I'm not sure there's a such thing as a real reality TV show. Television is inherently not a production of actual life. Between editing, sequencing, and camera angles - it's nothing like experiencing something first-hand. I can't think of a reality TV show I have ever seen that is even remotely comparable in situational accuracy to what it would be like off-camera. Once people can realize that the only qualification to become a reality show is to have amateur actors who might or might not be wiling participants. I don't think there's cheating in Reality TV - those that participate only have a false sense of control over their role on the show and longevity of participation. The producers of a Reality TV show have everything to do with the outcomes of a competition or what film makes the final production.
That being said, I LOVE REALITY TV. I can't stand it. I'm not as much into the game shows and survivor-style competitions, but I can't pretend like I don't care who got kicked off the Bachelor. I do. A lot. I like a lot more scripted TV shows, and I think of reality TV as more of just a more poorly written script. I love the lifestyle-geared shows...it all started with Trading Spaces way back in the day. Now I can't help myself but watch hours of Toddlers and Tiaras and Dance Moms. Reality TV is like a really loud car wreck. You can't look away, you have to slow down and watch what happens next because you know its going to be interesting, if nothing else.
Well said. Though I don't watch any reality TV anymore, I agree with the car wreck statement. You just have to keep watching.
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