Reality TV: Difference between revisions

Everything About Fiction You Never Wanted to Know.
Content added Content deleted
VisualWikitext
m (update links)
No edit summary
 
(11 intermediate revisions by 6 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{trope}}
{{trope}}
{{quote|''"If reality TV has taught us anything, it's that you can't keep people with no shame down."''|'''Liz Lemon''', '''''[[30 Rock|Thirty Rock]]''''', "Subway Hero"}}
{{quote|''"If reality TV has taught us anything, it's that you can't keep people with no shame down."''|'''Liz Lemon'''|'''''[[30 Rock]]''''', "Subway Hero"}}


"Reality" television is a genre of television programming in which the (mis)fortunes of "real-life" people (as opposed to fictional characters played by actors) are followed. The native habitat of [[Reality TV Tropes]], if you will.
"Reality" television is a genre of television programming in which the (mis)fortunes of "real-life" people (as opposed to fictional characters played by actors) are followed. The native habitat of [[Reality TV Tropes]], if you will.


There are three main types of reality TV. In the first, the viewer and the camera are passive observers following people going about their daily personal and professional activities. This style of filming is often referred to as "fly on the wall". The "plots" which are compiled for the program often resemble soap operas, hence the description "[[Docu Soap]]".
There are three main types of reality TV. In the first, the viewer and the camera are passive observers following people going about their daily personal and professional activities. This style of filming is often referred to as "fly on the wall". The "plots" which are compiled for the program often resemble soap operas, hence the description "[[Docu Soap]]".


Though there were earlier precedents on radio and television, the [[Ur Example]] for this type of reality show was probably the [[PBS]] series ''An American Family''. Twelve parts were broadcast in the United States in 1973. The series dealt with a nuclear family going through a divorce. The parents had several children and one of them, Lance Loud, was openly homosexual; he occasionally wore lipstick and women's clothes and, in the second episode, took his mother to a drag show. Scholars sometimes mention that Lance came out of the closet on TV, but this is technically incorrect -- he was simply homosexual without announcement. His family confirmed that he had been out for some time. ''An American Family'' was controversial in its time and was excoriated by the press, particularly ''The New York Times'', which published a piece criticizing the series and especially Lance Loud. However, this didn't stop it from achieving [[Ratings]] in the 10 million range, proving that there was an audience for reality TV as early as [[The Seventies]].
Though there were earlier precedents on radio and television, the [[Ur Example]] for this type of reality show was probably the [[PBS]] series ''An American Family''. Twelve parts were broadcast in the United States in 1973. The series dealt with a nuclear family going through a divorce. The parents had several children and one of them, Lance Loud, was openly homosexual; he occasionally wore lipstick and women's clothes and, in the second episode, took his mother to a drag show. Scholars sometimes mention that Lance came out of the closet on TV, but this is technically incorrect—he was simply homosexual without announcement. His family confirmed that he had been out for some time. ''An American Family'' was controversial in its time and was excoriated by the press, particularly ''The New York Times'', which published a piece criticizing the series and especially Lance Loud. However, this didn't stop it from achieving [[Ratings]] in the 10 million range, proving that there was an audience for reality TV as early as [[The Seventies]].


In 1974, a [[Trans Atlantic Equivalent|counterpart programme]], ''The Family'', was made in the UK, following the working class Wilkins family of Reading. Australia saw ''Sylvania Waters'' in 1992, about the ''nouveau riche'' Baker-Donaher family of Sydney. Both attracted their share of controversy.
In 1974, a [[Trans-Atlantic Equivalent|counterpart programme]], ''The Family'', was made in the UK, following the working class Wilkins family of Reading. Australia saw ''Sylvania Waters'' in 1992, about the ''nouveau riche'' Baker-Donaher family of Sydney. Both attracted their share of controversy.


Perhaps responsible for inspiring the recent interest in reality television is MTV's ''[[The Real World]]'', one of the first reality programs to gain mainstream popularity. A new subset of this type has recently emerged in which the daily lives of celebrities are portrayed, many of them Famous For Being Famous. Examples include ''The Anna Nicole Show'', ''[[The Osbournes]]'' and ''Keeping Up With The Kardashians''.
Perhaps responsible for inspiring the recent interest in reality television is MTV's ''[[The Real World]]'', one of the first reality programs to gain mainstream popularity. A new subset of this type has recently emerged in which the daily lives of celebrities are portrayed, many of them Famous For Being Famous. Examples include ''The Anna Nicole Show'', ''[[The Osbournes]]'' and ''Keeping Up With The Kardashians''.


----
----
In the second type, hidden cameras are rolling when random passers-by encounter a staged situation. The reactions of the passers-by can be funny to watch, but also revealing to the truths about the human condition. Allen Funt, an American pioneer in reality entertainment, led the way in the development of this type of show. He created ''Candid Microphone'', which debuted on the [[ABC]] Radio Network in 1947, and the internationally successful ''Candid Camera'', which first aired on television in 1953. He later produced a feature-length reality-film in 1968 entitled ''What Do You Say to a Naked Lady?''. The film was a hidden-camera study of sexuality and mores of the time. For example, in one staged situation, passers-by encountered an inter-racial couple.
In the second type, hidden cameras are rolling when random passers-by encounter a staged situation. The reactions of the passers-by can be funny to watch, but also revealing to the truths about the human condition. Allen Funt, an American pioneer in reality entertainment, led the way in the development of this type of show. He created ''Candid Microphone'', which debuted on the [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] Radio Network in 1947, and the internationally successful ''Candid Camera'', which first aired on television in 1953. He later produced a feature-length reality-film in 1968 entitled ''What Do You Say to a Naked Lady?''. The film was a hidden-camera study of sexuality and mores of the time. For example, in one staged situation, passers-by encountered an inter-racial couple.


