Reality shows

[jooxis84]

What do you guys think about this "phenomenon"? It seems these days every no-name celebrity has their own reality show- or it's in the works. What do you think this says of us as a society now. Is watching reality shows some psychological need for most people? No offense to fans, but I find the idea of them both stupid and perverted at the same time, and just about the least productive thing a human being can do- to watch other people acting up or being stupid on camera for hours. I personally don't get the appeal, but most people I know think it's just harmless voyeurism.

[Faithlove13xxx_SC]

Reality Shows SUCK for the most part.

Some of the game sort of competition shows (Project Runway) are okay.
But most suck and degrade people (Fear Factor)

[ChaoticNeutral]

A little tale: Since humans are so willingly manipulated, the media made most of our honorable species believe that being the center of attention, being rich & famous is the greatest goals of existence. Of course there isn't room enough for everyone to be the greatest "Hollywoodian star", and we see so many teens struggling to deal with that fact like their lives were ruined. And how to make money fast over it? To feed those fame-hungry creatures whose desire to be famous was made by that same media in the first place.

Making a reality show is a way to make people feel important. They see everyday life, they see houses, they see schools like their own (on the case of sitcoms) and, when it comes to reality shows, it follows two tendencies: showing normal people becoming "famous" (like Big Brother), or showing famous people being like them (those artists' "reality" shows). So the media, that created that notion of good life=fame, makes even more money over the hunger it created. People are so interested in it that even scraps of scenes where their lives seem related to that ideal they dream of is enough to make them put "RL" on hold and go watch it.

Of course, also add to that the humans' natural tendency to meddle in the affairs of others. No sir, nothing better than to gossip! :giggler:

[Buzz2112]

Reality shows: Why don't I put a cam on my head and walk around for a day and put it on tv. Reality shows are just a bunch of not real actors/actresses and a bunch of wannabe writers who in my opinion have no real talent and no chance of making it in the world of entertainment. I find no entertainment value in watching reality shows at all, there just a waste of time. The TV studios don't have to dole out the big bucks to the people involved in them and just increase their profit margin, while leading naive people into believing that this is how it is.
Washed up celebs of all genres can make a comeback and get a paycheck for a while until the ratings drop and they get canceled. I tend to stay away from all reality shows cause after 42 years on this planet I realize that they are no
substitute for Law and Order, CSI or ER. Unfortunetly I don't think they'll ever go away, like TV poker, which came to be because of an NHL strike.
Anyways enough of my rant...

[davious]

I guess it really depends on the type of reality show. There really are no redeeming qualities to shows like Rock of Love, Flavor of Love, or Celebrity Fit Club... Those are pretty much lowest common denominator shows. We can watch women debase themselves to win the "love" of an aging rock star, aged rap star, or watch celebs we never cared about getting berated by a fitness drill sergeant. I suppose you could claim that at least CFC teaches better eating and exercising habits, but anyone who watches it is really just watching it to see the celebs get yelled at. We like seeing celebs get brought down to our level, it makes us feel better.

However, I don't mind the concept of a show like Dancing with the Stars. I don't really watch it, because it interferes with other programming I like to watch, but, I get the appeal. The celebs appearing on that show are bringing a very positive message. They are just having fun, dancing, getting into great shape, and keeping a dying artform alive. Other than the shows inability to get current A-list superstars, it really does have a positive vibe to it. There isn't any gossiping, no feuds, no fighting. Its just people being televised having fun.

Even shows that try to be trashy somehow manage to get something right. I was absolutely compelled by Breaking Bonaduce, and Danny's quest to turn himself into a better husband and father. I also saw some value in the Celebrity Rehab thing. Yeah, it contained stupidity, feuds, etc, but, after seeing just how messed up drugs made Jeff Conaway, anyone watching might be slightly less willing to do the same to themselves. Overall, the show served a purpose, showing just how dangerous drug abuse can be.

[1306]

The only reality shows I'm aware of are Fear Factor, Survivor, Pirate Master, and The Amazing Race. All of them are pretty good.

But seriously, majority of reality shows are lame.

[Ferret II]

Big Brother really needs to stop. Its on its 9th (?) season this year I think, and I think that its overstayed its welcome. I've watched a couple of series, but its so generic that theres no point watching it now.

