When we were young, most of our families would gather around the television on
Friday nights and engage in some good, quality television. The common shows that peaked our interest were shows like “Family Matters,” “Step by Step,” “Moesha” and “Saved by the Bell.”
Average Americans could relate to and understand these shows.
These quality sitcoms were respected because they involved a lot of hard work and dedication.
Now major networks have taken a turn for the worst. Compared to the year before, last year from the month of January to March there were over 300 production days in L.A. dedicated to unscripted shows.
A production day is one day representing a day of work at a single location, which means, unfortunately there are a lot of reality shows on television.
The current reality shows are ridiculous. These shows are flooding the television network.
They are not only unscripted, they are also effortless.
People are making shows about anything.
There are shows that range from people striving to lose weight to people competing for the love of a not so attractive man.
Although, some of these shows are hilarious, many do not live up to the shows that had a purpose.
Luckily, there are a few remaining television shows still on the air via syndication that cater to those of us who desire a break from reality television. Like old episodes of the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”
Some anti-reality TV activists have formed groups on Facebook, dedicated to encouraging people from watching reality shows.
On its Facebook page, the groups statement is, “Anti-reality television because watching people’s fake lives does get old.”
This is so true.
Many others may not feel this way and isn’t a surprise. Some Web sites constantly feed the reality television show lover.
For instance, realityshows.com gives addicted viewers up-to-date information on current reality television show stars.
They even have a link for reality show casting calls, so the people can receive their fifteen minutes of fame or achieve the “get famous quick scheme.”
Reality shows are dominating television because everyone is eager to see what happens next.
As a result of this, several show sequels are created. It’s like a never-ending story. The L.A. Times reported this increase in reality shows makes fans of reality TV happy, but those inside the industry are not, because “unscripted” TV has fewer economic benefits than other types of television shows.
These decreased benefits are unfair to many actors, especially the aspiring actors that attend their theater classes everyday to one day be come great actors and actresses.
Reality television is blurring the visions of everyone and making us lose sight of the quality television shows that we once loved.
Kwamae Simpkins is a sophomore magazine production student from Pensacola, Fla. She can be reached at famuanopinions@gmail.com