As if reality wasn’t complicated enough, let’s throw in some cameras, good looking people and an outrageous prize and you’ve got yourself a reality television show!   But are these “reality shows” actually reality? Is everyone on this planet willing to sell their dignity to television for an opportunity at $500,000 or a chance at love?  What makes these shows so crowd-pleasing?  Well, we’re about to discuss all that and more.

            There are definitely some secrets to this genres success, and part of it is that it’s been around for quite a while.  In the essence of “reality TV”, game shows were definitely one of the originators. Still today, the majority of reality shows are based on some type of prize at the end, whether it’s money, a recording contract, a chance to date a hot bachelor, a group of people are fighting for the same reward. 

In regards to today’s reality, how can we tell what is genuine?  A position known as “Story Editor” wouldn’t be on the staff if everything portrayed was how it actually happened.  These “editors” make sure that the story line goes along with how the producer wants it to, and it’s not uncommon for things to be taken out of context.  If the producer wants one person to look like they’re bored on a date but they’re actually not, it doesn’t take much to depict it that way.  Take this arbitrary scenario: Jack and Suzie are on a date at a nice restaurant and in reality, Jack is really into Suzie, but the storyline needs to go the other way.  The producer wants him to look uninterested, so instead of showing clips of Jack gazing into her eyes or asking her questions, they cut him staring into space while Suzie’s in the ladies room, and put it all throughout the date so he looks bored.  Problem solved and the viewers would never know.

Although I don’t support everything about reality television, I have to admit that I am an avid viewer of many reality shows.  Some of my favorites are Rock of Love with Bret Michaels, America’s Next Top Model and The Girls Next Door.  Embarrassingly enough, I once drove over two hours to meet the Daisy, the runner-up from Rock of Love II when she made a club appearance in Ohio.  I am, admittedly, entertained by watching these people act like fools on television, and I can’t help but wonder if they’re more motivated by the prize at stake or for 15 minutes of fame.

However, shows like The Girls Next Door aren’t about any type of prize, the cameras just follow around Hugh Hephner’s three girlfriends.  This kind of reality show brings up a new question: Why in the world would celebrities do a reality show?  Now, given the fact that Holly, Bridget and Kendra weren’t bona fide celebrities, they were still living the fabulous life, mingling with the best-known celebrities out there. On the other hand, stars like Denise Richards, Paris Hilton and The Lohans were already big names, and yet they’ve starred in their very own shows as well. Possibly to clear up a rumor? Get even more famous? The public may never know the answers to these questions, but wondering why could certainly contribute the high ratings.

So why is it viewers continuously tune in to see who’s going to be eliminated or who’s going to have a breakdown?  It’s a well-known fact that in movies and television, characters that are relatable often add to the likeability of the role.  If someone’s had their heart broken and you just got out of a bad breakup, you automatically relate to them.  It also gives viewers a sense of “It could happen to me!” because the stars of the show are simply everyday inhabitants plucked from their lives to have their shot at reality stardom.  People also feel they can get to know a person through watching them on TV, and unlike a sitcom with lines and made-up characters, reality shows are meant to showcase “reality” and people aren’t playing a character, but simply being themselves. 

Call me skeptical, but I think that many shows “recruit” people as well as hold auditions.  How could a show like Rock of Love with Bret Michaels have so many strippers and playmates in the 25 girl-cast? If they aren’t found, I can imagine that they go to the top of the list of “wanna-bee” contestants, because they know good looking women and cat fights inevitably equal high ratings.  I’ve had many discussions about reality TV recruitment techniques- I can envision the TV executives going to strip clubs and asking girls “Hey, ever wanted to be on TV?” and getting an overwhelming response.  If that actually happens… I can’t say that I know for sure, but I feel pretty solid that it does. 

Websites such as http://www.famousVH1friends.com give fans a sneak peak into reality stars’ lives.  This site provides MySpace links, fan forums, photo galleries and mini-biographies about contestants on VH1 reality shows.  As an avid VH1 reality show viewer, I have viewed this website many times.  Immediately, I became suspicious that the majority of cast mates were actors/actresses, models, hosts, etc.  This is a big reason I believe that reality shows are more plotted out than people think, and many of the contestants are asked to be on the show, rather than simply trying out.  However, it can be a smart career move to be on a reality show if you’re wanting to break into the entertainment industry. 

Jennifer Hudson (American Idol: Dream Girls), Colleen Haskell (Survivor: The Animal), and Teck (The Real World: National Lampoon’s Van Wilder) all started on reality shows and have made it to the big screen.  Was that their intention all along?  To simply use the reality show as a gateway to the movies?  Obviously the contestants of shows like American Idol have to be talented enough singers to make it on the show, but maybe their true passion is acting?  Or they simply want to be known, whether it’s for their outstanding vocals or not.  Like most of these questions, viewers may never know the answers, but they will keep watching Simon bash someone’s outfit and the “Bachelor” hand out that last rose.  

While reality television doesn’t necessarily have scripts written out, there have been accusations made against such shows as The Simple Life that their personalities (i.e. Paris Hilton) were fed lines.  I wouldn’t put it past any reality show to stage events or feed someone lines.  It’s all part of the illusion of reality television.   

I can only bash reality television so much though- what about the positive reality shows like Extreme Home Makeover, Intervention or MTV’s Made? These shows have missions to help improve people’s lives, and can literally save a life by sending someone to rehab for a deadly addiction.  There’s a wide variety of reality shows out there, that’s for sure, but if all of them are real or not… that is a question that will be pondered for a very long time.  One thing that’s for sure about reality television: it’s not going anywhere.  For years to come, we’ll be seeing people eating cow testicles, handing out roses and being made a fool, all while billions of people watch every week. Reality TV is here to stay, whether it’s actual reality or not!