I don't like I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, or the X Factor. I also HATE the one that the BBC do; i.e How to Solve a Problem like Maria, or Any Dream will Do. A load of crap if you ask me.

[AxelValentine]

I loved the one season of I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here I saw, and up until this year I have adored watching Beauty and the Geek.
Fear Factor is quite good just for the fun factor of watching the people go outside their comfort zone.

But most of the rest is simply degrading for others' amusement. People like watching others doing badly and making fools of themselves because it makes them feel better about themselves. If they mess up doing something they can tell themselves "Well, at least I didn't get kicked out of the mansion, right?"
Especially those VH1 Celebreality. Those make me the sickest, mostly because they so degrade women. They're forced to go for shock value so people will watch and so these over-the-hill, burned-out rockstars will like them long enough to keep them around.

The MTV dating shows aren't as bad but they are idiotic. Especially when you're watching and at the end of the show the two 'winners' start making out? Wow they move fast, don't they?!

[1306]

I don't like I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, or the X Factor. I also HATE the one that the BBC do; i.e How to Solve a Problem like Maria, or Any Dream will Do. A load of crap if you ask me.

Majority of BBC's reality shows are total nonsense. I prefer their new shows (but that's a very different story)


MTV's reality shows (Pimp My Ride, Exposed, Boiling Points, Punk'd) are some decent reality shows. They're not the best, but they're tolerable.

[NVRaptor_SC]

I'm just not a fan of reality shows at all. Not Survivor, not Big Brother, not Road Rules Runs Over the Real World or whatever. I watched about three minutes of the first episode of Anna Nicole Smith's show before becoming so physically and mentally uncomfortable to I had to change channels because I felt like I was watching a train wreck.

[BigBadBrat]

Iam ashamed to say this, but Iam a reality show junkie. I totally realize that Rock of Love is stupid, but I love it. I know some of these shows have no redeeming qualities, but...... It's kinda like food. You know you should eat healthy food, but sometimes you just want CAKE. You know you should be filling your brain with knowledge and growing and maturing as a person, but sometimes you just want to veg out and think about nothing. Especially if your job is a mentally draining and challenging one. You just dont want to come home and think anymore. You just want to laugh. I think that is what these crazy silly shows offer.

[LE102071]

I just LOVE "Reality" Television shows! For any of those that are into them, you should really watch this one (http://science.discovery.com/tv/tv-shows.html), this one (http://www.history.com/shows.do), or even this one (http://www.foodnetwork.com/)!

"Reality" Shows ROCK! ;)

Peace

And, damn if I didn't forget my all-time favorite THIS one (http://www.trutv.com/)! :D

Peace Again....

[callum91_SC]

Urghh, I hate any shows that say "Celebrity *this*" , "Celeb *that*" , "Celebrity does*noone cares*" !

The UK is SO bad for this! "I'm a Celebrity get me out of here" , it's just another chance for no names to get on TV for 15mins of fame!

Anything even slightly Celebrity reality does my head in! It wouldn't be so bad if they were people that someone has actually heard of! A backing singer for who? Never heard of them if ya ask me..

[GummiBears]

I actually enjoy watching some reality shows.

My favorite one is Jon and Kate plus 8, it is really interesting and I don't know, I am addicted to it.

I used to watch The Real World but it seems each season just got worse and I haven't even watched this new one or the last season.

I do watch the Flavor of Love shows, lol. Everyone knows its fake but it is entertaining.

I figure, if you don't like a show, then don't watch it.

[ToxicBritneyfan]

I know this thread is old but i just have to give my 2 cents =P

I have to say, I love reality shows! And its the ones that most people hate, haha. My favorite ones are the ones on E!. Especially Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Denise Richards: It's Complicated, Living Lohan, and I miss The Simple Life. =[

lol I have to say I'm addicted to some of these shows =P

[lockshockbarrel]

I think that 90% of it is scum, created with and for the worst aspects of humanity*.

The only ones I watch are American Idol and Project Runway. That's only because I like seeing talented people do their thing. But, even that's knee deep in crap. Half the time I'm disgusted by all the product placement and/or stupid drama.

*I read this again and wanted to adjust my wording. By the worst aspects of humanity, I don't mean the worst aspects of humanity possible, ie. Hitler or Stanford Prison experiments, (though I bet a lot of people would watch that if they made it a reality show) I meant more like the worst parts of everyday humanity, like those annoying rich-white-guys-who-think-they're-ghetto who sit in front of me in film class and talk all the time about "getting hyphy," and god knows what else.

