Sue’s question has been asked since one of the first reality shows, AN AMERICAN FAMILY in 1973. Right away, people are asking if the presence of cameras recording the Loud family (that was their name) altered, or even controlled, the reality.
Albert Brooks examined the question in his comedy film REAL LIFE. He portayed a fictionalized version of himself conducting the same experiment on a fictional family (with Charles Grodin playing the father.) Movie Brooks could not help himself from interfering directly, and trying to guide the results, which were a disaster. So the film seemed to take the position that the experiment did change the reality, and was not, and inherently could not, be honest.
Reality shows started during a writers’ strike long ago (IIRC it was the late 1980s or early 90s) MTV Real World and CBS Survivor. Basically the director and producer and staff come up with the overall plot and direction, drop in scenarios and plot complications and set the participants loose. The daughter of a friend of mine was almost rejected form a Real World season because she was a psych major. They wanted party people for that show.
Which is why I can’t watch them. People aren’t usually their honest selves in front of the camera. And if that is the way “real” housewives behave… I’ll stay in my lane, thanks.
Yakety Sax 4 months ago
Burned out.
alien011 4 months ago
There are some reality shows that are more real than others, but most are scripted dirt.
ATGMer 4 months ago
Reality can’t be depicted in a show.
DawnQuinn1 4 months ago
A “reality show” is an oxymoron. Only morons believe it is real.
Thomas Scott Roberts creator 4 months ago
Sue’s question has been asked since one of the first reality shows, AN AMERICAN FAMILY in 1973. Right away, people are asking if the presence of cameras recording the Loud family (that was their name) altered, or even controlled, the reality.
Albert Brooks examined the question in his comedy film REAL LIFE. He portayed a fictionalized version of himself conducting the same experiment on a fictional family (with Charles Grodin playing the father.) Movie Brooks could not help himself from interfering directly, and trying to guide the results, which were a disaster. So the film seemed to take the position that the experiment did change the reality, and was not, and inherently could not, be honest.
poppacapsmokeblower 4 months ago
Forgive me, but instead of his mind being blown, that’s mold. I’ve seen it on bread.
RobinHood 4 months ago
Ah, yes, The Harry Mudd technique.
Teto85 Premium Member 4 months ago
Reality shows started during a writers’ strike long ago (IIRC it was the late 1980s or early 90s) MTV Real World and CBS Survivor. Basically the director and producer and staff come up with the overall plot and direction, drop in scenarios and plot complications and set the participants loose. The daughter of a friend of mine was almost rejected form a Real World season because she was a psych major. They wanted party people for that show.
tammyspeakslife Premium Member 4 months ago
Which is why I can’t watch them. People aren’t usually their honest selves in front of the camera. And if that is the way “real” housewives behave… I’ll stay in my lane, thanks.