Reality Television

It may seem that reality television is a relatively recent occurance. Although reality television has evolved over time, the roots of this type of television can be traced back to the late 1940s.

Reality television is regular people recorded in normal settings doing unscripted things. Reality television may be dramatic or comedic in nature. One of the first reality television programs was Candid Camera, which involved filming people in humorous situations. Their reactions to pranks or strange situations was captured by hidden camera, and then edited and broadcast.

During the 60s and 70s, games shows became popular, which is a type of reality television. Regular people compete for prizes in a variety of different formats. These games shows are unscripted, but often edited to fit into the allotted time.

In the late 80s, during a television writers strike, producers were desperate to get something on the air. Fox television decided to follow around police officers and film them doing their daily routine. The result was a show called COPS, and is Fox's second longest running program, airing over 750 episodes.

Two programs brought reality television to the forefront; Survivor, and American Idol. Both of these shows received extremely high ratings, and became some of the most watched television in America. Many other series have popped up as a result of the success of these two shows. Other reality shows include:

• Big Brother
• Amazing Race
• The Apprentice
• Fear Factor
• Dancing with the Stars

It is important to note that while reality television appears to be unscripted, it is often highly edited. Scripts and reactions can be pieced together so that producers get certain events to occur. Some critics suggest that storylines are given to reality show participants, who are then supposed to make them happen.

Reality shows are popular not just with viewers, but with producers and station owners as well, since they are much cheaper to produce. With interest still strong, it appears that reality television will continue to be popular, at least for the near future. In fact, one of You tube's most watched clips is, you guessed it, from a reality television program: Britain's Got Talent. Click inside of the frame to watch the clip on you tube.

Sources
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reality_television