[Black_Barook!]

I thought Desperate Housewives and Heroes brought about the end of the Reality Show era…

[Blake_SC]

I don't think that its trashy, or lame, or scum, I just think that its not some people's cup of tea. Of course, some of it actually is trashy, but that's beside the point. It doesn't display America's culture for what it truly is, but it entertains people and gets good ratings. Honestly, I liked seeing Will's breakdown and almost-expulsion on the Real World Hollywood! :P

I don't care about celebreality as much, because when you've seen one, you've seen them all, to me at least. I've seen enough The Simple Life to know that they're usually the same.

I think that people who dislike the shows dislike what they're portraying or what's happening in them, they don't dislike the concept. If you take yourself away from the whole show all together and look at the concept of some shows like Survivor, then it seems pretty cool (16 regular people on an island trying to not get voted out for $1,000,000? Count me in!).

just my little soapbox story. :p

[Chelleypie]

No.

The only 'reality' shows I like are competition based - America's Next Top Model is my guilty pleasure, Bravo's Top Chef is the most awesome thing on TV right now, and I adore Food Network's Competition series. I also like Food's Ace of Cakes, HGTV's Top Design, and Food's Next Food Network Star. I like Jon and Kate Plus Eight, too. But I can leave stuff like Survivor, The Amazing Race, Dancing with the Stars, and Fear Factor.

I don't see the entertainment value in demeaning people by making them eat things they wouldn't eat ordinarily, or making them 'face their fears'. I'm not a big celebrityphile, so I don't see the point in watching has beens dance with pros, either.

[coltraz]

I hate most reality shows, though I think Survivor deserves a break as it was essentially what started it all, and I agree with Frankie, it IS exciting. I actually took a Survivor break for a while and missed a few seasons, but the recent season with Fans/Favorites I watched, and enjoyed it a LOT!
I used to like the Apprentice with Trump, but he sucks now and it's just a show for him to flex his ego on, and show everyone where he lives and his stupid kids annoy me, Don Jr. and Evaunka or whatever. So annoying.
So, now I watch the UK Apprentice with Alan Sugar. First season was amazing, but it's been going down hill, I find, and losing its focus.

[Psy10]

Most of the reality shows that I watch are on Animal Planet. Does Meerkat Manor count? :lol: I do like Top Chef and Project Runway on Bravo. I never understood the hype around shows like The Apprentice and Survivor.

[coltraz]

You know what's a BAD show? America's Next Top Model. My boyfriend started watching it and I was drawn to it like a bad habit, first experimenting and rolling my eyes as I watched over his shoulder, and then cuddling next to him in bed to watch entire "cycles" in rapid succession. It's absolutely ridiculous and to be quite honest, I think it's brainwashed me. The other night I was sick, and I woke up around 2am to find my thoughts dedicated solely and uncontrollably to ANTM! I would close my eyes and there was Tyra Banks, there were contestants, there were interviews, there was Miss Jay, there was critiquing on whether something was not high fashion enough... it went around and around in circles and woke me up with a start each time it invaded my mind.
And now, I don't think I can watch it anymore.
I had to Advil it away.

[kennyinbmore]

I know this thread is old but i just have to give my 2 cents =P

I have to say, I love reality shows! And its the ones that most people hate, haha. My favorite ones are the ones on E!. Especially Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Denise Richards: It's Complicated, Living Lohan, and I miss The Simple Life. =[

lol I have to say I'm addicted to some of these shows =P

I think most reality shows are idiotic. But to be honest, I'll watch the Kardashian girls and Denise all day long because they're hot lol

[nekochanpurr_SC]

Alright.. I won't lie. I watch 'Rich Bride, poor Bride' sometimes.. But because i like seeing the 'poor bride' parts in between... They aren't bat shit crazy like the rich brides! Which, i guess, is also fun to watch... Though if i was their mothers (omg the way they treat them, after PAYING for stuff no less..) i would bitch slap them across the mouth and tell um to pay for it themselves. =/

[Ferret II]

You know what's a BAD show? America's Next Top Model. My boyfriend started watching it and I was drawn to it like a bad habit, first experimenting and rolling my eyes as I watched over his shoulder, and then cuddling next to him in bed to watch entire "cycles" in rapid succession. It's absolutely ridiculous and to be quite honest, I think it's brainwashed me. The other night I was sick, and I woke up around 2am to find my thoughts dedicated solely and uncontrollably to ANTM! I would close my eyes and there was Tyra Banks, there were contestants, there were interviews, there was Miss Jay, there was critiquing on whether something was not high fashion enough... it went around and around in circles and woke me up with a start each time it invaded my mind.
And now, I don't think I can watch it anymore.
I had to Advil it away.

