The Effect of Reality Television Shows

History

From the days of "Candid Camera" in the 1950s, television producers saw the potential in telling stories with real people. "Cops" has taken viewers on police ride-alongs since 1989. On MTV, "The Real World" began throwing strangers together as roommates in 1992. In 2000, the island castaway competition "Survivor" premiered and was an instant success. Two years later, reality sensation "American Idol" premiered, quickly becoming a ratings phenomenon. In the years since, reality TV has established itself as a programming presence while cultivating several sub-genres, including competition, talent search, celebrity-focused documentary, and home improvement. Since 2008, the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has recognized the genre in its annual Emmy Awards.

There are a number of financial incentives to broadcasting reality series as opposed to scripted programs. Since reality writers are not paid at the same rate, behind-the-scenes expenses are considerably less. Since many reality series use unknown, regular people instead of well-known actors, there are no star salaries to pay out. Also, reality competitions often allow for easy product placement, giving advertisers opportunities to reach the audience during program content in addition to traditional commercial spots.

Many writers, directors, producers, and stars of scripted television series have expressed concern that the reality genre is limiting their opportunities. The theory is that every reality show on a network's schedule is taking the place of a scripted comedy or drama. Ratings success and economies of scale have enabled reality to flourish. The fears of these creative communities were fueled during the Writers Guild of America strike, which lasted for three months in 2007 and 2008. During this time, networks ramped up development and production of reality series to fill their schedules, since many scripted hits shut down production during the strike.

Aside from influencing the business model, reality television has had a ripple effect in society. Breakaway hits like "American Idol" have become the water cooler topics (picking up the mantle of '90s sitcoms like "Seinfeld" and "Friends") and tabloid fodder. Reality TV producers are criticized for exploitative tactics and misleading editing. Some series thrive on public humiliation as a format, which can be embarrassing for participants, regardless of whether they agreed to participate. The highly public spectacle can have lasting and deleterious psychological effects.

The genre also perpetuates Andy Warhol's prediction that "in the future, everybody will be world-famous for 15 minutes." In 2009, a Colorado family staged a hoax, claiming their young son floated away in a helium balloon and was missing. The empty balloon was recovered, and investigators determined the family was attempting to generate publicity in hopes of getting a reality TV deal. Also that year, a Virginia couple crashed a White House state dinner to promote the reality show "The Real Housewives of Washington, D.C." In 2010, the tabloid spotlight turned to the Gosselin family, stars of the TLC documentary series "Jon & Kate Plus Eight," when the titular couple's marriage fell apart as cameras rolled, prompting allegations that the couple's eight children were being exploited.