Reality Television

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer discusses the trend of reality programs that appeared on television in the late 1980s and has continued to the present. The writer declares that although reality television has become a dominant part of TV viewing, it is important to realize that along with any "entertainment" there comes responsibility. One needs to be concerned when the lines between reality and fantasy become so blurred that one can no longer recognize the difference. The writer concludes that as long as one recognizes that reality television is solely for entertainment purposes, then all is well.

From the Paper:

"Another feature of the genre is the format of the shows. Here again producers borrow from both fiction and nonfiction. In the opening minutes of the first episode of Big Brother 5, we meet the eight core houseguests--mostly twenty something, all with movie-star good looks and figures, who are introduced with fast-paced editing that includes flashbacks of good-byes to family and jobs presented with a mix of game-show and sitcom-production techniques. After a commercial break comes act 2 and the exposition of the plot. Here is where we learn how "guests" stay in the game, how viewers participate in the fates of the participants, and what has to be done to be the big winner who takes home five hundred grand.
In act 3, the producers of Big Brother, represented by a petite Asian American who speaks to the contestants though a television monitor--tell the houseguests that each has a minute to choose his or her bedroom and bed. Choices include sleeping alone or with a partner in a double bed."

More papers on Reality Television:

• Essay # 83659 : "Reality Television"
• Analytical Essay # 136615 : "Reality Television and Effects"
• Essay # 84354 : "Reality Television"
• Book Review # 112278 : "Reality Television"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: