Reality TV Shows

[TheNoNamedOne]

Do you like to watch reality TV shows? How do you find them in general -- done in good taste or bad taste? What makes you view them one way or the other?

In general, I like them. I think they show us what human nature is like at its core, and to look in the mirror to see that about ourselves I feel is valuable. At least if we know the depths from which we can sink to, we can then work on finding ways to prevent that.

I mostly watch and like them in this order from best to least best:


Survivor
Biggest Loser
Fear Factor
The Bachelor (because my wife does)


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btw dk, why does the font text in a numbered list command become smaller? I also tagged it with bold but the text did not come out as bold, or it did, but because the fonts became smaller, the bold amounted to nothing.

[dk]

I personally can't stand watching reality tv. It just doesn't do it for me. If my tv is on, I'm most likely watching a movie.

I'm not sure what's wrong with the font. Eventually we'll have everything figured out, but as of right now, I know very little more about this message board than any of you guys. :P

[TheNoNamedOne]

I personally can't stand watching reality tv. It just doesn't do it for me.

Really!? For me it is the spontaneity of it and the human emotions layed bare without prerehearsed script covering it all. Someone really crying or screaming their heads off makes me interested to know just what really has caused their emotional makeup to change.

That's intriguing to me and hooks me into the show.

[dk]

Hehehe, if I wanna hear screaming and hissyfits, I just go home. Wanna know how to get emotions to an all-time high and bring chaos to where order once existed? Have a kid. lmao.

[TheNoNamedOne]

lol. Yeah, but you can't quit or get voted out at tribal council. And how do you win a million dollars with just a kid?

Hmmmm....when he/she is in high school pump them full of steroids and get them into sports. If you're lucky they will go pro and repay you(and more) for all the steroid drugs you pumped into them to make them champions worthy of multi-million dollar contracts.

[dk]

Well, my daughter's only 8 months old and she's already had her first modeling shoot. hahaha. She's already earned us Y3,000 and will be in a Japanese magazing on June 15th I believe. :P

When she gets older, I'm going to teach her everything I know about guitars and music and turn her into the next superstar musician.

[Tempestuous]

I'm not a big reality tv person. I don't know that I "buy into" it as being real and unscripted. Sometimes it seems just a little too over the top.
I find myself wondering what actions or parts of the conversation were edited out to make it more dramatic?

If some videoed you and only showed particular clips linked together to create what they wanted the audience to see, I believe they could portray you completely different than you truly are. So I just have a hard time trusting that it is anywhere near accurate.

[dk]

I do like the show "Extreme Akeem" though, if any of you have ever seen it. I may have spelled it wrong. That show just cracks me up. I guess it's one of those "Judge Judy" type shows. Just I like this guy a whole lot more. They seem to always get the lowest of the low end of society on the show and it makes me appreciate what I've got.

[DoctorP]

I watch American Idol and Biggest Loser. Other than that I'm not really interested. And if you think any of them are not scripted you are crazy!

[TheNoNamedOne]

And if you think any of them are not scripted you are crazy!

In what sense and to what degree are you thinking they are scripted, DrP?

Look at Survivor for example; while there have been a few cases (in the first show only to my knowledge) where staff have suggested to others what to do at tribal council, for the most part the contestants say what they want, and do what they want. I haven`t sensed any of them being given a script of what to say and what to do from the producers. Or perhaps you have some information I am not aware of that you could link me to?

On Survivor in every episode as someone is voted out a lot of people get pissed, and if it were scripted, what better way to wreak revenge on the show than to expose it? That really has not happened except for in one or two cases in one of the first or second seasons -- to my knowledge.

I for one am a big Survivor fan, and if it is scripted in such a way that most of their words and actions are not spontaneous, then I'd like to know and see the proof so I could stop spending time watching it.

[TheNoNamedOne]

I have just gotten interested in a new reality show -- Man vs Wild.

Quite entertaining. This former British Special Ops soldier parachutes into remote locations with very little, as if he had nothing much more than a regular camper or hiker would have when they get lost, and then takes several days to find his way out.

Has anyone seen it?

[Tempestuous]

I have just gotten interested in a new reality show -- [B]Man vs Wild[/B ....... Has anyone seen it?

My oldest keeps mentioning he wants to watch it. I can't recall if he has ever caught it or not.
He does love all the SWAT shows....he watches all of them, likes Idol, So our house has at least one reality tv junkie.

