Reality TV shows are everywhere. People, including me, just can’t seem to get enough of the drama surrounding the loves of other people and for many, like Meredith Viera who I just saw confess in the Ellen show, watching certain reality shows is their guilty pleasure.
Before there were reality TV shows though the thing that paved its way are the reality RADIO shows that came out during the 40s. A direct ancestor of one of the first TV reality shows ever is the Candid Microphone, which placed prank calls to radio listeners, a reality radio format that can still be heard on radio these days. The reality TV show that sprung from this is called the Candid Camera, making Punk’d ideas really old. Nevertheless prank shows are still really enjoyable.
Immediately following the prank shows came the game shows, talent shows and competitions with shows in the Beat the Clock, Ted Mack’s Original Amateur Hour, and Miss America. The first reality show that got audience feedback to be able to decide on their content came out in the 1950s in the form of You Asked for It. After that reality show after reality show came out and now we have everything from documentary type reality shows to dating shows and social experiments. And still we can’t seem to get enough of these shows!
And just in case you’re wondering, Meredith Viera feels guilty about watching the Bachelor. It’s ok Meredith take Ellen’s cue and embrace your addiction. ^_^