There is something oh-so-satisfying about watching reality television. Could it be the constant confrontations and fighting, the personalities of those cast, the intense competitions? For those of us with this obsession, it is a mixture of these elements and together, they create shows that we just cannot stop watching.
My love for reality television started 30 seasons ago with "Survivor" (yes that show is still on), but then grew to cover shows, such as "Big Brother", "American Idol", "The Bachelor", "Are You the One?", "Dance Moms" and so many more that I would spend my entire article listing them if I continued.
If you think you're like me and you cannot get enough of these guilty pleasures, then these are some things you can relate to...
1.) When you can't find the remote and your show is starting, you have a slight panic attack.
There is nothing more terrifying than it being 7:59 p.m. and you can't find the remote when "The Bachelor" starts at 8:00. Even worse than not finding the remote, is ripping out the couch cushions and tearing your house apart when it was in front of you the entire time.
2.) When someone in your family erased a program you recorded on the DVR.
It's the ultimate sign of betrayal! Having your family member erase that one show that you have been waiting to watch. All day, you thought about who was going to get voted out of the "Big Brother" house, anxious to get home, put your feet up and watch the drama unfold.
You turn the TV on, only to find that your mom decided it was time to get rid of some programs so there would be more space and your episode was one of the casualties. "It will be on again," NO. I NEEDED TO WATCH IT NOW.
3.) Viewing parties are completely necessary, even if people judge you for them.
Nothing is better than sharing the same thoughts on the same shows as your friends! Expressing your hatred for that one girl who is flirting with every guy is so much better when you get to do it with your friends. Getting together at a friend's house and sharing in that experience is so satisfying.
4.) No episode is complete without a good snack - it makes the episode that much better.
"Hey aren't you supposed to be on a die-," "NO! Let me eat this tub of ice cream and live."
Shows are so much better with a snack. It makes the hard moments easier to watch and the happy moments that much sweeter ;)
5.) Show finales are just like celebrating holidays.
When you and your friends are all rooting for the same girl to win "America's Next Top Model", nothing can contain the excitement you express when she wins it all. Finales of reality shows are just like celebrating your favorite holidays. You might have bets over who is going to win, you might wear your favorite fan clothing items or you might even make specialty desserts like a "Survivor" tribal council cake---guilty.
6.) Watching a show you pre-recorded feels much better than sitting through commercials.
Ah, the sweet satisfaction of watching a program and knowing the results as fast as your little heart desires. Sitting through commercials when shows leave you guessing, especially for us anxious folks, is the worst!
7.) Thinking about the shows you get to watch later, can get you through a bad day.
How many times have we been working a shift that doesn't seem to go anywhere and we remember, "Dance Moms" is on tonight- YES. It is an instant reminder that better things are to come and tons of screaming mothers.
8.) You don't call days of the week by their names...instead, you call them "The Bachelor" Mondays, "The Challenge" Tuesdays...etc.
I always know Monday is when "The Bachelor" is on, Tuesday is when "Dance Moms"/"The Challenge" is on, Wednesdays is when "Are You the One?" and "Survivor" is on...etc. I love Wednesdays now because I know they are the days when "Survivor" is on.
9.) When people tell you reality television is scripted and edited, you don't want to hear it.
Statements like, "You do know reality television is edited right?" and "Wow, why is Survivor still on television?" have to be the worst. Stop ruining my show--I am not listening to you!!
If you don't already watch reality television, try it out. You can't knock it until you try it and when you become obsessed, you can thank me later.
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