----
----
In the third type, the so-called "reality game shows" (see [[Reality Show]]), participants are filmed intensively in an enclosed environment while competing to win a prize -- thus they are game shows and discussed more thoroughly in that article. The reality game show genre has become pervasive enough to be parodied by Spike TV with ''[[The Joe Schmo Show]]''.
In the third type, the so-called "reality game shows" (see [[Reality Show]]), participants are filmed intensively in an enclosed environment while competing to win a prize—thus they are game shows and discussed more thoroughly in that article. The reality game show genre has become pervasive enough to be parodied by Spike TV with ''[[The Joe Schmo Show]]''.


One difference that makes these more like "reality television" than other game shows is that the viewing public and/or the contestants usually (but not always) play an active role in deciding the outcome. Usually this is by eliminating participants (disapproval voting, often one per week) or voting for the most popular choice to win (with some other voting system). Some popular reality-based game shows of this sort are ''[[Big Brother]]'', ''[[Survivor]]'', and ''[[American Idol]]''. There is also a Spanish-language show taped for Latin American audiences, ''Protagonistas De La Musica'', filmed in Miami by Telemundo USA.
One difference that makes these more like "reality television" than other game shows is that the viewing public and/or the contestants usually (but not always) play an active role in deciding the outcome. Usually this is by eliminating participants (disapproval voting, often one per week) or voting for the most popular choice to win (with some other voting system). Some popular reality-based game shows of this sort are ''[[Big Brother]]'', ''[[Survivor]]'', and ''[[American Idol]]''. There is also a Spanish-language show taped for Latin American audiences, ''Protagonistas De La Musica'', filmed in Miami by Telemundo USA.


However, given that producers can control the format of the show, as well as manipulate the outcome of some of them, it is questionable how "real" reality television actually is.
However, given that producers can control the format of the show, as well as manipulate the outcome of some of them, it is questionable how "real" reality television actually is.
Line 25: Line 25:
{{examples}}
{{examples}}


=== Documentary style ===
== Documentary style ==
(Some of the shows in this section are arguably true documentaries, in which the producers make a good-faith effort to document their actual subject, not interfering with the events just to make a better story.)
(Some of the shows in this section are arguably true documentaries, in which the producers make a good-faith effort to document their actual subject, not interfering with the events just to make a better story.)


