Essential Reality TV Tropes: Analyzing How TV Built Its Own "Reality"

[@thetake]

WATCH MORE - Did you know The Truman Show tried to warn us about the future of reality television? Here's our TAKE: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYPFaJyiobOWn9k

[@bryanalstoncoxing]

I ❤ that you’ve included Tiffany “New York” Pollard, she’s truly one of the most iconic reality TV characters of all time

[@alienboy1322]

I wish I didn't know that woman existed.

[@bryanalstoncoxing]

@@alienboy1322 why?

[@alienboy1322]

@@bryanalstoncoxing I regret watching her shows.

[@p.b.4464]

HBIC!

[@MarshalMarrs]

What about paranormal shows that depict either random people that are paid to pretend to be eyewitnesses or guys pretending to hunt ghosts. For someone that actually has expertise on the paranormal, I would recommend BJ The web guy.

[@muzimthembu453]

Another trope of great reality TV is The Affair. Suspicion and/or the exposure of an act of adultery is the fuel of great reality TV.

[@msatutude17]

I never saw New York as a villian more as anti hero. You can tell she was there to have fun and make some heads roll 😂

[@DeeDaKang1]

Remember how crazy her mother was????

[@dineinunes]

For anyone interested there's a really cool series called UnReal that goes through behind the scenes of a fictional Bachelor-style reality show, it shows how the two show producers manufacture drama for the series and one of them is even more unhinged than the contestants.

[@YaksHearNoises]

Only watch the first season. Pretend the others don't exist.

[@TheYameenah]

@@YaksHearNoises agree

[@bryanalstoncoxing]

LOVED that show (season 1 and part of 2 at least). Made me never watch another dating show the same way again

[@ZombieCookie333]

I loved that show!

[@mariaskabardonis8353]

Yep just mentioned it the first season was really good

[@javis88h]

Gotta love Idol's inspirational stories. "Hi I'm Debbie and I live in a van down by the river... And I'm here today to sing a special song that I used to sing to my dog, who died in World War 3... Ms New Booty."

[@DeeDaKang1]

I can't believe that show still exists.....They need to just do an audition show at this point

[@gaspardbillaux4993]

I love that Drag Race is mentioned cuz as a reality tv show that started as a parody of a reality tv show, it grew really big

[@chrissiem3958]

My brother filmed a pilot episode of a reality series (he was a 'supporting character'), and he said that he and his friends would be having a conversation, and the producer would have them 'cut', and say to them, 'Actually, can you say it this way? It sounds better...' My brother said that literally none of it was reality. As a matter of fact, one of the reasons it wasnt picked up was because none of the guys involved wanted to lean into villian/drama/hot mess tropes. Its was honestly so interesting listening to my bro talk about it. He was very forthcoming about how unreal reality shows are.

[@jo_jo_jo]

One thing I haven't heard discussing is the actual benefits of reality TV. I have always been a rather quiet and shy person, to the point I've been mistreated by classmates and workmates sometimes. Five years ago or so, I started watching Real Housewives (first Beverly Hills, but also New York, Salt Lake City and Potomac). I was mesmerized by the way all the ladies used to speak up and raise their voices whenever they feel to. And watching them show their feelings, debate and command respect has helped me A LOT. It may sound absurd, but every Housewife show tends to have a more mature and articulated cast member. Their always my favourite ones, the ones that are able to defend their postures and debate without losing their pose nor temper. Like Eileen and Garcelle (RHOBH), Betheny and Carol (RHONY), Jackie (RHONJ), Phaedra (RHOA), Meredith (RHOSLC), Heather (RHOOC) and Wendy and Karen (RHOP). I have a special place in my heart for them because I consider all them some sort of mentors in my own path of self-empowerment.

[@ievolcisum]

Very weird and doesn't justify the existence of these shows. Glad you 'respect yourself more, good luck on the rest of your journey 🎉💞✨

[@gnamaryarisirem]

Is it weird that i’ve never watched any of those shows but i know every meme every iconic moment and it feels like i in fact have watched them

[@marie2511]

I wish all reality TV would pack its bags frfr. Top Chef being the exception.😂

[@PokhrajRoy.]

