Show Type 1: The Reality Voyeur
Thereality voyeuris the kind of show that gives you a fly-on-the-wall view of a specific person, group of people, or type of people.
The most notable example isKeeping Up With the Kardashians. Reality voyeur is about as close to documentary as reality TV gets, but it’s not quite there because the premise and/or situations are set up and not entirely objective.
Superb examples of reality voyeur:
Show Type 2: The Reality Exhibit
Thereality exhibitis the kind of show that has something to display for the viewer to see, usually something that they wouldn’t be able to see in normal everyday life.
Food shows and travel shows make up a huge portion of this. It’s similar to reality voyeur in a lot of ways, but where reality voyeur is aboutpeople, reality exhibits are aboutthingsandplaces.
Superb examples of reality exhibits:
Show Type 3: The Reality Project
Thereality projectis the kind of show that showcases transformations, where the viewer gets to see the before, after, and in-between of said transformations.
Each episode is usually self-contained with a proper beginning, middle, and end. Fashion makeovers, home improvement, and self-development make up the bulk of this type of reality TV.
Superb examples of reality projects:
Show Type 4: The Reality Experiment
Thereality experimentconcocts an unusual situation or circumstance, puts one or more people in it, and sees what happens.
The focus of this type of show is more on the results, which are often unpredictable, than the people themselves. Hidden camera shows are one of the most popular varieties, as are any shows about social experiments.
Superb examples of reality experiments:
Show Type 5: The Reality Competition
Thereality competitionis exactly what it sounds like: multiple people competing against each other according to a set of rules, usually with some kind of episodic elimination to keep things interesting. Often the competitions revolve around a specific skillset, but not always.
Superb examples of reality competitions:
What’s Your Favorite Reality TV Show?
The key to appreciating reality TV is accepting the fact that all TV shows must be produced to some degree, and there’s no such thing as a 100% authentic “reality show”—the logistics of TV simply don’t allow for it.
But just because a show isproduceddoesn’t mean it’smanufactured. That difference is why I can confidently say thatTerrace HouseandMasterChefare great reality TV whileJersey ShoreandCutthroat Kitchenare trash-tier.
Overall, I think reality competitions are the most interesting type of reality TV, because there’s so much on the line and so many impressive things that can happen along the way.
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