Line 31: Line 31:
* ''30 Days'' (2005)
* ''30 Days'' (2005)
* ''[[Ace of Cakes]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Ace of Cakes]]'' (2006)
* ''Airline'' (UK; ITV's imitation of Airport)
* ''Airline'' (UK; ITV's imitation of Airport)
* ''Airline'' (US; 2004 on A&E Network)
* ''Airline'' (US; 2004 on A&E Network)
* ''Airport'' (UK; BBC show that made Jeremy Spake famous)
* ''Airport'' (UK; BBC show that made Jeremy Spake famous)
* ''American Casino'' (2004)
* ''American Casino'' (2004)
* ''[[American Chopper]]'' (2003) (Discovery Channel)
* ''[[American Chopper]]'' (2003) (Discovery Channel)
* ''An American Family'' (1973)
* ''An American Family'' (1973)
* ''[[American Guns]]'' (2011) (Discovery Channel)
* ''[[American Guns]]'' (2011) (Discovery Channel)
* ''American Hot Rod'' (2004)
* ''American Hot Rod'' (2004)
* ''[[American Pickers]]'' (2010) (History Channel)
* ''[[American Pickers]]'' (2010) (History Channel)
* ''[[American Restoration (TV)|American Restoration]]'' (2010~) (History Channel)
* ''[[American Restoration (TV)|American Restoration]]'' (2010~) (History Channel)
* ''[[Auction Hunters]]'' (2010)
* ''[[Auction Hunters]]'' (2010)
* ''[[Ax Men]]'' (2008) (History Channel)
* ''[[Ax Men]]'' (2008) (History Channel)
* ''[[Big Rich Texas]]'' (2011) (Style Network)
* ''[[Big Rich Texas]]'' (2011) (Style Network)
* ''[[Billy the Exterminator]]'' (2009) (Discovery Channel)
* ''[[Billy the Exterminator]]'' (2009) (Discovery Channel)
* ''[[Cake Boss]]'' (2009)
* ''[[Cake Boss]]'' (2009)
* ''[[The Casino]]'' (2004)
* ''[[The Casino]]'' (2004)
* ''Cirque du Soleil: Fire Within'' (2002)
* ''Cirque du Soleil: Fire Within'' (2002)
* ''[[The Colony]]'' (2009) (Discovery Channel)
* ''[[The Colony]]'' (2009) (Discovery Channel)
* ''[[Dallas Divas and Daughters]]'' (2009) (Style Network)
* ''[[Dallas Divas and Daughters]]'' (2009) (Style Network)
* ''[[Deadliest Catch]]'' (2005) (Discovery Channel)
* ''[[Deadliest Catch]]'' (2005) (Discovery Channel)
* ''[[Destination Truth]]'' (2007)
* ''[[Destination Truth]]'' (2007)
* ''[[Dirty Jobs]]'' (2003) (Discovery Channel)
* ''[[Dirty Jobs]]'' (2003) (Discovery Channel)
* ''[[Dog Borstal]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Dog Borstal]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Don't Tell My Mother]]''
* ''[[Don't Tell My Mother]]''
* ''[[Dual Survival]]'' (Discovery Channel)
* ''[[Dual Survival]]'' (Discovery Channel)
* ''Escape to River Cottage'' (1999) (UK)
* ''Escape to River Cottage'' (1999) (UK)
* ''The Family'' (1974) (UK)
* ''The Family'' (1974) (UK)
* ''Family Plots'' (2004) (US; A&E Network show about a mortuary in San Diego)
* ''Family Plots'' (2004) (US; A&E Network show about a mortuary in San Diego)
* ''[[Fight Quest]]'' (2007-2008) ([[Discovery Channel]])
* ''[[Fight Quest]]'' (2007-2008) ([[Discovery Channel]])
* ''[[The Franchise|The Franchise: A Season with the San Francisco Giants]]'' (2011)
* ''[[The Franchise|The Franchise: A Season with the San Francisco Giants]]'' (2011)
* ''Fraternity Life'' (2003)
* ''Fraternity Life'' (2003)
* ''[[Gold Rush (TV series)|Gold Rush]]'' (2010) (Discovery Channel)
* ''[[Gold Rush (TV series)|Gold Rush]]'' (2010) (Discovery Channel)
* ''[[Ghost Adventures]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Ghost Adventures]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Ghost Hunters]]'' (2004)
* ''[[Ghost Hunters]]'' (2004)
* ''Heavy'' (2011)
* ''Heavy'' (2011)
* ''[[Holmes On Homes]]'' (2001)
* ''[[Holmes On Homes]]'' (2001)
* ''[[Ice Road Truckers]]'' (2007) (History Channel)
* ''[[Ice Road Truckers]]'' (2007) (History Channel)
* ''[[I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here (TV)|I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here]]'' (2002-)
* ''[[I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!|I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here]]'' (2002-)
* ''[[It's Me or the Dog|Its Me or The Dog]]'' (2005)
* ''[[It's Me or the Dog|Its Me or The Dog]]'' (2005)
* ''[[Intervention]]'' (2005)
* ''[[Intervention]]'' (2005)
* ''[[Jersey Shore]]'' (2009, most people know it because of Snooki)
* ''[[Jersey Shore]]'' (2009, most people know it because of Snooki)
* ''Lagos Airport'' (UK; Channel 4's take on Airport focusing on the third world conditions in and around [[Nigeria]]'s main airport)
* ''Lagos Airport'' (UK; Channel 4's take on Airport focusing on the third world conditions in and around [[Nigeria]]'s main airport)
* ''[[Laguna Beach]]'' (2004)
* ''[[Laguna Beach]]'' (2004)
* ''The Littlest Groom'' (2004)
* ''The Littlest Groom'' (2004)
* ''[[Man vs. Wild]]'' (2006) (Discovery Channel)
* ''[[Man vs. Wild]]'' (2006) (Discovery Channel)
* ''[[Man Woman Wild]]'' (2010) (Discovery Channel)
* ''[[Man Woman Wild]]'' (2010) (Discovery Channel)
* ''[[My Super Sweet Sixteen]]'' (2005)
* ''[[My Super Sweet Sixteen]]'' (2005)
* ''[[NHL 24/7|NHL 247]]'' (2010)
* ''[[NHL 24/7|NHL 247]]'' (2010)
* ''[[19 Kids and Counting|Nineteen Kids and Counting]]'' (2008-)
* ''[[19 Kids and Counting|Nineteen Kids and Counting]]'' (2008-)
* ''[[Pawn Stars]]'' (2009~) (History Channel)
* ''[[Pawn Stars]]'' (2009~) (History Channel)
* ''[[Pit Boss]]'' (2010)
* ''[[Pit Boss]]'' (2010)
* ''[[Pit Bulls and Parolees]]'' (2010)
* ''[[Pit Bulls and Parolees]]'' (2010)
* ''Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal'' (2008) (A&E)
* ''Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal'' (2008) (A&E)
* ''Rachael Rocks'' (2004)
* ''Rachael Rocks'' (2004)
* ''Real People'' (1979)
* ''Real People'' (1979)
* ''[[The Real World]]'' (1992)
* ''[[The Real World]]'' (1992)
* ''The Restaurant'' (2003)
* ''The Restaurant'' (2003)
* ''[[Say Yes to the Dress]]'' (2007)
* ''[[Say Yes to the Dress]]'' (2007)
* ''[[Sons of Guns]]'' (2011) (Discovery Channel)
* ''[[Sons of Guns]]'' (2011) (Discovery Channel)
* ''Sorority Life'' (2002)
* ''Sorority Life'' (2002)
* ''Starting Over'' (2003)
* ''Starting Over'' (2003)
* ''[[Storm Chasers]]'' (2007) (Discovery Channel)
* ''[[Storm Chasers]]'' (2007) (Discovery Channel)
* ''[[Storage Wars]]'' (2010)
* ''[[Storage Wars]]'' (2010)
** * ''[[Storage Wars Texas]]'' (2011)
** * ''[[Storage Wars: Texas]]'' (2011)
* ''[[Survivorman]]'' (2004) (Discovery Channel)
* ''[[Survivorman]]'' (2004) (Discovery Channel)
* ''[[Swamp People]]'' (2010) (History Channel)
* ''[[Swamp People]]'' (2010) (History Channel)
* ''Sylvania Waters'' (1992) (Australia)
* ''Sylvania Waters'' (1992) (Australia)
* ''That's Incredible!'' (1980)
* ''That's Incredible!'' (1980)
* ''[[Toddlers and Tiaras]]'' (2009)
* ''[[Toddlers and Tiaras]]'' (2009)
* ''[[True Life]]'' (1998)
* ''[[True Life]]'' (1998)
* ''<nowiki>U8TV:</nowiki> The Lofters'' (2001) (Canada)
* ''<nowiki>U8TV:</nowiki> The Lofters'' (2001) (Canada)


=== Historical re-creation ===
== Historical re-creation ==
* ''The 1900 House'' (1999) (UK; living in historical conditions. Also shown on PBS)
* ''The 1900 House'' (1999) (UK; living in historical conditions. Also shown on PBS)
* ''The 1940s House'' (2001) (UK)
* ''The 1940s House'' (2001) (UK)
* ''[[Churchill's Secret Agents: The New Recruits]]'' (2018) (UK-US; American version of British simulation of the [[World War II]] [[SOE|Special Operations Executive]] training course).
⚫
* ''Colonial House'' (2004) (US; PBS show set in the American frontier of 1628)
* ''Frontier House'' (2002) (US; PBS show set in the American frontier of 1883)
* ''Colonial House'' (2004) (US; PBS show set in the American frontier of 1628)
⚫
* ''Frontier House'' (2002) (US; PBS show set in the American frontier of 1883)
* ''Klondike: The Quest for Gold'' (2003) (Canada)
* ''Le Moyen 1903'' (2003) (Switzerland/TSR)
* ''Klondike: The Quest for Gold'' (2003) (Canada)
* ''Le Moyen 1903'' (2003) (Switzerland/TSR)
* ''Pioneer Quest: A Year in the Real West'' (2000) (Canada)
* ''Pioneer Quest: A Year in the Real West'' (2000) (Canada)
* ''Quest for the Bay'' (2002) (Canada)
* ''Quest for the Bay'' (2002) (Canada)
* ''Regency House Party'' (2004) (UK) * ''[[Manor House|The Edwardian Country House'' aka ''Manor House]]'' (2002)
* ''Regency House Party'' (2004) (UK) * ''[[Manor House|The Edwardian Country House'' aka ''Manor House]]'' (2002)
* ''The Ship'' (2002) (UK)
* ''The Ship'' (2002) (UK)
* ''Warrior Challenge'' (2004) (US)
* ''Warrior Challenge'' (2004) (US)


