Why is Camping so Popular on Reality Shows?

Have you ever noticed that on reality shows, particularly those featuring families and/or couples-the stars somehow end up on camping trips? These trips are typically designed to entertain the masses, as the campers usually are ill equipped for "roughing it." Interestingly, you never really find out exactly where these outdoor shenanigans take place. Shove a few trees into the background; add a tent, and Voila-instant camping. But in spite of all the comedic hijinks and natural snafus, there appear to be some common threads running throughout these reality TV experiences. Are TV producers attempting to teach the world something about humans' relationship with nature, or are they simply running out of ideas?

The Fear Factor

It would appear that fear makes this type of adventure quite popular with TV audiences. Very few of us have actually ventured out into the wilderness, relying only upon our wits (and nature) to survive. The mere thought of foxes, bears, snakes, and other critters make us cringe. We love the idea that wild animals could possibly make an appearance. We've seen the movies and heard the horror stories. That reality show producers would send their stars into the outdoors as a way to boost ratings shouldn't be too surprising. Granted, we usually never get a glimpse of anything more harmful than a swarm of mosquitoes. But that too is to be expected.

Plot Device

The people over in TV land also seem to have figured out that camping is a great plot device for reality shows. Take for instance Episode 10 of BET's "The Family Crews." Patriarch Terry Crews decided that a camping trip was the best way to break some not so easy news: he'd accepted an acting opportunity that required him to relocate to Connecticut. As usual, there are the prerequisite grumbles from family members who don't necessarily enjoy the great outdoors. Did this little camping trip solve any ultimate woes? Not really. They family ended up ordering pizza . Yes, apparently pizza can be delivered to the wilderness. Nonetheless, we've had a great time watching Terry and the gang attempt to assemble tents and catch fish.

The Cole family, stars of TLC's "One Big Happy Family" also used camping as a way to reach a particular goal. In their case, the entire family went on a quest not only to bond, but also to jumpstart an active lifestyle and lose weight. The result of their expedition was that in addition to spending quality family time together, they also proved to themselves that they could adapt to a more physical daily regimen.

Bonding Time

Clearly the infamous Reality TV Camping Trip is a vehicle to promote emotional bonding. Perhaps producers feel that people can only connect personally if they are miles away from home in the middle of a forest. On VH1's "Brandy & Ray J: Family Business", Brandy's mom Sonja decides that the best way to connect with her daughter (from a maternal perspective) is to whisk the R&B singer away into the woods where they can be "alone" to talk about their problems. Apparently it works; Brandy unleashed a stream of happy waterworks as the walls of tension came tumbling down. The tears are indeed real, and this is perhaps one of the most tender moments of the show. Yes, the ladies have apparently achieved a breakthrough. But the question remains: would progress have been made if they'd checked into the Four Seasons as opposed to a flimsy tent in the wilderness?

SOURCES:

www.vh1.com
www.mtv.com
www.realitytvworld.com
www.BET.com