Millions of people watch reality television shows every week.
It's clear that the popularity surrounding reality television has contributed to re-shaping the landscape of television in general. There are thousands of reality television shows out there now for consumers to watch.
You can watch reality television programs to follow the lives of tattoo artists, border guards, housewives, singers, tornado chasers, chefs, babies, waitresses, bartenders, barbers, fisherman, farmers, hoarders, maids, and more.
There are many reasons that have been suggested for why millions of people are fascinated with these shows on a weekly basis; tuning-in religiously to see a seemingly behind the scenes viewpoint of the lives of someone they are interested in.
Some driving factors which have been suggested are things like empathy, compassion, and voyeurism. Surveys have also found that for those who do spend time watching these shows, that they tend to see themselves as more extroverted, often more neurotic, and some even report that they tune into the show in order to feel better about their own lives.
Not Everyone Is A Fan...
There are various reports that have found that wealthy and successful people spend a lot less of their time watching reality television, or any television for that matter, compared to others. It's been suggested that they prefer to spend their time on activities like networking, meditating, reading, and other productive tasks.
Aside from providing entertainment, these reality television shows have provided tens of thousands of jobs. And seeing as this is one of the most cost-effective forms of entertainment, meaning that production companies are likely going to get a big return on their investment, it's no wonder that we've seen the reality space explode.
Where you used to have script writers and high paid actors and actresses, you now have reality stars that cost much less and you don't need scripts any longer; at least that's what they want you to believe is the case for most reality programs.
For all of the television programs that are out there today, it's estimated that reality television makes up at least 50 percent of the landscape.
The reality television genre is also suggested to be the most popular with those who are between the ages of 25-34 and not much of a surprise that they are seen to be more popular with women than with men.
Some of the most popular franchises have been Big Brother, Survivor, Shark Tank, American Idol, and The Amazing Race.
Will we ever get sick of it?
People have been complaining about the existence of reality shows for many years now, yet they are still more popular than ever.
Maybe the reason many are drawn to watching the shows is for the same reason many feel drawn to look at a car accident, it's just hard to look away.
Not every reality television show is going to be as mind-numbing as the Kardashians might be for many, no doubt there are countless reality television shows that can provide not only something that's entertaining, but can also provide some new and valuable information to the consumer. It just depends on what you're interested in and what you find value from.
Pics:
Shutterstock via TheConversation.com/the-guilty-pleasure-of-watching-trashy-tv-40214
The Simpsons / FOX/ via Reddit.com/r/gifs/comments/19nacq/reality_tv_shows_in_the_simpsons/
Wolf on Wall St via equipboard.com/pros/leonardo_dicaprio/versace-men-s-leisure-trousers-light-gray
RailRaiders via railriders.com/interview-mike-sears-interview-a-16.html
Giphy
Sources:
http://www.businessinsider.com/rich-people-daily-habits-2014-6
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/249269
http://www.businessinsider.com/why-love-reality-tv-psychology-2016-11
http://www.onepoll.com/the-reality-tv-habit/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2015/05/27/why-do-we-watch-trashy-tv/?utm_term=.ec9374935439
http://www.today.com/news/reality-check-reality-tv-fans-youre-more-neurotic-1C7320186
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/why-do-we-tune-in-to-reality-tv/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/entertainment/reality-tv-shows/
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