Gimmicky reality shows are getting old and the genre is being replaced by its opposite: thoroughly-plotted, multi-dimensional and visually-entrapping shows.

Fall signals the time when network executives from Fox, NBC, CBS and ABC roll out their new primetime lineups. This year, as always, will feature season premieres loaded with tangled plots, new characters and camera-catching cameos.

However, unlike the past few seasons, networks have not favored reality shows in their primetime arsenals.

While there are still new seasons to the “classic favorites” such as “Fear Factor,” “Dancing with the Stars” and other reality giants, there are few new attempts. It seems reality TV’s control of primetime is crumbling.

Reality shows’ biggest selling points to network executives were their price tags. Here were shows with no paid actors, no script and a new cast every season. During its reign, reality shows went from survival competitions and obnoxious fiances to dumb rich girls and English nannies.

Gimmicky reality shows are getting old and the genre is being replaced by its opposite: thoroughly-plotted, multi-dimensional and visually-entrapping shows.

Networks have started creating shows featuring everything reality shows do not. Elements like a strong cast, elaborate sets and intense, dramatic storylines are important to these shows.

This was just a small trend a few seasons ago with shows such as “24” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” This fall, it has blossomed into the norm for every cable and network television station. Networks created 22 new shows for primetime that follow this escalating pattern.

The origins of this shift are connected to the success of HBO and its primetime lineup for the past seven years. The success of the shows “The Sopranos,” “Sex and the City” and “Entourage” has shown the broadcast networks that quality can result in a larger audience.

Other factors for drama trumping reality TV is the creation of parental controls in most digital cable boxes. This had the censors easing back on drama more and shows were able to display more violence and adult content than before. A show like “24” wouldn't have aired 15 years ago. No one would watch if the main character didn't kill the bad guys.

The new shows can be broken down into three styles.

The first is the basic drama that has been around for decades. Shows such as “CSI,” “Law & Order” and “ER” have proved their success.

The second is the action-packed drama with a suspense twist. Shows such as “Twin Peaks” started this style, which provides viewers with a drawn-out mystery that keeps them guessing the entire program. Adding to the tension, no character is safe from death.

The final style is the dramatic comedy. The success of “Arrested Development,” “Scrubs” and “Boston Legal” spurred a large number of shows similar to their quirky humor, like “The Office” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” The typical sitcom features stories with punchline, after punchline. The newer comedies mix a storyline with heartbreak and humor in normal life situations.

Reality shows are still premiering this fall and they're going to leave their mark kicking and screaming. “Survivor” has sunk to what some call “an all-time low” by having new tribes on the island separated by race.

Each new trend falls prey to becoming formulaic. Usually this happens when its appeal is made so vast the content become watered down by the lowest common denominator of intelligence. Then network TV shall return to the Dark Age of television, so bring on the second coming of “Every Body Loves Raymond” and “King of Queens.”

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