=== Dating ===
== Dating ==
* ''The 5th Wheel'' (2001)
* ''The 5th Wheel'' (2001)
* ''Average'' (2003)
* ''Average'' (2003)
* ''[[The Bachelor]]'' (2002)
* ''[[The Bachelor]]'' (2002)
* ''[[The Bachelorette]]'' (2003)
* ''[[The Bachelorette]]'' (2003)
* ''Bachelorettes in Alaska'' (2002)
* ''Bachelorettes in Alaska'' (2002)
* ''Blind Date'' (UK) (1985)
* ''Blind Date'' (UK) (1985)
* ''Blind Date'' (US) (1999)
* ''Blind Date'' (US) (1999)
* ''Boy Meets Boy'' (2003)
* ''Boy Meets Boy'' (2003)
* ''Cupid'' (2003)
* ''Cupid'' (2003)
* ''Daisy of Love'' (2009)
* ''Daisy of Love'' (2009)
* ''ElimiDATE'' (2002)
* ''ElimiDATE'' (2002)
* ''EX-treme Dating'' (2002)
* ''EX-treme Dating'' (2002)
* ''[[Flavor of Love]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Flavor of Love]]'' (2006)
* ''For Love or Money'' (2003)
* ''For Love or Money'' (2003)
* ''For the Love of Ray J'' (2009)
* ''For the Love of Ray J'' (2009)
* ''[[I Love New York]]'' (2007)
* ''[[I Love New York]]'' (2007)
Line 136: Line 137:
* ''Married by America'' (2003)
* ''Married by America'' (2003)
* ''Megan Wants a Millionaire'' (2009)
* ''Megan Wants a Millionaire'' (2009)
* ''Millionaire'' (2003)
* ''Millionaire'' (2003)
* ''Mr. Personality'' (2003)
* ''Mr. Personality'' (2003)
* ''My Antonio'' (2009)
* ''My Antonio'' (2009)
* ''My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiancé'' (2004)
* ''My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiancé'' (2004)
* ''Outback Jack'' (2004)
* ''Outback Jack'' (2004)
* ''Playing It Straight'' (2004)
* ''Playing It Straight'' (2004)
* ''Real Chance of Love'' (2008)
* ''Real Chance of Love'' (2008)
* ''[[Rock of Love]]'' (2007)
* ''[[Rock of Love]]'' (2007)
* ''Streetmate'' (UK)
* ''Streetmate'' (UK)
* ''Temptation Island'' (2001)
* ''Temptation Island'' (2001)
* ''Who Wants to Marry a Multi-Millionaire?'' (2000)
* ''Who Wants to Marry a Multi-Millionaire?'' (2000)
* ''Would Like To Meet'' (UK)
* ''Would Like To Meet'' (UK)


=== Law Enforcement/Military ===
== Law Enforcement/Military ==
* ''American Fighter Pilot'' (2002)
* ''American Fighter Pilot'' (2002)
* ''[[Bait Car]]''
* ''[[Bait Car]]''
* ''Boot Camp''
* ''Boot Camp''
* ''Combat Missions'' (2001)
* ''Combat Missions'' (2001)
* ''[[Cops (series)]]'' (1989)
* ''[[COPS (series)|COPS]]'' (1989)
* ''[[Dog the Bounty Hunter]]'' (2004)
* ''[[Dog the Bounty Hunter]]'' (2004)
* ''Real Stories of the Highway Patrol'' (1994)
* ''Real Stories of the Highway Patrol'' (1994)


=== Makeover ===
== Makeover ==
* ''A Makeover Story'' (US)
* ''A Makeover Story'' (US)
* ''[[Bar Rescue]]''
* ''[[Bar Rescue]]''
* ''[[Beauty and the Geek]]'' (US)
* ''[[Beauty and the Geek]]'' (US)
* ''Changing Rooms'' (UK) = ''Trading Spaces'' (US) (2000)
* ''Changing Rooms'' (UK) = ''Trading Spaces'' (US) (2000)
* ''Extreme Makeover'' (2002)
* ''Extreme Makeover'' (2002)
* ''How Clean Is Your House?'' (2003) (2004) (UK)
* ''How Clean Is Your House?'' (2003) (2004) (UK)
* ''Life Laundry'' (2002) (UK; house clearance)
* ''Life Laundry'' (2002) (UK; house clearance)
* ''[[Kitchen Nightmares]]''
* ''[[Kitchen Nightmares]]''
* ''Knock First'' (2003)
* ''Knock First'' (2003)
* ''[[Monster Garage]]'' (2002) (US)
* ''[[Monster Garage]]'' (2002) (US)
* ''MTV's MADE''
* ''MTV's MADE''
* ''[[On the Road with Austin and Santino]]''
* ''[[On the Road with Austin and Santino]]''
* ''Queer Eye For The Straight Guy'' (2003)
* ''Queer Eye For The Straight Guy'' (2003)
* ''[[Restaurant Impossible]]'' (2011)
* ''[[Restaurant: Impossible]]'' (2011)
* ''Restoration'' (2003) (UK)
* ''Restoration'' (2003) (UK)
* ''The Swan'' (2004) (US)
* ''The Swan'' (2004) (US)
* ''[[Tabitha's Salon Takeover]]'' (2008) (US)
* ''[[Tabitha's Salon Takeover]]'' (2008) (US)
* ''Trading Spaces: Home Free''
* ''Trading Spaces: Home Free''
* ''[[What Not to Wear]]'' (US)
* ''[[What Not to Wear]]'' (US)