If I am flipping channels and nothing of interest is on, I may watch.
I am more for the trashy shows.....CSI (all 3 have grown on me), Law & Order SVU & CI (mostly the USA reruns), Numbers & Grey's Anatomy, like ColdCase & forensic file type shows too.

[TheNoNamedOne]

Bummed out today. My wife forgot to set the vid recorder to get Man versus Wild. Now I have to wait until next Sunday for the next show.

[socalheart]

I mostly watch and like them in this order from best to least best:

The Bachelor (because my wife does)



I never watched reality TV shows. I saw parts of random shows while cooking dinner or getting ready to go out, but I never got into them. My husband watches them. He started watching The Bachelor: an Officer and Gentleman. So, I watched it. I typically only paid attention to the last ten minutes of the show. I already knew who I wanted to make it, and she did. :D I still don't watch reality TV shows, but I do enjoy the chuckle from the American Idol auditions. Does that count?

[dk]

I still don't watch reality TV shows, but I do enjoy the chuckle from the American Idol auditions. Does that count?
I used to HATE American Idol, and I still don't really care for it all that much. But I'm with you. Some of the auditions are just great.

Seemed like somehow this year I managed to watch almost the full season. :rolleyes:

Don't ask me how it happened. I was just sort of in the wrong place at the wrong time. Every week.

[TheNoNamedOne]

Been bumbed out about one of my favorite Reality Shows -- Man vs Wild.

There have been some revelations that some of his survival stunts have actually been staged or altered. For example, in the season finale show, the one where he maroons himself on a deserted Pacific island, he shows us how to build a raft. Well, he makes it looks like has done it in a day or two and shows us how to tie the raft together using vines from the jungle.

Actually, though, they flew someone in from a survival company and this person used rope to actually lash the raft together and it took 10 days for him to build it. This person came forward and admitted being hired by the producers to do so.

I will never look at that show in the same light. I feel duped.

[DoctorP]

I agree! The old "Candid Camera", now that was reality TV!

There are some shows that are called reality TV that are just plain stupid! That pirate show is weird!

[P_chan]

take a video of me waking up, going to work, coming home and eating dinner at sam's. I will most likely have a big steak so you can take a video of me taking a dump later. That is reality tv.

[TheNoNamedOne]

I agree! The old "Candid Camera", now that was reality TV!

There are some shows that are called reality TV that are just plain stupid! That pirate show is weird!

Oh, the old Candid Camera stuff was just classic! I have a good idea for a take on that in a little different direction, and with the small cameras and self editing available, I think some good home made stuff could be created.

I know! My wife gets into that Pirate Show and I can't stand it.

[TheNoNamedOne]

take a video of me waking up, going to work, coming home and eating dinner at sam's. I will most likely have a big steak so you can take a video of me taking a dump later. That is reality tv.

Don't think it would do very well in the ratings. Not entertaining enough.

[dk]

He could always try it out on youtube to start with!

Although, obbligato poops are better.

Yeah, I went there.

[P_chan]

eh I don't like obligato. I came from a city with a large mexican population so I know what real mexican food tastes like. A good yaki niku dump would be entertaining. Then they could record me torturing my wife by farting on her.

[TheNoNamedOne]

Then they could record me torturing my wife by farting on her.

lol. Peter Griffeth did that to his daughter Meg chasing her around the table in the Kitchen. Then she barfed all over.

I love Obligato. I've never been a food snob. I think almost everything put in front of me is great so long as it passes a minimum level of flavor. I don't compare same food genre with the "real" stuff. It takes the fun out of enjoying the meal I am grateful to have in front of me.

Used to have a friend in college who if we didn't eat at a somewhat higher level restaurant always commented, "tastes a little bland." Geeesh!

[Hollarey]

I love Hell's Kitchen and America's Next Top Model.

Gordon Ramsey is another ugly ass focker but his cocky attitude has my attention.

[socalheart]

My husband got me watching Big Brother 8. I've never seen any of the previous Big Brother games before. I'm not about the contestant interaction, just the games and eliminations. I watched a few Hell's Kitchen episodes to watch the big Asian guy get put in the hospital, but that's all. I watch Iron Chef (America and Japan) when we can find it. I'm just not much into the reality tv show thing.

[Fonze]

Been bumbed out about one of my favorite Reality Shows -- Man vs Wild.

There have been some revelations that some of his survival stunts have actually been staged or altered.

Have you seen Survivor Man? That guys realy solo. He's done raft in the ocean, deserted beach and desert so far I'm sure theres more.

