The Rise of Reality TV Shows

People seem to be concerned a bit about the future of television. Most of this is because of a combination of the Internet and Digital Video Recorders as part of total revolution of the current business models that make network and cable television work. This is not new. All art forms are under scrutiny whenever something new appears. Painting was in crisis when photography was invented; the result was a re-evaluation of what painting should be, if not a representation of reality (such as a human portrait). In this case, the photography was better suited for this, so painting had to change in other ways, bringing about cubism, impressionism and abstract expressionism.

In the same way, the Internet must force those that create in the form of television what television can do that the Internet can not. In that sense, reality TV shows might be the best bet. Certainly the Internet can be a site for reality shows, but reality TV shows and, more specifically, contests do very well on television. Why? Well, for one, television reaches more homes. I know, you think that many homes have Internet as well, but the difference is that television’s distribution is much more streamlined; you can name several channels that provide content such as reality TV shows. You would struggle to name many such “channels” or web sites beyond YouTube and Hulu.com.

In this way, television’s strength lies in one thing: weekly suspense. For years, filmmakers and studios worried that television would destroy the film business; why would people go to movies when they could stay at home? This didn’t work for several reasons; there is an enjoyment in seeing a movie with a group, the large screen allowed for a more immersive experience and so on. Finally, television producers found that they could do well by creating content with a serial nature; this “tune in next week” for more become a crucial component for television. Television schedules could be created and lived around.

It is in this sense, that reality TV shows are going to remain, and in fact, grow. First of all, they are cheaper to produce than scripted fare. Furthermore, the experience of watching a sitcom is no different on any given night; a contest must be watched in its original viewing slot for fear of an audience member falling behind. Reality TV shows are here to stay.

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