=== Life Change ===
== Life Change ==
* ''[[Bully Beatdown]]'' (2010) (US)
* ''[[Bully Beatdown]]'' (2010) (US)
* ''[[Clean House]]'' (2003) (US)
* ''[[Clean House]]'' (2003) (US)
* ''Faking It'' (2001) (UK; remade in US in 2003)
* ''Faking It'' (2001) (UK; remade in US in 2003)
* ''Holiday Swap'' (2003) (UK)
* ''Holiday Swap'' (2003) (UK)
* ''[[It Takes a Thief]]'' (2005-7) (US)
* ''[[It Takes a Thief (2005 TV series)|It Takes a Thief]]'' (2005-7) (US)
* ''[[It's Me or the Dog|Its Me or The Dog]]'' (2007) (UK) (2008) (US)
* ''[[It's Me or the Dog|Its Me or The Dog]]'' (2007) (UK) (2008) (US)
* ''[[Losing It With Jillian]]'' (2010) (US)
* ''[[Losing It With Jillian]]'' (2010) (US)
Line 190: Line 191:
* ''[[Supernanny]]'' (2004) (UK) (2005) (US)
* ''[[Supernanny]]'' (2004) (UK) (2005) (US)
* ''[[Til Debt Do Us Part]]'' (2005) (Canada)
* ''[[Til Debt Do Us Part]]'' (2005) (Canada)
* ''Trading Spouses'' (2004) (US)
* ''Trading Spouses'' (2004) (US)
* ''[[Wife Swap]]'' (2002) (2003) (UK)
* ''[[Wife Swap]]'' (2002) (2003) (UK)


=== Docusoaps starring celebrities ===
== Docusoaps starring celebrities ==
* ''Breaking Bonaduce'' (2005)
* ''Breaking Bonaduce'' (2005)
* ''[[Britney And Kevin Chaotic]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Britney And Kevin Chaotic]]'' (2006)
Line 201: Line 202:
* ''[[House Of Carters]]'' (2006)
* ''[[House Of Carters]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Ice Loves Coco]]'' (2011-2012)
* ''[[Ice Loves Coco]]'' (2011-2012)
* ''[[Keeping Up With The Kardashians]]'' (2007-present)
* ''[[Keeping Up With The Kardashians]]'' (2007–present)
* ''[[Kourtney And Khloe Take Miami]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Kourtney And Khloe Take Miami]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Living Lohan]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Living Lohan]]'' (2008)
* ''My Fair Brady'' (2005)
* ''My Fair Brady'' (2005)
* ''[[Newlyweds Nick and Jessica|Newlyweds]]'' (2003)
* ''[[Newlyweds Nick and Jessica|Newlyweds]]'' (2003)
* ''New York goes to Holly wood'' (2008)
* ''New York goes to Holly wood'' (2008)
* ''Rich Girls'' (2003)
* ''Rich Girls'' (2003)
* ''Scott Baio is 45 and Single'' (2007)
* ''Scott Baio is 45 and Single'' (2007)
* ''Scott Baio is 46 and Pregnant'' (2008)
* ''Scott Baio is 46 and Pregnant'' (2008)
* ''Strange Love'' (2005)
* ''Strange Love'' (2005)
* ''The Anna Nicole Show'' (2002)
* ''The Anna Nicole Show'' (2002)
* ''The Hasselhoff's'' (2010)
* ''The Hasselhoff's'' (2010)
* ''[[The Osbournes]]'' (2002)
* ''[[The Osbournes]]'' (2002)
* ''The Simple Life'' (2003)
* ''The Simple Life'' (2003)
* ''The Simple Life 2'' (2004)
* ''The Simple Life 2'' (2004)
* ''The Surreal Life'' (2003)
* ''The Surreal Life'' (2003)


=== Hidden camera ===
== Hidden camera ==
* ''[[America's Funniest Home Videos|Americas Funniest Home Videos]]'' (1990)
* ''[[America's Funniest Home Videos|Americas Funniest Home Videos]]'' (1990)
* ''Boiling Point'' (US) MTV
* ''Boiling Point'' (US) MTV
Line 226: Line 227:
* ''[[Scare Tactics (TV series)|Scare Tactics]]'' (2003)
* ''[[Scare Tactics (TV series)|Scare Tactics]]'' (2003)
* ''Trigger Happy TV'' (2002) (UK; launched comedian Dom Joly)
* ''Trigger Happy TV'' (2002) (UK; launched comedian Dom Joly)
* ''[[T vs. Bloopers and Practical Jokes]]'' (1984)
* ''[[TV's Bloopers & Practical Jokes]]'' (1984)
* ''[[Undercover Boss]]'' (2010)
* ''[[Undercover Boss]]'' (2010)
* ''[[What Would You Do]]'' (2009)
* ''[[What Would You Do]]'' (2009)


