“Reality TV – What’s the Deal?”

So, what to make of this phenomenon that’s been sweeping the airwaves for the last few years, namely Reality TV?

Personally, when the trend started I wanted nothing to do with it.  But here I am today, an openly out-of-the-closet Reality junkie.  How did this transformation take place?  Well, for one thing after dipping my toe in, I started to find some of the shows intriguing – admittedly, in a voyeuristic kind of way.  And I suspect that’s true of most who indulge.  While those who participate in the shows may be seeking 15 minutes of fame, those of us who watch are seeking 45 minutes of pure and delightful brain candy.  Escape.

Come to think of it, the economy may have more than a little to do with it.  We’re living in such uncertain times, many fearful for their livelihoods on a daily basis, and with all the tension that such an environment entails.

We need our “comfort” breaks, as much as schoolchildren like their milk and cookies.  This has always been true, and television has always satisfied a need to “get away from it all.”  The millions who enjoy watching sports on television experience temporary release from the daily grind, the never-ending responsibilities of daily life.  This is true of most TV, except notably the news.

But there’s another ingredient, I believe, in the new type of Reality shows – the Housewives of various cities, the Matchmaking mavens, the Cooking competitors, the Real Estate husslers.  In these, viewers see if they can identify in some way with the “cast” members.  Water cooler conversations often revolve around assessments of this one or that, and they’re not necessarily kind.

Some shows surely do lead to societal awareness of important issues – one show raised both domestic abuse and suicide.  When that kind of thing happens, the public education that takes place can have a positive ripple effect.

But for the most part, I believe the popularity of Reality TV today stems from a need on the part of stressed-out and perhaps slightly insecure viewers to nab a chance at feeling a bit superior, a bit smarter.  By watching these shows in the midst of the chaos that’s become our frenzied society, we can sit back – even if just for a moment – and have a chuckle at someone else’s expense for a change.  After all, they put themselves in that position, so we're not being too nasty.... are we?