Why is reality tv taking over our tv's?

1. 58

   CKayDposted 8 years ago

   Why is reality tv taking over our tv's?

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2. 68

   lisavollrathposted 8 years ago

   Because it's cheaper to produce than a series or a movie.

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      bradmasterOCcalposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      True and you don't have to pay for high priced actors.

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3. 51

   bradmasterOCcalposted 8 years ago

   I don't know, but I think there is a correlation between the continued decline of the US and the rise in reality TV.
   
   Reality TV is a conundrum as it doesn't depict real life.

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4. 83

   Dean Traylorposted 8 years ago

   Production cost is one reason. The other is that you can mass produce them because you probably don't have to use as many re-takes as a typical theatrical or TV drama/comedy show. Also, I suspect the scripts don't need constant rewrites (yes, these shows actually have scripts). In many respects the wizard of these shows are editors that don't often require hefty paychecks like the onscreen stars or director (yes, they have those too).

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5. 71

   dashingscorpioposted 8 years ago

   
   
   Lisa is correct!
   It's cheap to produce and targets the magic "18-49 age demographic".
   TV ratings are broken down into demographics in which the advertisers see the 18-49 year olds as being the "prime demographic" they want to advertise their products to.
   Even though a show (may not) be #1 overall, if it has a high number in the 18-49 age group of viewers the network is likely to make a lot more money from advertisers.
   With non scripted shows the network producers don't have to pay high fees to writers or actors, and the "locations" held down to one or two places per episode.
   Younger viewers in particular are less attached to "name brand" actors/actresses.
   Looking good or having a flamboyant personality is enough to garner their viewership.
   It also encourages many of them to believe (they too) could get on one of these shows and become rich & famous.
   Ratings and profits for these shows are easier to obtain than it is for taking a financial risk on major actors and producers whose shows require a new weekly storyline driven by plot points.
   Hollywood is full of {want to be actors} willing to work for scale or dirt cheap just to be on TV.
   If a show becomes a major hit the network will have made a ton of money before having to give them a significant raise. If the show flops you simply come up with another concept.

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