The surge of Reality TV shows has, well, gotten stupid. We all know they cost a fraction of what sitcoms do for networks, and we know that, for whatever reason, people follow them (at least, so say the Marketing gurus at every major broadcast network).
Take any dumb idea, like a group of boxers getting a shot at $1 million dollars, or a group of post-glory, B-rate celebrities getting a shot at $1 million dollars, or twelve blonde haired gold-diggers getting a shot at $1 million dollars, or twenty anachronistic 18th century chimney sweeps getting a shot at $1 million dollars... and you've got yourself a hit television show.
Give the public what you think it wants
I have no idea where the reality comes into "reality TV", but if that's what the public wants, that's what you should give them.
"Who Wants To Earn a Living?" is my next breakout idea. Take fifteen recent college graduates, bring them to Boston (St. Louis could word too), give them $1000, and tell them to go "earn a living".
Where's the fun in this?! It's absolute reality. Except the $1000 part; more than likely, they'd have $13 and change when they make the move. Video crews can watch them navigate supermarkets for the first time, hunt for jobs (that don't involve a cash register), and keep up with bills until next payday.
The
losers have to move back in with their parents. The winners get a life they earned. And, when it's over, they can't try to use their built up camera-time to launch some fifteen minute career in Hollywood doing 7-up commercials or interviews with local radio stations.
Oh yeah, and the drama will be real. It won't be a quarrel between two California princesses over a lost hairbrush or someone calling someone else's boyfriend. It'll be over next month's rent, affording groceries and having to give plasma to keep the electricity running.
"Train Wreck TV"
Somehow, and I'm no marketing executive, but this idea my be just as idiotic as all the other ideas.
Reality TV isn't a fad because it's like real life, and it irritates me to think the word "reality" is used in describing it. These are not real people, in the sense that they are motivated by cameras, a paycheck and salivating TV executives waiting for the next cat fight or lesbian kiss.
Actually, that sounds pretty good.
Anyhow, the allure of Reality TV is much like a car accident or a bad hair dew; you can't help but stare and investigate further. The problem is, it's losing its edge. Just like Howard Stern and his 14,000 other spinoffs are learning, you can only shock the public for so long... before your act gets old and predictable. Somehow, a radio interview with strippers loses it's appeal the 4 millionth time around.
Bachelorettes after a millionaire? A millionaire after transsexuals? Transsexuals after a bachelorette? How many more seasons of crap will we endure before TV execs realize their "Reality Train" has lost it's steam? We'll see.
Those sophisticated Europeans...
In the meantime, the BBC has reported that it's ditching reality TV. The originators of "Trading Spaces" and "Big Brother" are ditching the television genre altogether in favor (or "favour"?) of comedy television and shows that are actuallyentertaining.
Hope our networks wake up soon. If I see Paris Hilton anywhere on Television next year(besides VH1's retrospective "I love the `00's!" special on celebrity has-beens), I'm starting a friggin' petition.
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