CW Life Lessons: Not All Reality Shows Are Signs of The Apocalypse
A couple of nasty facts of television life: Reality shows make money, don’t cost much to produce, and continue to be wildly popular. They’re not going anywhere.
There’s a tendency to sneer at the idea of reality shows – they’re lowest-common-denominator trash! And they can be – look, shows like Crowned and Farmer Wants a Wife are more of a guilty pleasure than anything else. These shows may well be one of those Signs of the Televised Apocalypse that show up in the pop-culture bible (right after the rise of Paris Hilton and the MTV meltdown of Britney Spears) -- but that doesn't mean we don't enjoy watching them on occasion. We just don't expect to, you know, learn anything.
But we have seen the light when it comes to some reality shows that are (a little) more than just escapist fare. Beauty and The Geek in the first four seasons was actually incredibly sweet and uplifting, showing that people could get over their snap judgments and grow as individuals. America's Next Top Model is a bit of a guilty pleasure, but it’s damn good television – the fights! The makeovers! The tales of triumph over adversity! The completely crazy photo shoots! Granted, it’s been getting more extreme as the seasons go on, but it’s still something we can’t wait to watch.
We’ll tend toward good scripted television over reality most of the time, but we’ve had to give up some of our anti-reality bias. Project Runway, Top Chef and The Amazing Race stack up against even the best dramas on television. Because shows like this exist, we’ll keep giving reality TV a chance. What do you think? Let us know in the comments!
Comments
I seriously have no clue how they can call it "reality tv" anymore. in "reality" none of that would be happening to begin with.
I have no idea who in the heck watches Beauty in the Geek and has made them continue this pathetic show. It's disgusting and pointless.
I do not watch any reality tv on the cw and they should put a stop to this. You know what I miss? THE (classic) WB! They knew had to put the good shows on the air and not this junk.
Posted by: Zury | August 16, 2008 1:14 PM
I really think the "reality" element has been taken out most shows that call themselves "reality".
They are either elaborate game shows that eschew a closed in set for tropical locals. But they are game shows. Not reality.
Whether it's competing for a million dollars or the heart of a fair maiden or man, it's a game. Would any of us really slop through pig poo with other girls to gain the affection of a farmboy? Not likely. Not real.
Then we have shows that fit closer to the "reality" definition. The Hills. Laguna Beach. Flipping Out. The list goes on.
The problem with those shows is that it lacks a sense or realism. The shows seem scripted and it doesn't help when you get different camera angles on an argument with nary a cameraman blocking a shot. It's just become beyond realistic down to the reaction shots, made for what had to have been the third or fourth take.
Even the original Real World has become a parody of itself. Concocted dramas for more screentime, becoming a sad exercise of "Look at me! Buy my new clothing line coming out in the fall!"
Reality is relative in the world of reality television and it's just become a parody. Nothing real about it. Rich people whining about their superficial lives, not once thinking about those who don't have their luxuries.
It's an exercise in frustration. I don't watch, because there is nothing real about what I see when I try to watch them.
Posted by: Stacie | August 14, 2008 1:19 PM
I can't voice my opinion more clearer than this: The reality TV is mindless bullcrap. This so called 'reality TV' has less to do with our reality than some well done shows about characters dealing with genuine emotions and issues that are familiar to every human being.
Posted by: WarriorGirl | August 14, 2008 1:02 PM
I despise most reality TV... especially the stuff that the CW puts out! Period...
Posted by: Anneabell | August 13, 2008 8:09 PM
I don't care for reality TV, I would take the worst scripted series anyday before reality. I feel like most reality shows are all the same... a group of people competing for money or some prize ... in the end does it really matter... they are all fake and they're useless attempts to make me care what happens or who is the next American Idol... or who is going to marry the Bachelor.
Posted by: Alyssa | August 13, 2008 6:46 PM