3:35 My favourite Reality Show is ‘Flavor of Love’ because it gave us THE TIFFANY ‘NEW YORK’ POLLARD. And she got her own spin-off too. P.S. I love the memes.

[@bryanalstoncoxing]

She’s the 👑 of memes and GIFs lol It’s even more impressive that she was on a show before social media really existed but has sustained her fame mainly from social media memes and reaction GIFs

[@jo_jo_jo]

Jen Sha being raided by the FBI in RHOSLC season 2 was peak TV. I honestly can't imagine any other scenario worts than that. Giiiiirl, it was so over the top that, even being real, you couldn't but laugh your lungs out.

[@alyzu4755]

We used to watch gladiators fight to the death. Now we watch reality TV. Times haven't changed much.

[@doctordl7757]

What about the troupe where they eliminate a castmate then bring them back out of nowhere as a suprise.

[@RossBaby91]

The twist trope

[@KittySnicker]

Oh man. Flavor of Love was so addictive and a guilty pleasure

[@thesourpatchkidd579]

The best part of reality tv is always the reality, which is why fans watch. It's just harder and harder to capture that reality as reality tv becomes more popular and the stars more successful, and it's easier to put a show together when you can control the narrative and the flow of the drama. Which is why production companies opt for (pretty much) reality tv instead of real reality tv. Many networks have attempted to offset this- Vh1 (I'm surprised you didn't highlight any of their best) did a good job at keeping the reality in by bringing in newbies because their lack of financial security and eagerness for fame meant they could be easily exploited because they would be willing to air out all their dirty laundry for more screen time and they had more dirty laundry, as is the case when you're not rich. Franchises like Black Ink Crew and love and hip hop rose to the top of the charts (and are still airing today) because of the realness of their reality in the first few seasons, when the cast was actually struggling through many things and lacked the resources to solve non self-inflicted problems. In that way healing and growth is the enemy of "good" reality tv, but so is remaining stagnant- when you get your life together your life becomes boring and so does the show, but if you stay the same fans will become disenchanted with your antics (people like Evelyn, Joseline Hernandez, Yandy and others have fallen under heavy scrutiny because what they used to do when we first met them that made us enjoy them so much is problematic now that fans have grown and are looking at the antics in a different light). I'm also surprised that you left out the "off brand" reality tv shows and "networks" that are becoming more and more popular as they focus almost entirely on the "big fight" and their ability to show all of it since they don't have network regulations and government fines to worry about.

[@a1ntcry1noveru]

Wonderful analysis! So true about fans getting disenchanted when you keep acting the same and show no growth. A catch-22 that

[@suchanhachan]

There are two points you left out. One, everything in "reality" TV is fake, and on those very rare occasions when something real happens it's probably toxic, violent and potentially dangerous. Two, everything in these shows is completely meaningless. No one of any age should waste their time on them, but if you're over 25 and spending any significant amount of time watching "reality" TV you really need to start questioning your life choices...

[@Katara-op7ez]

It's not until you see a bunch of these reality tv stars back to back that you realize just how many of them have extreme cosmetic procedures. Got hard to look at after a while.

[@lexsummers5714]

After researching some of the measures production will go to (such as starving of casts and depriving them of sleep) for some good drama, I’m left sitting with cognitive dissonance when viewing reality programs… And my god the ableism is appalling! Pushing someone who’s already vulnerable or unwell to their limits resulting in a full-blown breakdown, meltdown or psychotic episode all in the name of entertainment. Truly unethical 😔 Yikes…

[@robinkholmes7127]

They say a movie is only as good as it's villain, I guess that goes for reality tv too.

[@generalhorse493]

this is why i think so many people love Trailer Park Boys. It's deliberately filmed as if it were Reality Tv, but everyone is so loony and deprived of common sense you can't help but laugh at the non-stop surreal absurdity of it all

[@Josh-the-man]

Lisa Rinna's Amsterdam scene is iconic. Where is Ramona Singer tho?

[@PokhrajRoy.]

13:38 We have those in India too. From KBC (‘Who Wants to Be A Millionaire’) to India’s Got Talent. With exceptions of course.

[@britneyisallyouneedtoknow2406]

Ummm, why did he pick the winner if he was more into the runner up?

[@paisan8766]

Reality TV is an anchor on our society. Lowest common denominator shit.

[@ZeroSubarashii]

Seems like if it were genuine reality it would be boring, but it's so manufactured that it's hard to believe...is there a right formula for this sort of thing...?

[@SagemeisterGeneral]

imho as a 40yo from the UK, Nick Bateman has a lot to answer for. For me, that is where reality TV started. Just like pro wrestling we watch it as much for those moments where reality happens a reality show. The part that makes you go, no but that's real. What happened with Nasty Nick may not have crafted the door but he blew it wide open. ❤

[@favouriteghost]

The twists in Survivor have gotten exhausting at this point. The entire most recent season was so tiring to watch because it kind of didn't matter what the contestants did or what plans they made, because there was always some twist. AND they're so used to it at this point that 90% of the conversations and planning are around who might or might not have an idol or advantage. I'm TIRED. I've always enjoyed Australian Survivor, but now it's definitely the one I prefer, because there's less of that shit.

[@tdsollog]

My favorite are the cooking competition shows.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

3:44 I imagine Leslie Jones going “It’s Omarosa AND I’M STILL PISSED OFF!”

[@estheradegoke9060]

Idk why I expected scandoval to get a mention lol

[@signalfire15]

There will never be another New York!!!! Icon.

[@LeahWalentosky]

I'm surprised Wife Swap wasn't mentioned at all

[@unlikelyspore1406]

Smudge the cat worth every second of this video

[@afterdinnercreations936]

I like to imagine these reality-show stars doing multiple-takes or getting made-up off-screen. The only "reality-TV" is the news, and even that's subject to outside-influences.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

10:56 That Moment When the host gaslights you into thinking you’re being rude by not weeping buckets.

[@mariaskabardonis8353]

Reality shows the tv show Unreal did a good job at the behind the scene of a Bachelor type show of trying to create a villain for entainment sometimes I feel these villains are in on it. I enjoy watching these shows sporadically mostly when I am stressed. Their a good way to laugh and turn your brain off

[@tylerhackner9731]

Interesting 🤔

[@PokhrajRoy.]

5:07 The Hot Mess is why I love shows like X-Factor, Got Talent and American/Indian Idol auditions.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

12:50 I’d be terrible on a Reality show because I wouldn’t have a Sob Story.

[@fateme8113]

Please make a video about hannibal series.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

5:42 They were absolutely fabulous!

[@teenkitsune]

I hate reality tv

[@UnboxingAlyss]

I absolutely HATE this reality BS, but my mom and my sister love it. Thanks to them, I'm familiar with a lot of the crap on the Sunday night TLC lineup. 😕I can see why they get hooked, but it's all scripted bullshit. Not a fan of those kinds of shows, or contect shows. The only reality show I will half-way tolerate is Naked and Afraid.

[@pixiebells]

I loathe about 90% of reality TV the only one I'll regularly watch is where people who are actually talented competing, like drag race. I watched several seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race during quarantine, because drag queens are awesome and it's a true performance art! Plus, I love things like fashion and the drama, while definitely present, is kept to a minimum.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

9:40 OMG this was a moment in history, wasn’t it?

[@oskarkuelz2706]

I have not seen any of these shows and I sure as hell am happy about that now. This is weird and mean and brings out the worst in humans.

[@Josh-the-man]

It's amazing

[@thehapagirl92]

I’m glad I never got into reality tv. It’s fake. Yes I feel superior

[@Angi3_6]

This is why I find “reality” tv shows extremely predictable. They just act in the most extreme, loud, and immature ways. It’s just so reactionary. I usually find comfort in predictability, but I find these shows incredibly boring.

[@lstarsabb]

Especially because the real drama happens off camera.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

At this point, it’s basically expected that ’The Bachelor’ will mess up the winner’s mind.

[@X-Warrior.1119]

To be fair I never liked those type of shows... 😤🙄😒