Reality Television In the 21st Century

By Jabari Howard on March 5, 2013

There used to be a time when television could be used as a medium for kids to learn, and then reality television happened. Reality television revolutionized and forever changed the landscape of what we see on television. Shows like Survivor, American Idol, and The Real World became pioneers of 21st century TV. Fast-forward some years and we now have Honey Boo Boo, the seven-year-old beauty pageant participant.

Reality TV was at one point something exciting and original. American Idol was one of the first successful reality competitions shows so twenty other networks decided to make shows just like it. Survivor put contestants alone in the wilderness competing for a cash prize. Obviously the next logical step would be a show called “Kid Nation” where CBS dumped 40 children onto an abandoned ranch where they would become pioneers and create a functioning society in 40 days. Needless to say “Kid Nation” did not last long and was widely criticized for child labor violations.

On a more positive note, in the world of reality television Bigfoot hunters, moonshiners, Flavor Flav groupies, hoarders, and Amish youths can all have an equal opportunity at success and fame. When it comes to reality TV no one is left out. Do you live in a trailer park? If so TLC has a show just for you. Myrtle Manor follows the crazy antics of one of the best trailer parks in the entire United States of America.

“With shows like The Real World, 16 & Pregnant, and I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant today’s youth have a great selection of television programs that offer a valuable and unique learning experience” said no one ever.

One cannot, however, question the diversity of reality television; shows like “Whisker Wars” and “I Cloned My Pet” make sure of that. “Whisker Wars” is a show about competitive facial hair growing. TLC’s “I Cloned My Pet” is as they describe “a show about people who love their dearly departed pets so much they pursue the extremely expensive, not entirely logical goal of having them cloned.”

What’s great about reality television is that anyone can become a star. So if you ever find yourself bored with your day-to-day life or you have found yourself on hard times, becoming a reality TV star might be the best solution to your problems.

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