Crap TV = Reality TV

In my opinion I think most television is crap these days. A lot of the shows are uninspiring and unoriginal. This can be exemplified by most shows sharing similar themes or being structured in similar formats. Yet, these shows are constantly being produced and the ratings indicate no drop off. Well, first off we can thank larger corporations for using these television shows as vehicles to promote their products. However, the ultimate demise of television has to be laid upon reality television.

We can place Survivor, Big Brother, the Anna Nicole Smith Show, Flavor of Love, American Idol and countless others into one large garbage dispenser. However, at least in the United States, MTV’s Real World attributed to the success of the shows previously mentioned because it started before them. Real World certainly is not the first reality based show in the history of television. Yet, it remains the most popular. Currently in its 20th season there are no signs of the show slowing down because it has been determined that the location of 21st season is going to be set in Brooklyn, New York.

The structure of the show is that the “cast” is composed of 7 members that fall in the age range between 18-25. In most cases, the cast members are good looking and in good physical condition, which is kind ironic given that not everyone in the United States looks like this. They all live together in a house that was furnished by MTV and is supposed to look to hip/modern. The members are usually from different racial backgrounds and usually consist of 3 female member and 4 male members or vice-versa. The result of this diversity leads to themes of sexuality, ethics, romance, religion, politics, and prejudice. When you combine all of this usually there is tension and/or a mess because people are going to have a difference of opinions. In the present, it is not uncommon to see that other reality shows have incorporated these themes within their shows.

The credibility of Real World and reality shows in general have always been questioned. One such example is from the cast of Real World: Chicago, which later admitted that their reactions to the attacks on September 11 were staged. Even then it is not hard to fathom that all of these “reality” shows follow in the same path. Editing also allows for shows to be altered into a different viewpoint from the original script or events that actually occurred. Another example is Stacey Stillman who was part of Survivor: Borneo. She sued the network on the claim that her being voted off the island was rigged by the executive producer of the show.

My main gripe with these shows is the nature in which people are pinned against each other. The results are cast members fighting against each other. The networks of course are in favor of such events because more people are likely to watch. Shows like American Idol exploit people who lack singing talents. Survivor humiliates people by forcing them to eat bugs and doing other outrageous things. Real World seems more like a frat party for young good-looking college students instead of an actual depiction of the real world. Most of these shows are the furthest thing from reality. Consequently, they provide nothing in terms of valuable content and make a putrid attempt of being "entertainment".