We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Entertainment

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Effects of Reality TV?

By Sheri Cyprus
Updated: May 23, 2024
Views: 11,571
Share

Since reality TV is a relatively new entertainment phenomenon that can have many different forms and formats, all of its possible effects are probably not yet known. The effects of reality TV that are known include an altered sense of what may be real and what may not be, as well as unique types of relationships or connections among the contestants. Television stations enjoy the effects of profitable advertising revenue as nationally broadcast reality programs garner large audiences which allow ad spots on the show to be charged at top prices. Other effects of reality TV involve many contestants being recognized as celebrities by the public, and perhaps even furthering a television career after appearing on one or more of these programs.

For example, Elisabeth Hasslebeck was a contestant on the reality television show Survivor who then became a co-host on the popular American daytime talk show The View. Some people who hope to be actors do sign up to be on reality shows in the hopes of becoming noticed by producers and directors. Especially if a reality participant becomes popular with viewers, he or she may be asked to participate in programs by the same television network or even a competing one. In this way, the effects of reality TV may offer those to want to work in television opportunities to do so that they probably wouldn't have had if they hadn't appeared in one of these programs.

Since national reality TV shows tend to have large audiences, television stations can charge advertisers top prices for the ad spots that air during the shows. This profitability has supported the effects of reality TV's prevalence in the television lineup. Whereas decades ago, game shows and other programs involving contestants competing for prizes weren't anywhere near as dominant in number as situation comedies, dramas and other fare, today that has changed for the most part. Some reality programs have different episodes aired several times a week rather than just weekly.

A skewed sense of reality is often cited as an ironic effect of this type of television programming. For example, in the weeks or months that a reality show takes place, game alliances may be mistaken for friendships. Sometimes, participants who think they are making good friends are in fact just being used to get ahead in the game and end up being voted out by the person or people they trusted. The effects of reality TV on audiences can include a false sense of what is really happening. For example, television editing can make some participants seem quieter than the others even if this really isn't the case, simply by showing them less often than others in the show.

Share
WiseTour is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By Lostnfound — On Jun 26, 2014

Reality TV has its place. I like it when they show really nice people, like "The Little Couple," or they're helping someone like "Extreme Home Makeover" used to do. I also generally like the bridal shows, unless some insufferable bridezilla comes on.

If they're helping people, or educating people, I think it's all right. Some are clearly exploitation, like "Honey Boo Boo" and I think those people on "Hoarders" sometimes are taken advantage of, too.

But I still like to watch shows where I can root for characters and that have a real story arc. I love "Major Crimes" and "NCIS." My mom would be highly offended if they canceled "Blue Bloods." I also like "Law and Order: SVU." I think they represent the best of some of the non-reality television shows.

By Grivusangel — On Jun 25, 2014

C'mon -- do you *really* want to get me started on the effects of reality TV? For starters, it makes celebrities out of people who have neither talent nor charisma. The Kardashians *look* good, but good grief. They are not exactly fabulous people, for the most part.

Sometimes, the shows are good, like "Deadliest Catch," which does give the viewer some insight into an extremely dangerous profession.

You have to keep firmly in mind that everything is scripted and nothing is what it seems. Plus, since reality shows are cheaper to make, scripted television that's worth watching is dwindling down to nothing. I think CBS probably has the consistently strongest shows, but then again, I like crime dramas and police procedurals, so that suits me.

Share
https://www.wisetour.com/what-are-the-effects-of-reality-tv.htm
Copy this link
WiseTour, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseTour, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.