The idea of reality TV was promising. Many consumers believed that by providing programming based on interesting people in real life situations it would be possible to gain unique insights into people and society as a whole. The earliest examples of reality TV supported this. Programs that examined first year teachers, immigrants and more were available and were educational. It seemed likely that the next step would logically be development of reality-based programming that explored more exciting topics such as travel, volunteerism and other cultural issues. Unfortunately, this isn’t what the public seemed to want and reality TV went off in an entirely different direction.
For a while, most reality television seemed to be based on competition and conflicts. Programs such as ‘Big Brother’ and ‘The Real World’ appealed to the baser instincts of the viewing population. Developing exciting characters and exploiting conflict earned higher ratings and more money. It was entertaining too.
Today consumers have access to an even greater range of reality TV programming. Educational programs, conflict based programs and ‘development’ programs such as ‘Intervention’ and “The Biggest Loser’ continue to dominate television ratings. Competition based reality TV shows such as “American Idol” are extremely popular and continue to show well each year. Shows such as “Toddlers and Tiara’s’ and the “Housewives” series seem to attract as many morbidly curious viewers as genuine fans. Still, it is interesting to note that fans are very loyal to their favorite reality TV show.
Over the next several years, reality TV will continue to develop and we are likely to see options that are even more…interesting. The question is which of these will be truly beneficial to society and which will be little more than a guilty, if entertaining, pleasure?