Why Do We Love Reality TV?

Because 70% of people would not put themselves in the position to be judged globally.

Over the past couple of decades, reality TV has taken the world by storm. It’s a source of entertainment, a way to learn about different livelihoods, offers new perspectives, and brings communities together.

Critically acclaimed shows like The Real Housewives, The Bachelor(ette), Survivor, Vanderpump Rules, Big Brother, Love is Blind, or 90-Day Fiancé have casts that allow the world into their thoughts, hearts and lives to laugh, be entertained, empathize, and judge. Most people are not vulnerable enough to be examined in this way.

So why do we love it?

The first reality TV show, Candid Microphone, was born in 1948. This show candidly filmed non-actors reactions to practical jokes and is the blueprint for many hidden-camera reality shows (Punked, Impractical Jokers, Prank Encounters) we still see today.

In the 90s, reality TV began to emerge as a genre. MTV’s The Real World changed reality TV as we know it by bringing together a group of people who had never met, implementing confessionals, and three months of consistent video documentation to form one solid, entertaining, real series following the lives of seven 20-something New Yorkers.

Shortly after, the world was introduced to The Challenge, True Life, Blind Date, Judge Judy, Survivor, and Big Brother, starting a new era of television.

Today, nearly 80% of adults who watch TV regularly report watching reality television.

Now, reality shows fit into almost every genre of television. Romance, drama, sci-fi, action, you name it. Whether The Kardashians or Big Brother, reality TV allows the audience to live vicariously through the cast.

Those who create the show often strategically curate which cast member plays which role. This keeps the show entertaining and makes the viewers feel they can relate to or know at least one person on the show. Contrarily, it causes viewers to form their own opinions and be vocal (sweet or not) about their feelings for cast members.

Social media and reality TV are the perfect duo in this way—giving viewers proximity to the people they watch on their screens.

So, why do we love it?

Reality TV is like being a fly on the wall. Not in the “watching a movie” sense where an actor fully embodies a character (if you’re lucky), it gives you the perspective of life at a fancy gala, on a game show in the jungle, or in a scary house hunting ghosts. It allows you to see a situation from multiple perspectives, better understand human nature, and realistically envision (sometimes ruminate) how your life would be if that were you.

Although the magic that is reality TV has slowly started to be revealed over the years, the benefits of watching still reign supreme.

“The smartest person you know watches reality TV.” - Says everyone ever