One of the Best reality TV show is hands down FLAVA FLAV!:thumbup1:

[Galina]

:D i love flavor flav ! they have a 3rd one coming out. i just watched BB8 last night.my favs were eric and jessica. jessica's brother is a marine..booyah:thumbup:

[TheNoNamedOne]

Man, kinda bummed. Been finding out that a lot of stuff on Man vs Wild is in fact staged. I had really liked that show, but now when I watch it I doubt just about everything I see.

Disappointed that Discovery channel would be a part of this fraud.

[Fonze]

I like that one a little but i do think his wife just acts out. Now the stupidest reality show to date is 'Runs House"on mtv. That whole family plays so much into the camersa.

[Asshat]

Have you seen Survivor Man? That guys realy solo. He's done raft in the ocean, deserted beach and desert so far I'm sure theres more.

One of the Best reality TV show is hands down FLAVA FLAV!:thumbup1:

Fonze, that raft in the ocean segment was pure BS. When they dropped him off, he was in about 70 feet of water and headed directly to that little island.

Also, he makes a big deal about filming himself. I agree that it takes a lot more out of him to do that, but for entertainment value, I like the other guy better.

Why just yesterday, he drank a canteen-full of his own warm piss.

[Asshat]

I never watched reality TV shows. I saw parts of random shows while cooking dinner or getting ready to go out, but I never got into them.

Me too. I don't know what half the shows are in this thread. I do watch Man vs Wild, and Dangerous Catch about the crab fishermen.

Other than that, I am watching King of the Hill, That 70's Show or a movie.

[TheNoNamedOne]

I have to say, I do not even watch Man vs Wild anymore. Yeah, it is entertaining, I guess, but it just p:issed me off that it is put out there as "real".

On one show where he plays lost in the Rocky Mountains he happens upon in a valley clearing what he said were "wild" horses and attempted to move close to ride one. Well, the horses startle and run away, but the thing is, it was found out that the producers had those horses air-lifted in.

And in the same episode he plans to go hunting with a boomer-rang he makes. After making it he goes stalking in the open field and spies a rabbit that is sitting motionless. He gets close to it and throws the boomerang and nails it killing it. Whoa! The big hunter.

Well, it was found out that rabbit was not native to the area and the camera crew in fact had brought two live rabbits in cage for that scene. At one point during the trip one of the crew fell on on the cages and one rabbit was killed. The other broke its legs. So, they set the live one with broken legs up in the field to film the boomer-rang scene.

Yeah, that is why Bear's stalking skills were so good to get him close enough so the rabbit didn't flee. It's legs were broken. Geeesh! Like, WTF!?

[Richard Burns]

I hate reality shows!

Well....I did kind of dig Big Brother.

I hate reality shows and I wondered why there's so many of them.

Here's my guess. It's the economy. Maybe they're doing this because it's cheaper than hiring real actors and actresses.

Oh and here's what's always been my question. How is it reality TV when the people KNOW the cameras are rolling and therefore their actions are dictated by the fact they know they're being filmed?

So then reality TV isn't really reality at all.

I'd say what passes as reality TV today is staged and coereced TV. It's simply acting without a script.

Now shows with hidden cameras or "in the moment" kind of shows like America's Dumbest Criminals or COPS are closer to actual reality shows.

I'd like the JUF team to discuss this subject more in depth.

-The poster formerly known as RB

[Blues]

Here's my guess. It's the economy. Maybe they're doing this because it's cheaper than hiring real actors and actresses.

RB, "reality shows" are cheaper because they dont have to hire actors who belong to a union. Also, they don't have to hire unionized script writers either.

Oh and here's what's always been my question. How is it reality TV when the people KNOW the cameras are rolling and therefore their actions are dictated by the fact they know they're being filmed?

Some of them are more realistic than others. "The Real World" was a bit more realistic until the producers started putting in alot more expensive locations and activities that were funded by the TV show.

Shows like Supernanny, Homeland Security and etc. that dont focus on elaborate ideas like Survivor are alot less out of hand.

I'd say what passes as reality TV today is staged and coereced TV. It's simply acting without a script.

Most of the misleading that goes on is done in the editing to room, to rearrange the timeline of events to make a more suspenseful narrative.

Now shows with hidden cameras or "in the moment" kind of shows like America's Dumbest Criminals or COPS are closer to actual reality shows.

Vert true.

I'd like the JUF team to discuss this subject more in depth.

Please refrain from making that statement.

-The poster formerly known as RB

my answers in bold.

