History of Reality Television
From LoveToKnow Reality-TV
Reality-based programing is nothing new, but just how far back does the history of reality television go?
How Do You Define Reality
The definition of "reality" is fairly loose when it comes to television programming. In its purest sense, a reality show simply captures people reacting and behaving to any situation as they would naturally when a script isn't provided. Situations may be set up to instigate those reactions, but they are essentially "off the cuff."
However, things aren't always as they seem when it comes to reality television. This generally means that some shows are more closely directed, and the participants may actually be encouraged to behave in a certain way or act more outrageously to create more interesting viewing. Ratings drive programming, so a show has to do what it must if it wants to stay on the air.
Although reality programming has reached fever pitch in recent years, it's worth taking a closer look at some of the precursors to today's programming.
Early Reality Programming
Although you'll find a number of productions cited as the forerunners of the reality show, a couple are mentioned more often than others.
Candid Camera
Debuting in 1948, Alan Funt's Candid Camera certainly made its contribution to the genre. The show involved drawing an unsuspecting person into a situation designed to provoke a short burst of chaos and hilarity while capturing the results on hidden camera. As the show's theme song said, "Smile, you're on Candid Camera." If this scenario sounds familiar, it should. The basic premise has been repeated with great success in more current shows like Punked, Scare Tactics and America's Funniest Home Videos.
An American Family
This PBS series debuted in 1973 and chronicled the marital breakdown and eventual divorce of the parents of the Loud family. Viewers soaked up the drama, proving there was a niche for the reality docu-drama. To some extent, An American Family would influence modern shows like MTV's The Real World.
A Writer's Strike Changes the Face of TV
One significant event in 1988 would bring lasting change to television programming. The prolonged writers' strike of 1988 left viewers in the lurch as it delayed the new fall season. As the strike dragged on, the networks needed to find a way to create programming that would generate ratings and sponsor dollars. Since most reality shows are unscripted, they proved the perfect alternative to sitcoms and the hour-long drama, and production ensued. Just when reality TV seemed to be losing a little steam, another strike in 2007 forced producers to rush reality back to the forefront of the schedule.
Modern History of Reality Television
For many, the advent of the modern history of reality television begins with several shows that are still going strong today.
Cops
From the opening strains of Bad Boys by Inner Circle, this reality crime show that debuted in 1989 was destined to capture attention. Cameras follow the law enforcement officers of a chosen city as they chase down suspects. The viewing is compelling, shocking and sometimes hilarious. It's like the proverbial car wreck no one can look away from.
The Real World
Take a group of seven strangers and throw them into the same house to live together for several months and you have MTV's recipe for The Real World. This show that premiered in 1992 is jam packed with dysfunctional drama, harking back in a way to PBS' An American Family.
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire debuted in 1999 and became one of the biggest game shows ever. Originally hosted by popular talk show host Regis Philbin, Millionaire aired just one night a week, but it was soon being shown four nights a week in prime time. Too much of a good thing was apparently still too much, and ratings eventually waned. The show was revived with Meredith Vieira as host, and now lives on in syndication.
Survivor
Ratings juggernaut Survivor stranded its first castaways on a remote island in 2000. Given very little food and fresh water, the tribe mates were left to scratch out an existence on their own while also competing in challenges that would determine which tribe had to vote off one of their members. This process of elimination propels just about all the action in the game, and it often gets downright nasty. However, that's the stuff reality ratings are often made of, and Survivor still has a firm grip on the genre.
American Idol
Undoubtedly the most successful reality program of all, and television in general, American Idol follows the journey of pop star wannabes who are, you guessed it, eliminated until the last singer is standing. Having debuted in 2002, the show is a ratings phenomenon that has jump started the careers of Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, Carrie Underwood and more, and shows no signs of losing steam.
Influential, But Unsuccessful
Fox network's Who Wants to Marry a Multi-Millionaire would set the tone for dozens of equally sleazy follow ups. Multi-Millionaire was a sort of beauty competition for women who were willing to marry a man they had never met, as long as he was filthy rich. Millionaire Rick Rockwell chose contestant Darva Conger and married her at the end of the show's finale. The marriage quickly proved a sham, the couple divorced and Conger auctioned her ring and other prizes off on eBay. A repeat of the show was subsequently cancelled, but a draw of 22 million viewers ensured the format would be resuscitated in a less offensive way.
There are still many more shows that played a significant role in the history of reality television. Feel free to talk about your past and current favorites in the comments box below.
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