What Are The Pros And Cons Of Reality Tv

Reality television has been a popular means of entertainment for viewers, and an economic investment for television networks since MTV aired their hit reality show The Real World, back in 1992. Although unscripted television existed as early as the late 1940s, reality television really began to thrive in the 90s. Since then, numerous versions of reality television shows have emerged. Reality television includes a variety of programs, each belonging to a different branch of reality. Within those branches are: documentary style shows, which includes shows about special living environments (Jersey Shore), shows about celebrities (Keeping up with the Kardashians), and shows about professional activities (Cops); game shows, which includes dating
Although many of the participants of these shows were hand-picked during casting calls, some of them only make it on the air to add comedic value to the show. This explains why every season of American Idol showcases not only the best performance auditions, but some of the worst. Several of these shows do offer monetary compensation for the people involved, however many reports suggest that the amount of money these outlandish characters are paid is the equivalent of working a nine to five at a decent paying job. On the contrary, what the participants gain from the experience can be worth a lot more. Jennifer Hudson, for example lost her season of American Idol but later on won a Grammy as a singer and a Golden Globe and Academy Award for acting. In comparison Nicole Richie, despite being the adopted daughter of a famous singer, did not come into her own fame until the premiere of her reality show The Simple Life in 2003. Following the show she published two books, appeared on several television shows, and became endorsed by various brands such as Jimmy Choo, and began her own clothing and jewelry line. The networks of course also have a lot to gain from these shows. The estimated cost of producing one thirty minute episode of a reality show is around $100,000-$500,000. In comparison to scripted shows, the networks save on the costs of actors and writers by producing reality shows. Some networks, such as TLC, operate mostly by using reality television to turn over quick profits. Networks profit greatly from advertisers and sponsored product placement during the airing of specific reality shows. Many reality shows even benefit in syndication through DVD sales and subscription services like Hulu and