[DoctorP]

Please continue the discussion here

[badkitty]

I heart reality shows. I really do. Some of them are actually helpful while some make you wonder WTF? Some shows you just have to accept at face value, they aren't there to help but just provide our perverted version of fun, Jersey Shore is that show. I do like American Idol (auditions) and that damn home makeover show (if that doesn't yank a tear or two out of you, WTC is wrong with you).

[Hisashiburi]

Survivor starts today!
Still my favorite of the reality shows, even though i lost it for a while during some boring seasons.

I look at "reality TV" like fake bewbs; sure, they're enhanced beyond true reality, but that doesnt make them any less fun to look at.
Besides, the crazy shit that idiots in them do make it totally worth watching (also similar to fake bewbs!)

[Spadesy]

I hate reality shows, they're about as far removed from "reality" as possible. Now taking dangerous criminals and pitting them against each other with clubs...now there's a reality show for you.

[macker]

Jersey Shore", Epitomizes the dumbing down of the USA. The fact that these talentless and unproductive "People" who have nothing but trumped up and self serving personalities can even gain AND RETAIN a fan base/audience is shocking.

I think it's reprehensible that TV companies produce this gar***e and make money from it, and at the same time influence the mental shape of society, which becomes more apt to buy into this crap as model for personal behavior.

The TV comapnies should be held accountable for this.

They should have a reality TV program that shows people that work really hard, and try to live life with some form of moral fabric, who try to contribute to community in some way.
Ohh... That won't get any ratings!! UNTIL 90% of the population IS akin to the yahoo's portrayed on these reality TV programs, which may not be too far away.

BTW.. I'm not just picking on Jersey Shore, it goes for just about ALL reality TV programs out there.

I just have to say that This crap just makes me sick.. You have CVNTS like these guys on Jersey SHore, being complete wanks, with the fake tans and bullshit thinking they are "All that". All the while others are serving in foreign lands and dying. I say bring back the draft... start making all 18years + serve a few years.

I'm not even Right wing FFS!!!

RANT OVER!!

[macker]

Survivor would be much better if the took a group of people, dropped them in the middle of some 3rd world shithole with NO $$ or resources. The Goal is to make it back to the US/ Western world.
No intervention by anyone for any reason.

NOW That would be reality!!

Fuqin Tribes and games... What a load of CRAP!!

[badkitty]

Jersey Shore", Epitomizes the dumbing down of the USA. The fact that these talentless and unproductive "People" who have nothing but trumped up and self serving personalities can even gain AND RETAIN a fan base/audience is shocking.

I think it's reprehensible that TV companies produce this gar***e and make money from it, and at the same time influence the mental shape of society, which becomes more apt to buy into this crap as model for personal behavior.

The TV comapnies should be held accountable for this.

They should have a reality TV program that shows people that work really hard, and try to live life with some form of moral fabric, who try to contribute to community in some way.
Ohh... That won't get any ratings!! UNTIL 90% of the population IS akin to the yahoo's portrayed on these reality TV programs, which may not be too far away.

BTW.. I'm not just picking on Jersey Shore, it goes for just about ALL reality TV programs out there.

I just have to say that This crap just makes me sick.. You have CVNTS like these guys on Jersey SHore, being complete wanks, with the fake tans and bullshit thinking they are "All that". All the while others are serving in foreign lands and dying. I say bring back the draft... start making all 18years + serve a few years.

I'm not even Right wing FFS!!!

RANT OVER!!

TV studios are giving people what they want. It's all about rating and if that show truly sucked we wouldn't be hearing about fist pumping and GTL. In actuality the TV studios are smart because they are lining their pockets with $$ because the dumb ass youth are watching this shit

[Blues]

Junk tv like this aspires normal thinking people to attempt some serious faggotry behavior....

http://www.publicaddress.net/assets/img/hardnews/GuidoOompa.jpg

wait a minute, why are these fags' collars NOT POPPED!?

[macker]

TV studios are giving people what they want. It's all about rating and if that show truly sucked we wouldn't be hearing about fist pumping and GTL. In actuality the TV studios are smart because they are lining their pockets with $$ because the dumb ass youth are watching this shit

Thats why they should be help accountable.

PEOPLE have no idea what they want. If I was to give you some crack, you'd want more, I would give it to you. I would be rich, you would be fuqd.
Please explain the difference.

The part about freedom that people are forgetting is with freedom comes responsibility. Everything from the banks-TV shows to some slapper on jersey shore has neglected to acknowledge this point and act in a responsible manner and be held accountable for the actions/inactions.

