TP 3 - Reality Television

The Reality of Reality TV

    Some different phrases and ideas are deceptive in their appearance, disguises that couldn't be further from reality. That is the case when it comes to reality television, a title that for the majority of its productions couldn't be further from the truth. The fact that reality television is not truthful and grounded in realism is what keeps it in business; middle-aged, white women invest themselves in the personal lives and gossip of the rich and famous or the poor and unhealthy. 

    

The types of reality programs range from the gruesome and disturbing shows Hoarders' and 'My Strange Addiction' to charming and sensual shows like 'The Bachelorette' and 'Say Yes to the Dress'. Through a focus on certain demographics and the construction of these unreal worlds, reality television as a genre continues to maintain its relevance and influence in our culture.

   Like every predator has a prey, every show has a "thing", a specific target to pull you in. For example, 'Love is Blind', a reality program on Netflix targets viewers who believe or don't believe in love and how it is more than just looks, even though all of the actors are relatively attractive. 

    The show covers young men and women who don't get to see each other but still make a choice on who to marry. So far, there has only been one relationship that has actually lasted after the show. What they don't mention is that part of the show is scripted and purposely tears our heartstrings all for the pleasure of viewership and money. This reality show is far from reality, but it is so entertaining due to its absurdity. 

    Another show that deals with love, but is not as scripted is a show we all love to hate: '90 Day Fiance'. This show is so controversial and super addictive because it follows most of the time normal, less attractive people who fall in love on the internet with people who might be catfishes across the globe. In 90 days, if the couple really is in love, they get married. 

    This show basically makes or breaks the relationship. It follows all the family drama and all the ugly crying to sometimes wedding bells and cheers. Spoiler alert: weddings don't happen very often, and if they do, they usually end horribly. To be honest, this is my ultimate guilty pleasure show because I enjoy seeing other people's lives and thinking how thankful I am that my life isn't that bad. Like, seriously, who uses mayonnaise as a shampoo?!

    To maintain an audience reality television celebs use their social media in the same manner as a Venus fly trap: an unassuming and intriguing appearance concealing an insincere trap within. An example of insane, alleged tricks reality celebs use is that of the one and only Momager: Kris Jenner, herself. She, apparently, exclusively leaks part of the Kardashian-Jenner drama not yet seen in the show just so fans can get a glimpse of the new chaos waiting on 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians'. Buzzfeed.com Some reality television stars are now social media influencers and have their own brand and content thanks to the show. Picking on the Kar-Jenners again, Kylie Jenner, the youngest of the sisters, is the youngest self-made billionaire; she used her claim to fame, on reality television, to skyrocket her platform. Kim Kardashian, the eldest sister, copied Kylie in some aspects of her career but also helped Kris Jenner in allegedly hooking the viewers with insane drama tactics. Kim and her now ex-husband Kanye have been an aspect of Kim's life in the show. Apparently, they don't try to hide any of their dirty laundry from the press. Forbes.com

    If I were to create my own reality television show I would methodically steal the idea of 'Love is Blind', but it would only be one season because the relatively attractive actresses find out that the people they fell in love with were actually relatively unattractive and dirt poor. Just imagine the chaos! Like, that would be the whole plot, and you could see if love is actually more than skin deep. Another idea that I originally thought of was that of actual celebrities competing in their own sort of 'The Bachelorette'. We'd finally see some of our favorite ships become a reality, and the pay for the celebrities would be enough for us to finally get to know them outside of what they do for a living. 

     Just imagine, Adele, even though she isn't single, as the Bachelorette and her having choices like Harry Styles and Chris Evans! Just some random and insane choices like that. Lastly, I would create a reality television show about the British Royal Family, I'd be so down to watch it myself! That would be the greatest show on earth because we have all been so curious about that family, and finally knowing what goes on with them would have us all caught up in the moment. Just think: Harry and Meghan drama but being front and center to all of it; who would you side with?

    Even in all of its messiness, reality television is a great escape from the real world. We get to invest in other people's drama, and it's as if you're actually there. It's like you have a 'say so' or a sister that you connect with, and it's all for a monthly plan of not only money but of viewership. With reality television, you get to grow with the characters and share experiences with them. You get to hate on people without anyone knowing; enjoy all the guilty pleasures, and sometimes experience cultures other than your own. Reality can sometimes be a burden, and I think that's why reality television can't be reality. If reality television was real, it would break the illusion we have of it, and it would lose its appeal after a bit. In all, reality television has its upsides along with some downsides, but it is definitely insane.