=== Reality game shows ===
== Reality game shows ==
* ''[[The Amazing Race]]'' (2001)
* ''[[The Amazing Race]]'' (2001)
* ''America's Most Smartest Model'' (2007)
* ''America's Most Smartest Model'' (2007)
* ''Back To Reality'' (2004) (UK)
* ''Back To Reality'' (2004) (UK)
* ''Beauty and the Geek'' (2005)
* ''Beauty and the Geek'' (2005)
* ''The Benefactor'' (2004)
* ''The Benefactor'' (2004)
* ''[[Big Brother]]'' (2000 - present)
* ''[[Big Brother]]'' (2000–present)
* ''[[The Biggest Loser]]'' (2004 - present)
* ''[[The Biggest Loser]]'' (2004–present)
* ''Boot Camp''
* ''Boot Camp''
* ''[[Canada's Worst Driver|Canadas Worst Driver]]'' (2005 - Present), except the contestants ''don't'' want to win the trophy.
* ''[[Canada's Worst Driver|Canadas Worst Driver]]'' (2005–Present), except the contestants ''don't'' want to win the trophy.
* ''Celebrity Fit Club'' (2005)
* ''Celebrity Fit Club'' (2005)
* ''[[Dance Your Ass Off]]'' (2009)
* ''[[Dance Your Ass Off]]'' (2009)
* ''Dog Eat Dog'' (2003)
* ''Dog Eat Dog'' (2003)
* ''[[Estate of Panic]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Estate of Panic]]'' (2008)
* ''Fear'' (2000)
* ''Fear'' (2000)
* ''Forever Eden'' (2004)
* ''Forever Eden'' (2004)
* ''[[Fear Factor]]'' (2001)
* ''[[Fear Factor]]'' (2001)
* ''[[Full Metal Jousting (TV series)|Full Metal Jousting]]''
* ''[[Full Metal Jousting (TV series)|Full Metal Jousting]]''
* ''High School Reunion '' (2008)
* ''High School Reunion '' (2008)
* ''[[I Love Money]]'' (2008)
* ''[[I Love Money]]'' (2008)
* ''I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!'' (2002) (UK)
* ''I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!'' (2002) (UK)
* ''[[I Survived a Japanese Gameshow]]'' (2008)
* ''[[I Survived a Japanese Gameshow]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Kid Nation]]''
* ''[[Kid Nation]]''
* ''Mad Mad House'' (2004)
* ''Mad Mad House'' (2004)
* ''[[Mantracker]]''
* ''[[Mantracker]]''
* ''[[Master Chef]]''
* ''[[MasterChef]]''
* ''Model Flat'' (Fashion TV, 2002)
* ''Model Flat'' (Fashion TV, 2002)
* ''[[The Mole (TV series)|The Mole]]'' (2001)
* ''[[The Mole (TV series)|The Mole]]'' (2001)
* ''The Murder Game'' (2003) (UK version of ''Murder in Small Town X'')
* ''The Murder Game'' (2003) (UK version of ''Murder in Small Town X'')
* ''[[Murder in Small Town X]]'' (2001)
* ''[[Murder in Small Town X]]'' (2001)
* ''[[Now Get Out of That]]'' (1981) (UK)
* ''[[Now Get Out of That]]'' (1981) (UK)
* ''Paradise Hotel'' (2003)
* ''Paradise Hotel'' (2003)
* ''Pirate Master'' (2007)
* ''Pirate Master'' (2007)
* ''The Real Gilligan's Island'' (2004)
* ''The Real Gilligan's Island'' (2004)
* ''[[Road Rules]]'' (1995)
* ''[[Road Rules]]'' (1995)
* ''Shattered'' (2004) (UK)
* ''Shattered'' (2004) (UK)
* ''[[Solitary]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Solitary]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Survivor (TV series)|Survivor]]'' (2000)
* ''[[Survivor (TV series)|Survivor]]'' (2000)
Line 272: Line 273:
* ''[[Total Blackout]]'' (2012)
* ''[[Total Blackout]]'' (2012)
* ''Tough Enough'' (2001)
* ''Tough Enough'' (2001)
* ''[[Who Wants to Be a Superhero]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Who Wants to Be a Superhero?]]'' (2006)


=== Spoofs ===
== Spoofs ==
* ''[[Dead Set]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Dead Set]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Drawn Together]]'' (2004)
* ''[[Drawn Together]]'' (2004)
* ''EdTV'' (movie) 1999
* ''EdTV'' (movie) 1999
* ''[[I Am Not Infected]]'' (web series) (2008)
* ''[[I Am Not Infected]]'' (web series) (2008)
* ''[[The Joe Schmo Show]]'' (2003)
* ''[[The Joe Schmo Show]]'' (2003)
* ''Joe Schmo 2'' (2004)
* ''Joe Schmo 2'' (2004)
* ''[[Life's a Zoo|Lifes a Zoo]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Life's a Zoo|Lifes a Zoo]]'' (2008)
* ''Real Life'' (movie) (1979)
* ''Real Life'' (movie) (1979)
* ''Series 7'' (movie) (2001)
* ''Series 7'' (movie) (2001)
* ''[[Smash TV]]'' (1990) has been described as "parodying Reality TV since before it existed".
* ''[[Smash TV]]'' (1990) has been described as "parodying Reality TV since before it existed".
* ''Superstar USA'' (2004)
* ''Superstar USA'' (2004)
* ''[[The Truman Show]]'' (movie) (1998)
* ''[[The Truman Show]]'' (movie) (1998)
* ''[[Total Drama Island]]'' (2007)
* ''[[Total Drama Island]]'' (2007)


