Reality television has drastically changed the landscape of television programming over the last half decade. What began with the success of shows such as MTV’s “The Real World,” Fox’s “American Idol,” ABC’s “The Bachelor” and CBS’s “Survivor” has now turned into a full-blown epidemic of reality programming. This winter’s broadcast basic cable lineup features nearly 20 reality programs, seven of which are first-year shows.
Surprisingly, reality television originated more than 50 years ago. “Candid Camera” was originally aired in 1947. The point of the show was to put people in puzzling and often humorous situations and watch their reactions. The second reality television show, “Wanted,” premiered in 1955. The show discussed criminals and their crimes while also featuring interviews with family members and public officials. Although the show only ran for one year, it likely inspired the hit show “America’s Most Wanted,” which premiered in 1988.
In 1973, PBS ran “An American Family,” a troubling but interesting documentary series that followed the Loud family for seven months and took about 300 hours of footage. Ten million viewers tuned in to watch the separation of Bill and Pat Loud and the coming out of their son Lance. The show aired for a year but it eventually inspired MTV’s “Real World,” which premiered in 1991 and is still running today.
Since 2000, new reality shows have been introduced every year by nearly every major network. Some flop after just a few weeks and some catapult to the top of the ratings charts.
Freshman Jesse McLaughlin contemplated the difference between the shows that flop and the ones that become popular.
“I think it has to do with a lot of things,” McLaughlin said. “In most cases, qualities that make a good sitcom or drama make a good reality show.”
Junior Justin Kamerer shared what he finds appealing in reality shows.
“What draws me to reality shows is the drama between the characters,” Kamerer said. “For some reason, I suddenly find myself interested in the conflict of the people on the show even though I might hate the concept of show.”
Freshman Allen Hardin shares Kamerer’s interest in reality shows.
“Reality television is so appealing because it, in many cases, features normal people reacting in real life situations,” he said.
Al Stavitsky, professor and associate dean of the School of Journalism at the University, thinks reality television is on its way out.
“I think reality has already peaked as a television genre, especially on the broadcast networks (as opposed to cable). But it’s cheaper to produce than scripted programs, so reality shows will remain on television. However, the networks have found that reality shows don’t have as much long-term value because they are not generally rerun friendly.”
Winter’s reality lineup is mostly made up of shows that have had success in past years, but a few new reality shows will grace the screen. MTV will air its usual fleet, with “Real World Key West,” the 17th installment of the program, leading the way. MTV will introduce “There and Back: Ashley Angel Parker,” a show that follows the former O-Town member as he attempts to re-create himself musically and climb back into the national music scene. Many of reality television’s heavyweights will begin new seasons this winter, including “Fear Factor,” “The Bachelor,” “American Idol” and “America’s Next Top Model.” Spring’s lineup of reality shows will be led by “Survivor Panama: Exile Island,” “The Apprentice” and the return of 2005’s surprise hit, “The Contender.”