Reality meets Reality

I am not a huge fan of reality TV shows. The reasons for my non-fandom are several.

First, beyond the initial idea for the show, there seems to be almost no creative input into nor output from the show. And, there appears to be very little investment in the show beyond production costs (something that I'm sure appeals to the networks putting on the shows).

Second, each show's dramatic moments appear to be scripted in near identical ways that can be predicted and possibly timed down to the second. (cue foreboding music - duhn, duhn, DUHN)

Third, I feel that the attraction to most reality TV shows is our voyeuristic need to see other people succeed, fail, suffer, be dealt with badly and unfairly and so on. Said another way, I feel that reality TV appeals to one of our lower level human qualities.

Many reality shows track a competition between the shows players. The competition can be in almost any endeavor and in some shows the competition is about the contestants improving themselves, with the most improved contestant winning the show.

In the self improvement shows, I applaud the efforts of the contestants. Their accomplishments are real and their work to reach their goals is valid and useful to them and their families.

There are many reality shows that simply have a camera operator and a sound person follow people around in their lives. These are the shows that completely fit my third reason for not being a fan. I have a difficult time being interested in anyone's life: to whom I am not related; is known only because they are a reality TV show "star"; or whose life I do not, in almost any way, want to emulate.

Could I learn something valuable from watching reality TV shows? Maybe. There is always a chance that the stars might face a situation similar to a situation I might face. Should I spend the time watching reality TV shows in the hopes that I learn something of value? I do not think the small probability of learning something valuable is worth the amount of time spent watching the show. The expected value of a reality TV show then, is almost zero (maybe even negative in some cases).

If you enjoy reality TV, that's great for you and I hope you continue to get value from the show. Personally, I hope (probably against all odds) that reality TV falls out of favor with the viewing public and that well written, creative shows take their place. Maybe there could be a reality TV show with a competition about writing good TV shows . . .

Have a good one. KipK