=== Talent Searches ===
== Talent Searches ==
* ''[[American Idol]]'' (2002)
* ''[[American Idol]]'' (2002)
* ''American Juniors'' (2003)
* ''American Juniors'' (2003)
* ''[[America's Got Talent|Americas Got Talent]]'' (2006)
* ''[[America's Got Talent|Americas Got Talent]]'' (2006)
* ''[[America's Next Top Model]]'' (2003)
* ''[[America's Next Top Model]]'' (2003)
* ''[[The Apprentice (TV series)|The Apprentice]]'' (2004)
* ''[[The Apprentice (TV series)|The Apprentice]]'' (2004)
* ''The Assistant'' (2004)
* ''The Assistant'' (2004)
* ''Australian Idol'' (2003)
* ''Australian Idol'' (2003)
* ''[[Britain's Got Talent|Britains Got Talent]]'' (2007)
* ''[[Britain's Got Talent|Britains Got Talent]]'' (2007)
* ''Can You Be A Porn Star?'' (2004)
* ''Can You Be A Porn Star?'' (2004)
* ''Canadian Idol'' (2002)
* ''Canadian Idol'' (2002)
* ''[[Chopped]]'' (2009)
* ''[[Chopped]]'' (2009)
* ''The Contender'' (2004)
* ''The Contender'' (2004)
* ''[[Cupcake Wars]]'' (2010)
* ''[[Cupcake Wars]]'' (2010)
* ''[[Dance Moms]]'' (2011)
* ''[[Dance Moms]]'' (2011)
* ''[[Dragons' Den|Dragon's Den]]'' (2005) (UK, remade for the US as ''Shark Tank'')
* ''[[Dragons' Den|Dragon's Den]]'' (2005) (UK, remade for the US as ''Shark Tank'')
* ''Dream Job'' (2004)
* ''Dream Job'' (2004)
* ''Fame Academy'' (2002)(2003) (UK)
* ''Fame Academy'' (2002)(2003) (UK)
* ''[[The Glee Project]]'' (2011)
* ''[[The Glee Project]]'' (2011)
* ''Got To Dance'' (UK, remade for the US as ''Live To Dance'')
* ''Got To Dance'' (UK, remade for the US as ''Live To Dance'')
* ''[[Hell's Kitchen|Hells Kitchen]]'' (UK, remade for US TV in 2005)
* ''[[Hell's Kitchen|Hells Kitchen]]'' (UK, remade for US TV in 2005)
* ''[[Last Comic Standing]]'' (2003)
* ''[[Last Comic Standing]]'' (2003)
* ''Making the Band'' (2001)
* ''Making the Band'' (2001)
* ''Making the Band 2'' (2002)
* ''Making the Band 2'' (2002)
* ''Next Action Star'' (2004)
* ''Next Action Star'' (2004)
* ''[[The Next Food Network Star]]'' (2005-present)
* ''[[The Next Food Network Star]]'' (2005–present)
* ''The Next [[Iron Chef]]'' (2007,2009) (a spin-off of [[Iron Chef]])
* ''The Next [[Iron Chef]]'' (2007,2009) (a spin-off of [[Iron Chef]])
* ''Performing As...'' (2003)
* ''Performing As...'' (2003)
* ''Pop Idol'' (2001)
* ''Pop Idol'' (2001)
* ''Popstars'' (2000) (UK; launched bands Hear'Say and Liberty X)
* ''Popstars'' (2000) (UK; launched bands Hear'Say and Liberty X)
* ''Popstars: The Rivals'' (2002) (UK; launched [[Girls Aloud]])
* ''Popstars: The Rivals'' (2002) (UK; launched [[Girls Aloud]])
* ''[[Project Runway]]'' (2004)
* ''[[Project Runway]]'' (2004)
* ''[[Ru Paul's Drag Race]]''
* ''[[RuPaul's Drag Race]]''
* ''[[The Sing Off]]'' (US) (2009-present)
* ''[[The Sing-Off]]'' (US) (2009–present)
* ''[[So You Think You Can Dance]]'' (2005)
* ''[[So You Think You Can Dance]]'' (2005)
* ''[[Star Search]]'' (1980s)
* ''[[Star Search]]'' (1980s)
* ''[[Superstar K]]'' (2009)
* ''[[Superstar K]]'' (2009)
* ''Ted Macks Original Amateur Hour'' (US) (1948-1970)
* ''Ted Macks Original Amateur Hour'' (US) (1948-1970)
* ''[[Top Chef]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Top Chef]]'' (2006)
* ''[[The Voice (TV series)|The Voice]]'' (2011, 2012)
* ''[[The Voice (TV series)|The Voice]]'' (2011, 2012)
* ''[[The X Factor]]'' (2004)
* ''[[The X Factor]]'' (2004)
* ''Work of Art: The Next Great Artist'' (2010)
* ''Work of Art: The Next Great Artist'' (2010)


=== Fantasies Fulfilled ===
== Fantasies Fulfilled ==
* ''[[Extreme Makeover: Home Edition]]''(US, 2004)
* ''[[Extreme Makeover: Home Edition]]''(US, 2004)
* ''Jim'll Fix It'' (UK, 1975-1994)
* ''Jim'll Fix It'' (UK, 1975-1994)
Line 339: Line 340:
* ''[[Series/Prank Patrol|Prank Patrol]]'' (Canada, remade in Australia and the UK)
* ''[[Series/Prank Patrol|Prank Patrol]]'' (Canada, remade in Australia and the UK)
* ''The Swan'' (2004)
* ''The Swan'' (2004)
* ''Thrill of a Lifetime'' (1982-88 and 2002)
* ''Thrill of a Lifetime'' (1982–88 and 2002)


=== Survival ===
== Survival ==
(Some of the shows in this section are arguably true documentaries, in which the producers make a good-faith effort to document their actual subject, not interfering with the events just to make a better story. Though some situations do seem staged or scripted. Individual episodes are deliberately set up.)
(Some of the shows in this section are arguably true documentaries, in which the producers make a good-faith effort to document their actual subject, not interfering with the events just to make a better story. Though some situations do seem staged or scripted. Individual episodes are deliberately set up.)
* ''[[Dual Survival]]'' (Discovery Channel)
* ''[[Dual Survival]]'' (Discovery Channel)
* ''[[Man vs. Wild]]'' (2006) (Discovery Channel)
* ''[[Man vs. Wild]]'' (2006) (Discovery Channel)
* ''[[Man Woman Wild]]'' (2010) (Discovery Channel)
* ''[[Man Woman Wild]]'' (2010) (Discovery Channel)
* ''[[Survivorman]]'' (2004) (Discovery Channel)
* ''[[Survivorman]]'' (2004) (Discovery Channel)


=== Others ===
== Others ==
* ''[[Myth Busters]]'' (Discovery Channel)
* ''[[MythBusters]]'' (Discovery Channel)
* ''[[Top Guns]]'' (History 2)
* ''[[Top Guns]]'' (History 2)
* ''[[Oddities]]'' (Discovery Channel)
* ''[[Oddities]]'' (Discovery Channel)


{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
⚫
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]
[[Category:Fiction]]
[[Category:Fiction]]
[[Category:Turn of the Millennium]]
[[Category:Nonfiction]]
[[Category:Nonfiction]]
[[Category:Show Genres]]
[[Category:Show Genres]]
[[Category:Television]]
[[Category:Television]]
[[Category:Index Index]]
[[Category:Index]]
[[Category:index]]
[[Category:Live-Action TV]]
⚫
[[Category:Reality TV]]

Latest revision as of 19:47, 3 December 2021
"If reality TV has taught us anything, it's that you can't keep people with no shame down."
—Liz Lemon, 30 Rock, "Subway Hero"

"Reality" television is a genre of television programming in which the (mis)fortunes of "real-life" people (as opposed to fictional characters played by actors) are followed. The native habitat of Reality TV Tropes, if you will.

