Introduction

Reality television has become a staple of American pop culture over the past few decades. American reality shows first emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s with shows like Cops, The Real World, and Road Rules. Since then, the genre has exploded in popularity, with hundreds of reality shows airing across major networks. This article will examine the history and evolution of American reality shows, their impact on culture, and reasons for their widespread appeal.

A Brief History of American Reality Shows

The origins of reality television can be traced back to 1948 when Candid Camera first aired. This show filmed ordinary people being placed in unusual situations. However, the genre didn’t fully take off until the 1980s and 1990s when MTV’s The Real World premiered in 1992. This pioneered the “reality show” format by following a group of young adults living together.

Shortly after, competition-based shows like Survivor and Big Brother began airing and rose to popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s. These shows placed strangers together in a house or stranded on an island and set up contests where contestants were eliminated each week. Other hit competition shows included America’s Next Top Model and American Idol, which aired in 2003.

The 2000s saw an explosion of reality subgenres, including dating shows like The Bachelor, makeover shows, lifestyle shows, and celebrity variations. Currently, some of the most popular American reality shows include competition shows like The Voice and American Ninja Warrior as well as family shows like the various Real Housewives franchises. Reality TV continues to be a staple of American television today.

Reasons for the Popularity of American Reality Shows

There are several factors that explain why American reality shows have become so popular:

• Drama and Conflict: Most reality shows highlight interpersonal conflict between cast members. The drama keeps viewers engaged and tuning in.
• Relatability: Shows feature “everyday people,” not actors. Viewers can relate to the real-life struggles and triumphs.
• Voyeurism: Viewers get a glimpse into other people’s lives and behind-the-scenes looks at unfamiliar worlds.
• Humor: Many reality shows have funny commentary from cast members or host narration that provides comic relief.
• Escapism: For viewers, it can be an entertaining escape from their own lives and problems.
• Authenticity: Reality TV is perceived as unscripted and showing real behavior vs. fiction.
• Participation: Some shows incorporate audience voting and feedback, making viewers feel invested.
• Characters: Reality shows contain larger-than-life personalities that keep audiences fascinated.

The Impact of American Reality Shows on Culture

American reality shows have had significant impacts on pop culture, societal trends, and media production:

• Introduced new slang and catchphrases into the cultural lexicon
• Inspired millions to pursue careers in performance and entertainment
• Presented alternative depictions of American families and lifestyles
• Increased thirst for fame and attention in American society
• Pushed ethical boundaries for entertainment with controversial antics
• Launched social media influencer careers for standout cast members
• Caused debate about embellishing reality on shows and producer manipulation
• Demonstrated that unscripted programming can be as engaging as expensive fiction
• Spurred networks to generate cheaper reality content for higher profits
• Fueled unattainable body image ideals particularly in dating shows
• Propagated stereotypes about certain groups like New Jersey residents or teenage mothers

Notable Examples of Influential American Reality Shows

Survivor

Survivor debuted on CBS in 2000 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. It set the standard for survival competition reality shows, stranding contestants on an island and having them vote each other off while competing in physical challenges. Its success inspired numerous copycats and proved the popularity of the reality competition format.

The Real Housewives

This Bravo franchise launched with The Real Housewives of Orange County in 2006 and has since spawned 10+ spinoffs set across the U.S. The show dramatizes the lavish lifestyles of wealthy housewives and moms and has fueled popular catchphrases like “close your legs to married men” and “money can’t buy you class.”

The Bachelor

Premiering on ABC in 2002, The Bachelor revolutionized dating shows by having 25 women compete for the affection of one eligible bachelor. Its popular rose ceremony elimination set-up has been copied widely. It remains one of the highest-rated reality series after more than two decades.

American Idol

The singing competition show launched huge music careers like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Jennifer Hudson. Its panel of music star judges also influenced culture, with Simon Cowell known for his biting criticism. At its peak popularity in 2006, nearly 40 million people watched the season finale.

The Real World

MTV’s pioneering show about seven young adult strangers picked to live together premiered in 1992 and is credited with originating the modern reality TV genre. Its diverse casts dealing with issues like racism, sexuality, addiction and politics had a major influence on 1990s youth culture.

Keeping Up With the Kardashians

Starring Kim Kardashian and her family, Keeping Up With the Kardashians aired from 2007-2021 and helped make the family a household name. It fueled their influential brand and stardom across social media, fashion and pop culture.

The Evolution of American Reality Shows

American reality shows have evolved significantly from their origins in the 1980s and 1990s. Here are some of the key ways the genre has changed:

• Greater diversity in casting and inclusion of minority communities
• Expanding from competition formats to focus more on relationships, families, jobs
• More elaborate behind-the-scenes production with advanced editing and filming
• Incorporating viewer participation through voting, social media interaction, etc.
• Advent of “celebreality” shows following famous figures like the Kardashians
• More explicit and controversial content to push boundaries of what is acceptable
• Branded product placement and sponsorships within shows
• Multi-night episodes, reunion specials and post-season follow-ups
• Development of iconic reality personalities called “breakout stars”
• Spinoff shows launched featuring favorite cast members
• Hosts playing a bigger role, almost as cast members themselves
• Traveling to exotic international locations from typical U.S. backdrops
• YouTube and streaming providing new platforms beyond traditional cable

The Future of American Reality Shows

It does not appear that the popularity of reality shows will fade anytime soon. However, audiences continue getting more desensitized to outrageous behavior and drama, demanding new levels of excess. We may see reality shows that incorporate even more interactivity through apps and VR technology. There also may be backlash against the genre’s detrimental impacts like promoting materialism and body image issues, causing networks to re-evaluate their programming. But reality TV likely won’t be leaving American airwaves in the near future given the lower production costs compared to scripted series and the continued public obsession with celebrity culture. Networks have found a successful formula with reality shows and will continue to churn out new iterations to satiate audiences’ desire for entertainment and escapism through watching the lives of others.

Conclusion

From Candid Camera to Keeping Up With the Kardashians, American reality shows have come a long way while maintaining a strong cultural footprint for over 70 years. Reality television has shaped pop culture, fueled new slang, launched careers, demonstrated diverse perspectives and lifestyles, and provided escapist entertainment to millions of viewers. Competition shows, makeovers, dating pursuits, celebrity spotlights and more – the drama-filled voyeurism of reality TV has become ingrained across American society. Networks have capitalized on this insatiable appetite for content featuring everyday people thrust into environments ripe for rivalries, romance and ridiculous antics. While some feel reality shows have had detrimental impacts, the genre has undoubtedly changed entertainment and broadcasting. It remains to be seen how reality television will continue evolving in today’s internet-fueled media landscape. But one thing is clear – American reality shows have become a definitive part of the country’s cultural identity.

Sources:

• Johnson, Derek. “A Brief History of American Reality TV.” Medium, 25 June 2020, https://derekjohnsontv.medium.com/a-brief-history-of-american-reality-tv-cec4c3e9e459.
• Poniewozik, James. “Why Reality TV Works.” Time, 12 July 2007, http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1644402,00.html.
• Stanhope, Kate. “How Reality TV Has Changed.” TV Guide, 27 Mar. 2015, https://www.tvguide.com/news/reality-tv-changed-1089139/.
• Busch, Anita. “Unscripted TV’s Conundrum As Viewers Continue To Crave Its Programming.” Deadline, 23 Aug. 2019, https://deadline.com/2019/08/reality-tv-undimmed-appeal-producers-weigh-costs-1202672152/.