Facts on Reality Television

Thanks to the cable network that has given us the opportunity of watching reality TV shows like Temptation Island, Fear Factor, etc. These shows broke the monotony of traditional scripted shows and started to represent real-life situations or documentary event of common man instead of professional actors. It seems, presently people are hooked on to it like children hook on chocolate or ice cream. Watching reality shows have become our favorite pastime and a source of fun and enjoyment for us.

About Reality Television

The beginning of reality television can be traced back to the early days of 1940s. Allen Funt’s "Candid Camera" went on air in the year 1948 and portrayed for the first time reactions of common man to humorous pranks. It was followed by Ted Mack's talent search show "Original Amateur Hour". These shows telecasted competitions among amateur competitors and for the first time the element of public voting began. This involvement of the ordinary public with these shows gave rise to the popularity of reality television.

These shows provide artists a good platform to get noticed and help people to win money and fame. In some reality shows the participants are directed to act in certain ways by off-screen directors. The popularity of this reality television is so much that it can change a common man into an instant celebrity. For example, after winning "Big brother" Shilpa Shetty achieved the status of an international celebrity.

There are different types of reality shows. They are prank-reality, celebrity-reality, game shows, talent hunts, job-hunts, adventure or fear-based shows, etc. Reality shows are thus catering to different age groups and tastes because of the wide range of themes available.

Disadvantages of Reality Television

Like every coin has two sides, reality television has its downside that is facing criticism. According to some people this helps in making pseudo stars and some express doubt about the element of reality. According to media person Tom Alderman "Reality TV can only be described as Shame TV because it uses humiliation as its core appeal".

Though reality television is facing criticism these days, yet the craze for it will remain the same because of its non-traditional element of reality.