The Reality for Real Actors
TPB | Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at 7:37AM
So the other night I was asked the question: “How long, would you say, this reality
stuff has been going on on TV?” I responded with my usual “I dunno.” I don’t really know but my earliest memory is the MTV show The Real World that “starred” Kevin Powell (which I had never watched). I had forgotten all about the show COPS. Turns out reality TV has a longer history than I realized. If you’re interested you can get a brief history of Reality TV at Wikipedia.
The only thing I AM really, really sure about is that I’M OVER REALITY TV!!! Sorry… had a moment. Okay, I will admit that reality TV has it’s benefits. Certainly from a programming standpoint for the networks. The sensationalism of reality television draws eyeballs which in turn draws loads of advertising dollars. Reality TV has also been an effective platform from which to catapult successful careers in media, entertainment, politics, fashion, business, etc. This is actually one of the things I appreciate most about the reality television genre. I believe it became a viable career springboard for the “ordinary person” unexpectedly.
I enjoy the heck out of some reality shows and Mark Burnett is like a TV Deity to me. But good grief. Now, every broadcast and cable station has their own twist on reality that covers food, fashion, talent, dance, sports, romance, family relationships, make-overs, business, charity, auto & mechanics, police activity, and it goes on. A large portion of television real estate is being used for this voyeuristic TV viewing genre. I don’t want to continue with this behavior! I might need a patch though. (And yes, there is somewhat of a contradiction in my thought pattern here :)—that’s the unstable part).
Seriously, I’d like to get back to watching drama that is not trying to fool me into thinking that I am watching a scenario play out in real time, un-edited and unscripted. Reality television is about as staged as fictional drama, the difference being a cast of “regular” people vs. trained actors (like Sanaa Lathan pictured above). I’m beginning to feel like skilled, professional thespians are becoming an endangered species (where’s PETA when you need them?). Are you still loving Reality TV? Do you think “real” actors are endangered?
Reader Comments (3)
I've never thought there was anything good about reality tv. Not to say that I haven't gotten sucked in to a show or two. And sadly, it's usually the worst ones that I get hooked on for a few episodes. But part of the reason that most nights I don't even turn the TV on is because I don't want to waste my time watching that dreck. I'd rather waste my time here on facebook - which often has all the drama and intrigue of reality tv - except I know the characters.
just want to let you know I love your blog and check it often.
Keep doing what you're doing!
Thanks Cheryl! Your feedback is appreciated and I'm glad someone other than me is enjoying it! :)