes of others)

Clean House, Intervention, Hoarders, Celebrity Rehab, Sober House, Teen Mom, Celebrity Fit Club, Cheaters, Wife Swap, Obsessed, OCD Project, Bridezillas, Real Housewives of (everywhere), You're Cut Off, Kitchen Nightmares

There was a time when "airing your dirty laundry" was considered a shameful act, to be avoided at all costs. Judging by the popularity of shows like Hoarders, (A&E) viewers can't turn away from other people's dirty laundry.

Taking Advantage (desperate people in difficult circumstances as story fodder)

Pawn Stars, Hardcore Pawn, Storage Wars, Speeders, Parking Wars, Jail, Cheaters, The First 48, Crime 360, American Pickers, Forbidden Storage

Shows like Hardcore Pawn (Tru TV) celebrate successful business men and women who are raking in the dough during the recession. No doubt viewers tune in because they can identify with customers in need of cash who are forced to sell their items for pennies on the dollar.

People in Glass Houses (forced intimacy with strangers while under constant surveillance)

Bad Girls, Charm School, Real World, Road Rules, You're Cut Off, Top Model, Flavor of Love/Rock of Love,

The most popular series introduce new cast members each season, but stay true to "type." The Real World (MTV) debuted in 1992. Still in production in 2011, the show has spawned a multitude of imitators and spin-offs.

Me Myself and I (deeply personal accounts of harrowing ordeals, with or without reenactment)

I Shouldn't be Alive, I (Almost) Got Away, Monsters inside Me, My dog ate what?, My ghost story, My Shocking Story, My Strange Addiction, The Haunted, Mystery Diagnosis

True Confessions have always drawn an audience. Series like "I (Almost) Got Away With It (Investigation Discovery) gives viewers a peek inside the minds of criminals. These first hand accounts are usually embellished with dramatic reenactments and a musical score.

Rescue TV (solving complex problems 30 minutes at a time)

"Nanny 911, Super Nanny, Dog Whisperer, Tabatha's salon takeover, Over Your Head, It's Me or the Dog

These series follow a predictable story line as part of their winning formula. Super Nanny (ABC) offers her wisdom and experience to help families in crisis. At first, there's resistance and anger from the "guilty" parents. By the end of the episode, the parents "see the light" and express their gratitude in a teary farewell.

Odd Jobs (public job interviews that with harsh criticism a major ingredient)

The Apprentice, "The Next (fill in the blank)," All of the "chef" shows, Project Runway, Dirty Jobs, Hell's Kitchen, American Idol

The sheer number of shows that include "the next" in their title is a good indication that audiences enjoy watching contestants jump through hoops, receive harsh criticism and get voted off the show.

Transformations (changing the "outside" will solve any problem)

Extreme Makeover, Bridalplasty, Biggest Loser, True Life, Made, Undercover Boss, What Not to Wear

Watching a "before" become an "after" is always compelling and entertaining TV, and Bridalplasty (E!) takes that formula to extremes. Brides-to-be compete in challenges (and fight amongst themselves) to win cosmetic surgery, one procedure at time.