I am ashamed to admit it, but my wife got him hooked on big brother. Not sure what it is about that show, but I find it very interesting to watch how total strangers interact with each other in that type of environment.

Best show ever.

I agree with Robert to a point… but only on those types of shows. Yes, Big Brother, the Bachelor, etc. are all so far away from reality they should be called anti-reality shows.

But compare them to Deadliest Catch. I was hooked on DC for a season or two. Why? Because it is real. These guys are out in the middle of the north pacific where at least one sailor dies each year. It’s crazy risky stuff — and it is a real job. That’s what I’ll watch.

Then again all television is garbage for the most part. Everyone wants a piece of your dollar.

Dirty Jobs!

So-called “reality tv” is nothing but garbage. The purpose of reality tv programming is to embarrass and humiliate basically stupid, greedy people. Those who participate in such reality shows are all idiots, as also must be those who actually watch this excrement.

I see no “redeeming social value” in watching idiots with no self-respect behaving badly in the workplace, or in a secluded tropical location, or in a boardroom, or while living together, or watching self-absorbed arseholes pimp themselves out, or following D and lower-level celebrities, whose careers are beyond repair, carry on with siblings, spouses, family members and entourages.

Anyone who watches THE SOUP or THE DISH can see how much pure excrement is currently on both broadcast and cable stations.

This type of “reality tv” is actually dangerous to young viewers, teaching that greed is king, that it is acceptable to behave badly, and that humiliation if funny. Reality tv is far more dangerous than any brief wardrobe malfunction.

I am not familiar with the individual shows that you mentioned, as I refuse to watch any “reality tv”. They seem more documentary in nature than what has come to be known as reality television. What I do not consider to be of this pitiful genre are perhaps real reality shows like the home improvement programs on HGTV and DIY and “make-over” shows like “What Not to Wear”.

I dare anyone to defend such shows as The Bachelor, Bachelorette, More to Love, Apprentice, Biggest Loser, Big Brother, or any “reality” program on MTV, VH1 or E.

While those who appear on, and those who watch, reality tv are truly big losers, the Biggest Loser is the “normal” tv viewer, who is deprived of real entertainment. For every hour of the Apprentice we lose an hour of perhaps the next MASH or HILL STREET BLUES or other truly entertaining scripted drama or comedy.

TWTP

I do enjoy the true life forensics shows when they are on (not a fan of CSI, though). Every now and then, I’ll stumble upon a mini-marathon and watch them. I’m a bit of a crime enthusiast (crime is featured in a fair number of my short stories).

But my favorite reality show would probably have to be “True Life.” It’s weird but interesting when you could relate to the people exposing & dealing with their problems.