Buzzword
New member
It's interesting how the "genre" has evolved from an originally-strict set of parameters.
The Real World and Survivor were considered paradigms of this new type of programming, but nowadays so many shows use elements of the storytelling style those shows pioneered that it's hard to differentiate between "reality TV" and "documentary."
Some examples:
Mike Rowe's Dirty Jobs
Guy Fierre's Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives
The Ultimate Fighter (which has evolved over the years to shed many of the "reality TV" elements)
In effect, this adaptation of storytelling style has made "true" reality TV (Big Brother, Jersey Shore, etc.) seem inane, asinine, or flat-out destructive, with "casts" forced to pull more and more disturbing shenanigans to garner more shock value and keep the programs in the public discourse.
The Real World and Survivor were considered paradigms of this new type of programming, but nowadays so many shows use elements of the storytelling style those shows pioneered that it's hard to differentiate between "reality TV" and "documentary."
Some examples:
Mike Rowe's Dirty Jobs
Snapping Turtle | |
Guy Fierre's Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives
Triple D | |
The Ultimate Fighter (which has evolved over the years to shed many of the "reality TV" elements)
TUF Season 1 opening | |
In effect, this adaptation of storytelling style has made "true" reality TV (Big Brother, Jersey Shore, etc.) seem inane, asinine, or flat-out destructive, with "casts" forced to pull more and more disturbing shenanigans to garner more shock value and keep the programs in the public discourse.