Reality television is a general term given to television programs that allege to be more “real life” than its fictional counterparts. Reality television places ordinary people in difficult situations and uses their reactions to the situation to provide non-scripted entertainment to viewers world-wide. Because of this, reality television has long been a topic of debate. Those who are for reality television state that reality television provides a refreshing change from scripted comedies and drama. Those who oppose say that reality television deals with trivial issues and promotes voyeurism to its audiences. Reality proves that even the hero does not always win.

Reality televison made it debut in 1948 with a show called “Candid Camera”. The show placed its participants in situations with hidden cameras. Their reactions to the situations were viewed by millions across the world. The participants were even ordinary people or famous celebrities. The show appeared on television again in the 1980s and its popularity skyrocketed. With hidden cameras, the show was able to capture true reactions of the participants as compared to reality shows of today that actually film its participants with a camera following close behind filming every move they make. “Candid Camera” helped provide a solid foundation for reality television shows.

In 2000, audiences were presented with a new type of reality show called “Survivor” on CBS. The show’s contestants came from all walks of life and were placed in wilderness environments and had to survive with little tools. The show promoted teamwork and those who were weaker were voted off. The show lead away for other reality shows such as MTV’s “The Real World” in 1992 and “The Amazing Race” in 2001 which was a race across countries and towns unknown to most people. “American Idol” followed in 2002 on Fox and is a very popular singing “talent show”. “The Apprentice” a business-themed show hosted by multibillionaire Donald Trump was aired on NBC in 2004. Ratings have skyrocketed for all television networks since then. Other reality shows have made their debut and it looks like reality television is here to stay.

Critics of reality argue that reality television exploits ordinary people who are not able to prepare before being placed in front of the spotlight. Critics say that these people are mocked and exposed to mental and physical harm and because of this audiences become participants in voyeurism. They state that reality television are artificially engineered and are dishonest in saying that their presentation of “real life situations” is false. The main issue with critics is that scripted shows are more socially relevant and less manipulative than reality shows.

Those for reality television present it as a refreshing change of pace from scripted television. They state that it provides energetic and exciting entertainment to its viewers. Everyday people are boosted to immediate stardom which most people only dream of. Critics who favor reality television say there is nothing cruel about it and that reality television promotes life more honestly than its scripted counterpart. Reality shows are stimulating and fun for all viewers according to pro-reality television advocates.

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