Breeze Perspectives: Television programming needs a reality check
I am probably one of the biggest fans of many reality series, including “America’s Next Top Model” and “American Idol,” but I am beginning to wonder how much more reality TV America can handle.
Some may know that the Miss America pageant aired Saturday. I thought it was amazing that the producers of this show actually took this formal, older-style pageant and revamped it by creating a reality show called “Miss America: Reality Check.” This show ran before the pageant aired as a way to train the state finalists how to be the best Miss America.
It was interesting that the judges did not want the contestants to act like pageant girls who compete in the traditional Miss America contest. They taught the contestants how to walk, stand, act and dress in a more modern way instead of the traditional pageant style. They even gave them all makeovers in order to give them a new, updated appearance. In other words, the show was used as a way to modernize the Miss America contestants and pageant. It was not that the “Miss America: Reality Check” show was that bad, it just made me realize that all reality shows are alike. The Miss America pageant is completely changing the style it has held for years in order to compete with the rest of reality television. This is just one example of how many longtime shows are turning into reality shows.
A few years ago, “American Idol” seemed to be one of the only reality shows. Its immense success made producers realize they could attract viewers with a simple formula for reality-like contests, and these shows sprung up all over television networks. The first reality shows were such a hit because they were original, but after about 20 of them, these shows began to become a little monotonous and uncreative.
I wish TV networks would start making some of the intriguing types of shows we grew up watching. I am sure many of you can remember getting so excited to see every episode of “Saved By the Bell,” “Boy Meets World,” “Friends” and other old-school type of shows. These were cool shows that many of us followed through our childhood and teenage years. Most of these types of shows are now off the air or are bumped to inconvenient times to make way for new reality shows.
Many of the older shows had different story lines that made them unique, but reality shows seem like a copycat version of each other because they all have the same concept for success. First, a bunch of people come to try out for their spot in stardom. Second, a panel of judges or other decision makers narrow the selection down to the top finalists. Finally, they work through the weeks showing all the drama, and, after others get booted or voted off, a winner is selected.
The first couple of reality shows in the early 2000s were exciting because of their originality, but we need to start mixing up our programming so we don’t get bored. I am still a huge fan of “American Idol” and “America’s Next Top Model,” but not every show needs to be cloned versions of each other in order to be a hit. I think if a show would break out of this reality mold then it could have potential to be a success.
I think it is time our society keeps a check on its television programming. We have so many channels today, and yet much of the programming seems to be the same. I think it is time networks threw in a little variety.
Rachael McDaniel is a senior SMAD major.