Oh dear God, my younger sister LOVES that show. She's only 12! I think its a load of bull. All the girls are quite bitchy from what I've watched of it, I don't see the desire to watch it at all.

Big Brother 9 starts again this Thursday. I'll proberbly watch the first episode, but after that I wont bother. And if I do, I won't watch religiously, proberbly just Diary Room Uncut on a Sunday night, because you get most of the gossip then anyway.

Actually, the thing that I loved most about Big Brother last year was Big Brother's Big Brain. I love the psycology aspect of it and I was hooked. I think that I watched more episodes of that then I did of the actual show.

I watched Flavour of Love the other day, clips of it where on TV Heaven Telly Hell. Oh my God, I was mortified. All the girls where standing in a group, while being told what to do, and one girl had a poo in the hall (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkk13xYJ2gM) WHAT THE HELL? Thats disgusting! How can anyone do that just to be on TV?

[Eva Aisling]

Most of the reality shows that I watch are on Animal Planet. Does Meerkat Manor count? :lol: I do like Top Chef and Project Runway on Bravo. I never understood the hype around shows like The Apprentice and Survivor.


Meerkat Manor!!! They're so cute! And I love how they advertised it like another reality show. You can't let their looks fool you. They are ruthless, especially the females. Talk about drama.

I can respect a few other reality shows, but I don't really watch them. Most of them repulse me. I get no pleasure out of watching people make fools of themselves. Least of all, the celebrities. I can think of a million better ways to spend my time, if I had a million dollars. Seriously, what respectable person wants to be remembered this way?

[coltraz]

These are not even reality shows. They are just regular primetime drama, which is fictional. Reality shows are a whole different entity.


WHAT!?? Heroes isn't real??????!!!!!!! HAHAHA

[Elyasis_SC]

WHAT!?? Heroes isn't real??????!!!!!!! HAHAHA
I wish. :beer:

I watch Survivor on occasion. Truth be told I don't watch much TV. I like the computer better.

[agent_icon]

I hate reality TV.

However, I would definitely watch it if they would bring back public executions and gladiator matches to the death. Of course the gladiators would all have to be people I hated. Like, pedophiles and what not. And the winner would have to be beheaded at the end.

But I really loathe shows Americas Next Top Model. It would be way better if they showed all of the models shooting up heroin, binging and purging, and mainlining diet pills. That would be real, family entertainment.

[coltraz]

just started watching "The Mole"... I didn't even know this show was on anymore after the first season and a couple fizzling celebrity editions.

[Lulaby19_SC]

sometimes i doubt that they're just fake.

[xylune]

The only "reality show" I ever liked was Stan Lee's "Who wants to be the next superhero". Reality/game shows have taken over and now it seems only one in five programs isn't one of them. I miss having a broad choice of sitcoms, drama and action shows.

[Ferret II]

However, I would definitely watch it if they would bring back public executions and gladiator matches to the death. Of course the gladiators would all have to be people I hated. Like, pedophiles and what not. And the winner would have to be beheaded at the end.


Why would the winner be beheaded? Surely a few peodophiles being murdered is enough gore for one show.

[Black_Barook!]

These are not even reality shows. They are just regular primetime drama, which is fictional. Reality shows are a whole different entity.

No. What I ment was the Drama shows finally kicked Reality shows in the butt with the huge amounts of ratings that they've been getting.

[lockshockbarrel]

No. What I ment was the Drama shows finally kicked Reality shows in the butt with the huge amounts of ratings that they've been getting.

Yeah, but then there was that writer's strike that messed all the fictional shows up, like Breaking Bad.

[Ferret II]

Yeah, but then there was that writer's strike that messed all the fictional shows up, like Breaking Bad.

Very true. Over here in England, Ugly Betty wont be back until October, and My Name is Earl had two episodes cut out of the series.