The reality television genre, and specific reality television shows, have been subject to significant criticism since the genre first rose to worldwide popularity in the 1990s. Much of the criticism has centered on the use of the word "reality", and such shows' attempt to present themselves as a straightforward recounting of events that have occurred. Critics have argued that reality television shows reflect reality in ways that are deceptive or even fraudulent through misleading editing, coaching participants on what to say and how to behave, generating storylines ahead of time, and staging or re-staging scenes for the cameras.[1][2]
Other criticisms of reality television shows include that they are intended to humiliate or exploit participants (particularly on competition shows), that they make celebrities out of untalented people who do not deserve fame, and that they glamorize vulgarity and materialism. Actor and filmmaker Gary Oldman described reality television as "the museum of social decay",[3] while journalist Ted Koppel questioned whether it marked "the end of civilization".[4]
- ^ Booth, William (August 10, 2004). "Reality Is Only An Illusion, Writers Say - Hollywood Scribes Want a Cut Of Not-So-Unscripted Series". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 26, 2009.
- ^ "Just how real are reality TV shows? - Shows may exist in a middle ground – not fully scripted nor completely true". MSNBC. April 14, 2009. Archived from the original on April 10, 2009.
- ^ "Robocop's Gary Oldman: 'My dog has more dignity than the Kardashians'". The Independent. February 10, 2014. Retrieved August 1, 2015.
- ^ Olsson, Jan; Spigel, Lynn (November 9, 2004). Television After TV: Essays on a Medium in Transition. Duke University Press. p. 4. ISBN 978-0822333937.