what reality show sucks you in
Start writing a post
Arts Entertainment

Reality TV: It sucks me in

Why is Reality TV so popular?

39
Reality TV: It sucks me in
https://pixabay.com/en/elephant-creative-television-964898/

I will admit that I like Reality TV. There aren't many that I have seen all the episodes too but Jersey Shore, Teen Mom, is my secret addictions. I have watched American Idol, The Voice, The Osbournes, The Kardashians and many others. But, I soon get bored, or the reality is too ridiculous to watch anymore. I have many friends that watch Survivor, Big Brother, The Bachelor, and Bachelorette, but I never really was interested in those shows.

It's interesting how "reality' tv has become the accident that no one should be watching, but they can't stop staring. Marriages that started out as a united front such as The Hogans (Hulk Hogan), The Kardashians (Bruce and Kris Jenner) and The Newlyweds (Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey) are just a few of the families that have changed since their reality shows premiered. The Hogans are divorced, The Jenners are divorced and so is the Lacheys.

Reality TV was born on Jan. 11, 1973, when PBS launched the series "An American Family." There were three camera crews that moved into the Santa Barbara house of Bill and Pat Loud and their five children. Documentary producer Craig Gilbert "set out to capture the lives of a fairly typical middle-America household but instead recorded the drama of a family in the process of coming apart." The couple's 21-year marriage ended, Bill Loud suffered a business crisis and eldest son Lance, 20, came out to his parents at a time when homosexuality went unspoken, especially in primetime. The 12 one-hour weekly episodes drew an impressive 10 million viewers.

The fact that the term reality is used to describe these shows make it more appealing. The people become more real, and their situations more identifiable viewers feel like they are friends with these people and are invested in their lives. They become our friends, and we struggle with them and celebrate their successes. It's easier to connect with a friend on TV then a friend that is physically there. The viewers enjoy living vicariously through their experiences; it saves the viewer from risking their heart or their reputation. They experience the real adventures from their own homes.

There are currently over 300 reality television shows, 65% of Americans indicated that they would appear on a least one of the reality TVs many genres. Dating shows such as The Bachelor 58% of people believe that it's mostly scripted. Other shows like Keeping Up with the Kardashians, and supernatural shows, such as Syfy's Ghost Hunters are also believed to be scripted. People were least likely to think competition (31%), cooking (31%), and hidden camera shows (26%) were scripted.

It's interesting how many reality shows that is on television; I don't believe anyone can say they have never seen one. There is a reality show for everyone, whether its swapping houses, swapping wives, dating, marrying at first site or hundreds of others. Everyone should be able to find a reality show that fits their personality, it's okay to enjoy them, but like everything, it should be watched in moderation.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

53252
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

34214
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956802
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181562
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments