Reality taking a nosedive
Lack of good, consistent programming or problem with commitment? Well, when it comes to my television viewing habits – it may be a little bit of both. Reality shows have taken over TV Guide – American Idol, Survivor, Big Brother, Dancing with the Stars, Top Chef, Hell’s Kitchen – the list goes on forever. I’ve watched all of these and more at some point in time, but realized that I have trouble remaining a loyal viewer. Why watch three months of Big Brother, three days a week and then Tivo the finale, only watching it a week later because there was nothing else on? The news of who won was plastered all over the Internet making it impossible to keep the suspense going – and, right after it aired, my mom immediately calls to give me the recap. “I haven’t watched it yet – don’t tell me!!” didn’t come soon enough.
None of that really made a difference though. My interest in television has really taken a nose dive. The writer’s strike didn’t affect me one way or the other because most of the TV I watch is unscripted. This year’s Academy Awards were the worst I can remember, and the ratings matched my disappointment. American Idol was hyped as the most talented season ever, but its viewership (including me) is leaving by the droves. Just a quick side rant—the show was rigged from the beginning to take David Archuleta to the finals… I can’t look or listen to him anymore because he’s devoid of any real personality and would only feel truly at home singing at a Disney theme park. Maybe that’s unfair, but that’s the fun of reality TV—we can judge these “real people” and feel better about ourselves in the process.
What has happened to TV? A headline in USA Today reads, “Top shows hit lows; was it the strike?” Doubtful. It could be a million and one things, but for me- it’s coming to the slow realization that maybe reality television isn’t the mainstay that everyone thinks it is and having a complete void of original, smart programming (i.e. Seinfeld, Sopranos, TGIF (remember that??)) is not without consequences… and viewers.
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Comments
As a matter of fact I hate TV so much at the moment that I don’t even pay for service. My boyfriend does, so I get the occasional dose of Discovery, History, Food, and Cartoon Network that I need, but other than that, I just surf the web and get Netflix.
Ugh, I agree! And just when we thought it couldn’t get any worse welcome to summer. The TV stinker season, where I’m supposed to get excited about watching Regis Philb-idiot host a game show with third rate celebs? Thanks but I’ll just sit here in the corner and watch paint dry.
I hate reality tv, I hate shows that you MUST watch back to back.
I LOVE Seinfeld and TGIF. Bring back the scripts and pronto.