I know I'm stretching an argument here, but the point is the same. It's NOT acceptable to say "FUQ" on TV, or show 2 people "FUQIN", but it's completely OK and endorsed to show people acting and saying some of the most stupid things and celebrating it.

Something has gone VERY WRONG!

[Spadesy]

Jersey Shore", Epitomizes the dumbing down of the USA. The fact that these talentless and unproductive "People" who have nothing but trumped up and self serving personalities can even gain AND RETAIN a fan base/audience is shocking.

I think it's reprehensible that TV companies produce this gar***e and make money from it, and at the same time influence the mental shape of society, which becomes more apt to buy into this crap as model for personal behavior.

The TV comapnies should be held accountable for this.

They should have a reality TV program that shows people that work really hard, and try to live life with some form of moral fabric, who try to contribute to community in some way.
Ohh... That won't get any ratings!! UNTIL 90% of the population IS akin to the yahoo's portrayed on these reality TV programs, which may not be too far away.

BTW.. I'm not just picking on Jersey Shore, it goes for just about ALL reality TV programs out there.

I just have to say that This crap just makes me sick.. You have CVNTS like these guys on Jersey SHore, being complete wanks, with the fake tans and bullshit thinking they are "All that". All the while others are serving in foreign lands and dying. I say bring back the draft... start making all 18years + serve a few years.

I'm not even Right wing FFS!!!

RANT OVER!!

Yeah, maybe it's just me but I think the whole "it's all about me" attitude is popular amongst today's youth, even to the point where hard work ethic is mistaken for subservience.

I recall a few corporals when I was a corporal talking crap about this boot PFC running around completing tasks that were even outside of his MOS. I argued saying he was just working hard, completing ten times more than what those lazy bastards were doing. Of course there came a retort questioning "where I stood". I told him the point still stands and he just chuckled.

You gotta strike a balance between carrying yourself like a man and getting things done for others, can't just be one or the other.

[Mizzes V]

junk tv like this aspires normal thinking people to attempt some serious faggotry behavior....

http://www.publicaddress.net/assets/img/hardnews/guidooompa.jpg

wait a minute, why are these fags' collars not popped!?

lmao..the guy in the middle looks gay and pooped...

[Richard Burns]

Thats why they should be help accountable.
PEOPLE have no idea what they want. If I was to give you some crack, you'd want more, I would give it to you. I would be rich, you would be fuqd.
Please explain the difference.
The part about freedom that people are forgetting is with freedom comes responsibility. Everything from the banks-TV shows to some slapper on jersey shore has neglected to acknowledge this point and act in a responsible manner and be held accountable for the actions/inactions.
I know I'm stretching an argument here, but the point is the same. It's NOT acceptable to say "FUQ" on TV, or show 2 people "FUQIN", but it's completely OK and endorsed to show people acting and saying some of the most stupid things and celebrating it.
Something has gone VERY WRONG!


1. MTV is a cable channel.
2. People can swear and fuck on cable TV. (HBO and Cinnemax are examples)

[macker]

I was just watching a few weeks ago in USA, "Fuck" is bleeped out, maybe before a certain time at night??

[macker]

Actually.. "Goddamn" "Shit" "balls" "dick" and almost any other "Dirty" word was bleeped out too...
I was watching the comedy channel a lot!

[Hollarey]

Jersey Shore

Fist pumps....yay!

[gtlm2000]

Japanese TV doesn't have much reality show. Why is it popular in US?

[Mizzes V]

Japanese TV doesn't have much reality show. Why is it popular in US?

Because the majority people in the US feed their happiness with the misery or drama events from other individuals . Hard to believe, but it is true..

[Richard Burns]

I don't watch it much but I'd say The Biggest Loser and Extreme Makeover Home Edition are good shows as they help people.

[dk]

I like documentaries.

That's about as real as you can get. Here's my favorite Reality TV:

http://isohunt.com/img.php?mode=release&path=264845.jpg

There's nothing hotter than some of the SMART AND HOT science chicks they have on that show. True nerd women... Gahahhah.

Getting the shivers just thinking about it. Speak astrophysics to me, women! :D

[Richard Burns]

I love The Universe.

[SnaFu]

Extreme Makeover is the only reality TV show remotely worth a damn but I would rather read about it in the paper or hear about it in the news. It would be nice to see some positive news for a change but unfortunately that don't sell.

I think all reality TV shows suck.