Reality Shows - Why are they so popular?

[Iguana Man]

These so called reality shows like American Idol, that challenge Survivor thing where 'tribes' of people compete, and others in this venue. Why? Why do you watch these shows? What exactly is the interest? What to you, and be honest dammit, makes these watchable?

My gut tells me this. Watching shows of this nature are for the most part a desire to see people FAIL. Why, if true, is this something you watch? There is Discovery channel if you want REAL failure as presented by the animal world. There is COPS for Christs sake if you really want to see people at their lowest. I just don't get it. Why?

It reminds me of the World Wide Wrestling crap that took off (sadly it still is popular) years ago. It's FAKE! It's presents itself like it's real YET EVERYONE knows it isn't. Same thing with this reality crap. Why?

Why do you watch it, and more importantly, why do you LIKE it?

And for the record, I know folks dig this stuff and I ain't trying to crap on 'you'. I just want to understand the mentality behind watching this stuff.

[Vonner]

Originally Posted by Iguana Man

Why do you watch it, and more importantly, why do you LIKE it?

I only watch a few of them (Survivor, The Amazing Race). I like the Amazing race because I like to put myself in those situations and wonder what I'd do. Plus, seeing different parts of the world and different cultures is fun, too.

The other thing that draws interest in me (to both of them) is the fact that they get somewhere each week. Most other shows (except serials like 24, Lost, etc.) bore me because they are not working toward some kind of final resolution. Shows like the CSI's, and any other crime type drama. It's the same thing week after week. It's never ending. With Survivor and The Amazing Race there is a finite number of shows per "season" and each one is working towards a final goal of a winner. It makes progress.

[EM3]

I can't stand reality television. So for the past few years television choices are a little more limited for me. I'll be glad when they are all gone. I watch tv to escape from reality. BTW wrestling is still on.

[Monrozombi]

they're still on because people still believe that

1. They're actually on a real tv show, unbeknownst to them that just about every part of what is seen on tv is manipulated.

2, that they'll become famous and can "do it" better then the people they see on the show.

Reality shows make me sick, whether it be a game show, competition or the docu style shows that follow washed up celebs or "real" families through their day to day life. Reality shows just reinforce the lack of imagination and talent in Hollywood

[firestorm]

The only reality show of that caliber that I watched was a short stint with Survivor. I think some of it was the unscripted nature of the show, something that makes it interesting to me. Also, shows like that appeal to the competitive nature in some of us, and it's almost like picking you favorite teams or players, pulling for them from week to week. Personally, I dislike the "making fools of themselves" aspect of many of these shows. My faith in humanity hangs by a thread as it is; a thread that wouldn't even be there if I wasn't surrounded by well grounded people IRL and corners of the internet like this.

I used to be fairly well connected with nature too, and find some appeal in the idea of hardcore "roughing it". The scenery in Survivor, from what I recall, was awesome.

Today, I really only watch "reality shows" on History, TLC, or Discovery. Most would be along the lines of Deadliest Catch or Dirty Jobs. I like to know what makes the world turn, and, on top of my typical "PBS style" shows, these shows come from another angle and, in some ways, have more depth to them than a traditional documentary. I don't always find them more interesting, but I do find them more entertaining.

[Moonraker]

It's because people can't handle The Wire.

[limacharliewhiskey]

Only one I watched was Survivor, and I gave up after the All-Star version with Rob-Amber beating up everyone else.

Never seen an episode of American Idol. I only watch what's good, not what's popular.

[Turd Ferguson]

What is this, 2002?
What a played out non-debate, disguised as a means to appear superior to those with slightly different tastes in televised entertainment.

[ganthc]

Originally Posted by Turd Ferguson

What is this, 2002?
What a played out non-debate, disguised as a means to appear superior to those with slightly different tastes in televised entertainment.

I don't think it's played out. If anything with the writers' strike, reality tv has become even more prevalent. There is anxiety that traditional shows with storylines will be replaced with reality TV that has high ratings. I don't think it's that people are saying that their choices are better...but that they feel that reality tv is so empty.

What are the shows out there on reality tv? Big Brother, Real World, Road Rules, Survivor, Dancing with the Stars, American Idol, The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, America's Next Top Model, The Apprentice, COPS, etc.

Lots of people don't see any value from these types of shows. Not out of superiority, but because the shows aren't "reality."

[Iguana Man]

Originally Posted by Turd Ferguson

What is this, 2002?
What a played out non-debate, disguised as a means to appear superior to those with slightly different tastes in televised entertainment.

Sorry Turd. I wasn't trying to come off 'superior' in my tastes. If you would have spent some time in the last two years since your last post checking out my 'tastes' you would find I have simple ones.

Hope I didn't offend ya dude. So uhm, when are you planning on posting again? 2010?

[Turd Ferguson]

Originally Posted by Iguana Man

Hope I didn't offend ya dude. So uhm, when are you planning on posting again? 2010?

[mtcarmel00]

Originally Posted by Monrozombi

Reality shows make me sick, whether it be a game show, competition or the docu style shows that follow washed up celebs or "real" families through their day to day life. Reality shows just reinforce the lack of imagination and talent in Hollywood

You better be ready for reality shows on the TiVo at Casa de mtcarmel00 when you and Mrs. Zombi come over!

Shows like "American Idol", "Hell's Kitchen" and especially "The Amazing Race" have become programs that I'll go home for to watch with my parents because we all enjoy them. I do like that about reality TV.

[Monrozombi]

Originally Posted by mtcarmel00

You better be ready for reality shows on the TiVo at Casa de mtcarmel00 when you and Mrs. Zombi come over!

Shows like "American Idol", "Hell's Kitchen" and especially "The Amazing Race" have become programs that I'll go home for to watch with my parents because we all enjoy them. I do like that about reality TV.

well im still holding out for good reality tv will be broadcast by the time we get out there!