The Real-Life Appeal of Televised Reality Shows
Reality shows continue to top the list of fan favorites amongst all TV programming.
What is the appeal, and why are viewers so drawn to this type of show? Many avid television watchers state that the shows are just a lot of fun.
There's a real-life, very personal element of these basically unscripted programs than often make viewers feel as though they actually know the participants.
Is this imagined closeness to reality TV cast members compensating a bit for our increasingly depersonalized society, overrun with the cold reality of far-removed electronic communication and frantic schedules that allow minimal time for quality human interaction or intimacy? Just a theory, but it is plausible.
No matter what the reasons behind TV viewers' perceived connection to participants on reality TV shows, the fact remains that in many cases people do relate on some level to these people and, much like fans support their sports teams, this connection makes it easy for the spectators to get attached and cheer on their favorites (or jeer the ones they don't like).
There is a terrific televised selection of reality programming.
The personalities, scenarios and topic matter vary, allowing viewers to pick and choose from an ever-evolving and differently interesting TV landscape.
Fans currently cite their five most-watched shows on the major networks as Wife Swap (a program that removes a family's mom, replacing her with a different model who is generally a polar opposite), The Hills (a vapid portrayal of well-to-do, coming of age young adults who we'd better hope are not actually representative of society's youth), the Amazing Race (a reality competition, as the title would indicate), America's Next Top Model and The Girls Next Door.
Once a predominant music channel, featuring MTV-style videos and all the features that catapulted the hair bands to mega stardom in the mid 80's, VHI now has its own reality lineup that has fans of all ages flocking to their TV screens.
Tool Academy 2 takes on the optimistic task of reforming unfocused young men, inspiring them to new heights of personal growth through a series of challenges, counseling and publicly televised ridicule.
Thankfully, there's been no mention thus far of a contestant suicide.
Real Chance of Love is in its second season, with the Givens brothers looking for love.
Real (aka Ahmad Givens) gave up on his first season selection, while sibling Chance (Kamal) didn't even pick a winner when the finale of season one wrapped up.
Soap opera celebrity Antonio Sabato Jr.
is the star, and prize, of another popular VH1 series, My Antonio.
Numerous ladies compete for Antonio's affection (and the approval of his ever-present mother) with the ultimate goal of becoming the second Mrs.
Sabato.
Antonio Jr.
's first wife, Tully, appeared as a contestant on the show, being weeded out in the second to last episode.
Even if you're not a big fan of parking in front of the television for hours on end, there is something that's honestly entertaining about reality shows.
There's a real chance you too will become a dedicated reality-TV addict once you start checking out all these light and viewer-friendly television programs!
What is the appeal, and why are viewers so drawn to this type of show? Many avid television watchers state that the shows are just a lot of fun.
There's a real-life, very personal element of these basically unscripted programs than often make viewers feel as though they actually know the participants.
Is this imagined closeness to reality TV cast members compensating a bit for our increasingly depersonalized society, overrun with the cold reality of far-removed electronic communication and frantic schedules that allow minimal time for quality human interaction or intimacy? Just a theory, but it is plausible.
No matter what the reasons behind TV viewers' perceived connection to participants on reality TV shows, the fact remains that in many cases people do relate on some level to these people and, much like fans support their sports teams, this connection makes it easy for the spectators to get attached and cheer on their favorites (or jeer the ones they don't like).
There is a terrific televised selection of reality programming.
The personalities, scenarios and topic matter vary, allowing viewers to pick and choose from an ever-evolving and differently interesting TV landscape.
Fans currently cite their five most-watched shows on the major networks as Wife Swap (a program that removes a family's mom, replacing her with a different model who is generally a polar opposite), The Hills (a vapid portrayal of well-to-do, coming of age young adults who we'd better hope are not actually representative of society's youth), the Amazing Race (a reality competition, as the title would indicate), America's Next Top Model and The Girls Next Door.
Once a predominant music channel, featuring MTV-style videos and all the features that catapulted the hair bands to mega stardom in the mid 80's, VHI now has its own reality lineup that has fans of all ages flocking to their TV screens.
Tool Academy 2 takes on the optimistic task of reforming unfocused young men, inspiring them to new heights of personal growth through a series of challenges, counseling and publicly televised ridicule.
Thankfully, there's been no mention thus far of a contestant suicide.
Real Chance of Love is in its second season, with the Givens brothers looking for love.
Real (aka Ahmad Givens) gave up on his first season selection, while sibling Chance (Kamal) didn't even pick a winner when the finale of season one wrapped up.
Soap opera celebrity Antonio Sabato Jr.
is the star, and prize, of another popular VH1 series, My Antonio.
Numerous ladies compete for Antonio's affection (and the approval of his ever-present mother) with the ultimate goal of becoming the second Mrs.
Sabato.
Antonio Jr.
's first wife, Tully, appeared as a contestant on the show, being weeded out in the second to last episode.
Even if you're not a big fan of parking in front of the television for hours on end, there is something that's honestly entertaining about reality shows.
There's a real chance you too will become a dedicated reality-TV addict once you start checking out all these light and viewer-friendly television programs!