Reality television has become a huge craze in this country, sweeping network’s ratings and recreating a false sense of reality for viewers everywhere. I am not going to sit here and tell you that I don’t watch any reality t.v. because the truth is, I do. The problem I have with reality television is it’s title.
It’s comical to think that shows like Bad Girls Club, which film a mansion full of “normal” girls in their mid twenties, going out every night, getting trashed, maybe bringing home random guys, and ending the night with a good catfight, is reality for anyone at all. The show doesn’t feature any of these girls going to work, so how is it realistic for them to afford to live in such a luxurious house in Beverly Hills? Never mind the fact that they are filmed taking stretch limos to clubs every night, where they receive bottle service and VIP treatment. Clearly the network and producers are forking up for all of the lavish expenses, so in what way are shows like these at all, “realistic”?
Shows like Bad Girls Club give reality television a bad name. They should be called staged television, because obviously everything is set up for these “actors,” and we the audience just sit back and watch the drama unfold. I agree with the fact that networks are trying to push this type of television because it is much cheaper to produce; in fact it is $400,000 per hour compared to producing drama series, a whopping $2 million an hour. But, networks like Bravo need to start filtering their ideas on what classifies as reality television a bit more. Networks like E or VH1 that gather up a group of woman and put them in one setting together typically have a goal of the show. For example the VH1 reality series, Bridal Boot camp, films a group of woman competing to lose weight for their weddings. Although it is not extremely realistic that everyone can have the opportunity for a personal trainer and chef at their disposal to lose weight, the show still touches on the issue of weight, an issue that many people in this country struggle with and can relate to.
My point is that these shows, with some kind of substance or goal are far more realistic than shows that round up a bunch of “average” people and film them laying by the pool all day and partying all night, with no work, agenda, or family to worry about. Honestly, who can relate to that?
I agree! Reality shows are blown way out of proportion these days. Look at some of the shows that are featured on MTV. In particular the show "Jersey Shore" is all about 5 people who live in the same house and all they do is party and fight. What is the point of the show? To show Jersey Shore as being a party atmoshpere? As you mention in your blog, some reality shows are worth watching such as the bridal boot camp which is showing woman trying to loose weight which is a realistic problem in the United States. The show "Jersey Shore," puts a poor image in my head and everything associated with Jersey. I have never been to Jersey Shore and after watching this show on MTV, I don't think I want to go. Reality shows such as "The Hills" and "Laguna Beach," what do they shows have to do with reality? No one can relate to these shows and most of the shows are staged.
ReplyDeleteWhy are you watching television, whether reality shows or any other programming? Don't you have more interesting things to do with your life?
ReplyDeleteI fail to see how "Bridal Boot Camp" has any more substance than "Bad Girls Club." When your reaction is to condemn the participants, yet continue to watch week after week, you're doing exactly what the creators and networks desire.