I think I became hooked on reality television when Real World San Francisco was a popular show in my age group. Since then we have seen new series evolve like CBS’s Survivor, NBC’s Celebrity Apprentice, VH1’s Basketball Wives, Bravo’s Housewives of Atlanta and now my new favorite, the Style Channel’s Jerseylicious. Reality television would not be so popular in ratings if they did not have one thing in common. Some people may call it an instigator but I will call it a show “manipulator.” Every successful reality series has one. In Real World San Francisco, it was Puck, latest season of Celebrity Apprentice it was Starr Jones, and in Jerseylicious, its Olivia and Tracey.
The show manipulator has one common goal, besides the producers, is to add more drama by stirring up the pot. Although, this is a unprepared role producers and other key players add fuel to the fire to continue the drama. The more the pot is stirred the more attention the series receives. Ne-Ne Leaks from the Housewives of Atlanta gets an A+ for her abilities to create mayhem on the set and believe it or not it is hard to tell if she is intentionally creating drama or if that is her true character being unveiled.
Another item that attracts me to these types of shows is that the characters are often very beautiful watch. It’s hard turning to a show with a bunch of ugly people. Yes it is me being vein but that is why most actors and actresses are very pleasing to look at as we are populations that do not pay to see ugly people often. Although these shows may lack character depth and top-notch acting, I enjoy watching these shows. Therefore, I believe the winners of the entire reality television craze are not the reality television stars but it’s the show creators, executive producers and such. Instead of paying script writers, and entire production staff, they hire film crews and producers to help along with the production. No need for over-paid and glorified actors accompanied with their outrageous riders demanding everything under the sun. If reality television continues to provide me with the daily entertainment value I need to end my night on a peaceful note, then I say keep the superficial plots and underrated drama coming so that I can enjoy for several more seasons to come.