Since 2000, the television industry has seen an explosion of a seemingly new genre called reality shows.

We can find these programs on every channel from FOX to HBO. They cover topics like plastic surgery makeovers, fake weddings, survival competitions and roommates.

So what is a reality TV show?

Reality TV shows are best known for the use of regular people instead of paid actors and their unscripted approach to production. There is usually some sort of a contest or obstacle to overcome that results in a cash prize, although the genre is not limited to this formula.

Basically, it all boils down to regular people being put in unusual situations while the camera catches it all.

Although an overwhelming number of new reality shows appeared in 2000, the genre has been around for decades.

The show credited as being the first reality series was aired on PBS in 1973. It was called “An American Family” and featured the Loud family from Santa Barbara, Calif. For seven months the family — mother, father and five teenage children — was filmed.

Just like today’s reality shows, there was plenty of drama. The show reached its climax when Mrs. Loud asked her husband for a divorce and Lance, one of the Loud children, announced he was gay.

Since then, dozens of reality TV shows have surfaced. Some of the most popular include “Survivor” (CBS), “The Real World” (MTV) and the ratings juggernaut otherwise known as “American Idol” (FOX).

Although most people may deny watching reality TV, the numbers tell a different story. When shown at the same time as the Olympics, “American Idol” received three times as many viewers as well as beating out the other five big networks to win the top ratings spot.

If you aren’t one of the millions into the regular reality TV scene of talent contests, makeovers and strangers stuck in a house, there are other options.

Channels like TLC and A&E offer reality shows about a variety of topics ranging from professional bull riding to drug interventions. There really is something out there for everyone.

So, if you have not already, start exploring the phenomenon that is reality TV, and the next time the class discussion takes an unproductive turn down the “American Idol” path, you won’t be left behind.

> Comments