I hate reality tv, but admit to being a compulsive Big Brother fanatic ;boxed:

Yes, we need more made-up stuff.

NWF said:

x1000,000,000,000,000,000,000x infinity
I totally agree with u there.We have far 2 much of thast unimaginative shite over here I mean get a load of this "Help my dogs as fat as me" i mean fucking hell man a programme 4 folks whos dogs r as fat as them so these ppl and their dogs go on diets.I mean WTF man!!!!!?????

NWF said:

If it died, I would have way too much time on my hands...

Ace said:

I knew you'd be in this thread somewhere

Anx said:

I kinda noticed that myself.

'Simple economics': More reality TV

By Gary Levin, USA TODAY

If you thought reality programming already had taken over TV, there's even more in store.

A combination of earlier success, cost pressures and the threat of strikes by Hollywood writers and actors has sparked the biggest appetite yet among networks for new "unscripted" series.

But will viewers remain hungry?

ABC has nine reality shows due this summer, starting with Bingo Night in America May 18. CBS is filming five game-show pilots this month, part of its busiest reality push yet, and Pirate Master from Survivor producer Mark Burnett is due May 31.

CW's limited success rests largely with series such as America's Next Top Model, so look for Crowned, a mother-daughter beauty pageant. NBC plans series about former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham and another in which teenage couples care for borrowed babies.

Grey's Anatomy notwithstanding, recent history shows reality series have better odds than sitcoms or dramas of becoming breakout hits, and they appeal to families and young adults, who command higher ad rates. "Some of the biggest game-changers tend to be on the alternative side," says Ghen Maynard, reality chief at CBS and CW.

"Reality programming is doing so well at the networks," says Carolyn Finger, vice president at TV Tracker, which monitors trends. "The No. 1 and No. 2 shows this season are American Idol and Dancing With the Stars," while struggling NBC's top show is Deal or No Deal. "It's just simple economics."

TV Tracker says 56 network reality series will air this season, up from 51 last year, and pilot orders are up 50%. Entire cable networks, including MTV and Bravo, build their original lineups exclusively with the genre. "We're looking for shows that can be expanded that night if need be or the next day with a results show," NBC's Craig Plestis says.

Games are the flavor of the moment, thanks to the success of Deal and the low upfront cost. Though they tend to burn out more quickly, even with lower ratings they remain enormously profitable. "Other than clip shows, it's pretty much the least expensive thing you can do," Fox reality chief Mike Darnell says.

But overall, networks seem more willing to make reality a permanent fixture. "In the past, a lot of reality shows have been fillers or replacements" for failed series or summer months, Darnell says. "Now they're such a staple, networks are saying, 'This is part of our schedule now, so we might as well plan three or four each season because we're going to have them, anyway.' "

http://www.usatoday.com/l...y-TV_N.htm

But then again I do kinda like "The Real World".





But kill everything else!!

I'm all for reality TV. It makes it that much easier for me to turn the idiot box OFF.

liberation said:

I love Big Brother too, well i love to hate it. It used to be better though, the housemates are too media savvy now, and are all acting out their parts..like Nikki last year. Also it's obvious the producers tell certain Housemates in the Diary room to act up/cause drama when the ratings are low, it might aswell be scripted.

sextonseven said:

http://www.theonion.com/c...node/28694

No! Sure there are some mindless and dumb reality shows but one of my absolute favourites is 'Dog the Bounty Hunter', now that's class A reality tv!!

I agree,reality shows SUCK! It's total garbage.I hate crap like "Eligible bachelor-is-looking-for-a-bride" nonsense and that "Flavor Of Love" B.S.
What happened to the days when sitcoms ruled?! I really don't want to see a bunch of washed-up celebrities living in a house together ('The Surreal Life') or a bunch of braindead dudes trying to seduce a loud,obnoxious witch ('I Love New York').Seriously,these shows are for people who don't have a life.

SoulAlive said:

What happened to the one with LaToya Jackson and Erik Estrada and other dried up D-list celebs?

AnckSuNamun said:

Was that the one where they were training to become police officers?

sextonseven said:

I think so. I don't think people talked about it much.....must didn't do well with ratings.

No! Sure there are some mindless and dumb reality shows but one of my absolute favourites is 'Dog the Bounty Hunter', now that's class A reality tv!!

I agree,reality shows SUCK! It's total garbage.I hate crap like "Eligible bachelor-is-looking-for-a-bride" nonsense and that "Flavor Of Love" B.S.
What happened to the days when sitcoms ruled?! I really don't want to see a bunch of washed-up celebrities living in a house together ('The Surreal Life') or a bunch of braindead dudes trying to seduce a loud,obnoxious witch ('I Love New York').Seriously,these shows are for people who don't have a life.

NWF said:

False.

There are a few where the "storyline" is staged, but they are a very small minority. And none are scripted; that's a myth.

Even in the shows where the set-up is incredibly contrived, you're still witnessing much more real human behaviour than you'll ever see in a fictional piece.
[Edited 5/7/07 12:32pm]