There are three main types of reality TV. In the first, the viewer and the camera are passive observers following people going about their daily personal and professional activities. This style of filming is often referred to as "fly on the wall". The "plots" which are compiled for the program often resemble soap operas, hence the description "Docu Soap".

Though there were earlier precedents on radio and television, the Ur Example for this type of reality show was probably the PBS series An American Family. Twelve parts were broadcast in the United States in 1973. The series dealt with a nuclear family going through a divorce. The parents had several children and one of them, Lance Loud, was openly homosexual; he occasionally wore lipstick and women's clothes and, in the second episode, took his mother to a drag show. Scholars sometimes mention that Lance came out of the closet on TV, but this is technically incorrect—he was simply homosexual without announcement. His family confirmed that he had been out for some time. An American Family was controversial in its time and was excoriated by the press, particularly The New York Times, which published a piece criticizing the series and especially Lance Loud. However, this didn't stop it from achieving Ratings in the 10 million range, proving that there was an audience for reality TV as early as The Seventies.

In 1974, a counterpart programme, The Family, was made in the UK, following the working class Wilkins family of Reading. Australia saw Sylvania Waters in 1992, about the nouveau riche Baker-Donaher family of Sydney. Both attracted their share of controversy.

Perhaps responsible for inspiring the recent interest in reality television is MTV's The Real World, one of the first reality programs to gain mainstream popularity. A new subset of this type has recently emerged in which the daily lives of celebrities are portrayed, many of them Famous For Being Famous. Examples include The Anna Nicole Show, The Osbournes and Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

In the second type, hidden cameras are rolling when random passers-by encounter a staged situation. The reactions of the passers-by can be funny to watch, but also revealing to the truths about the human condition. Allen Funt, an American pioneer in reality entertainment, led the way in the development of this type of show. He created Candid Microphone, which debuted on the ABC Radio Network in 1947, and the internationally successful Candid Camera, which first aired on television in 1953. He later produced a feature-length reality-film in 1968 entitled What Do You Say to a Naked Lady?. The film was a hidden-camera study of sexuality and mores of the time. For example, in one staged situation, passers-by encountered an inter-racial couple.

In the third type, the so-called "reality game shows" (see Reality Show), participants are filmed intensively in an enclosed environment while competing to win a prize—thus they are game shows and discussed more thoroughly in that article. The reality game show genre has become pervasive enough to be parodied by Spike TV with The Joe Schmo Show.

One difference that makes these more like "reality television" than other game shows is that the viewing public and/or the contestants usually (but not always) play an active role in deciding the outcome. Usually this is by eliminating participants (disapproval voting, often one per week) or voting for the most popular choice to win (with some other voting system). Some popular reality-based game shows of this sort are Big Brother, Survivor, and American Idol. There is also a Spanish-language show taped for Latin American audiences, Protagonistas De La Musica, filmed in Miami by Telemundo USA.

However, given that producers can control the format of the show, as well as manipulate the outcome of some of them, it is questionable how "real" reality television actually is.

See also Reality Show, Reality TV Tropes, The Truman Show, EDtv

Examples of Reality TV include:


Documentary style

(Some of the shows in this section are arguably true documentaries, in which the producers make a good-faith effort to document their actual subject, not interfering with the events just to make a better story.)

Historical re-creation

  • The 1900 House (1999) (UK; living in historical conditions. Also shown on PBS)
  • The 1940s House (2001) (UK)
  • Churchill's Secret Agents: The New Recruits (2018) (UK-US; American version of British simulation of the World War II Special Operations Executive training course).
  • Colonial House (2004) (US; PBS show set in the American frontier of 1628)
  • Frontier House (2002) (US; PBS show set in the American frontier of 1883)
  • Klondike: The Quest for Gold (2003) (Canada)
  • Le Moyen 1903 (2003) (Switzerland/TSR)
  • Pioneer Quest: A Year in the Real West (2000) (Canada)
  • Quest for the Bay (2002) (Canada)
  • Regency House Party (2004) (UK) * The Edwardian Country House aka Manor House (2002)
  • The Ship (2002) (UK)
  • Warrior Challenge (2004) (US)

Dating

  • The 5th Wheel (2001)
  • Average (2003)
  • The Bachelor (2002)
  • The Bachelorette (2003)
  • Bachelorettes in Alaska (2002)
  • Blind Date (UK) (1985)
  • Blind Date (US) (1999)
  • Boy Meets Boy (2003)
  • Cupid (2003)
  • Daisy of Love (2009)
  • ElimiDATE (2002)
  • EX-treme Dating (2002)
  • Flavor of Love (2006)
  • For Love or Money (2003)
  • For the Love of Ray J (2009)
  • I Love New York (2007)
  • Joe Millionaire (2003) and The Next Joe Millionaire (later the same year)
  • Married by America (2003)
  • Megan Wants a Millionaire (2009)
  • Millionaire (2003)
  • Mr. Personality (2003)
  • My Antonio (2009)
  • My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiancé (2004)
  • Outback Jack (2004)
  • Playing It Straight (2004)
  • Real Chance of Love (2008)
  • Rock of Love (2007)
  • Streetmate (UK)
  • Temptation Island (2001)
  • Who Wants to Marry a Multi-Millionaire? (2000)
  • Would Like To Meet (UK)

Law Enforcement/Military

Makeover

Life Change

Docusoaps starring celebrities

Hidden camera

Reality game shows

Spoofs

Talent Searches

Fantasies Fulfilled

Survival

(Some of the shows in this section are arguably true documentaries, in which the producers make a good-faith effort to document their actual subject, not interfering with the events just to make a better story. Though some situations do seem staged or scripted. Individual episodes are deliberately set up.)

Others

Retrieved from "https://allthetropes.org/wiki/Reality_TV?oldid=1943679"