Reality TV ... the Devil's Spawn

[wraithfodder]

Disclaimer: If you think reality TV is the next best thing to Cheese Whiz, move along, this entry is not for you.

I decided since well, all that was being offered tonight was reality TV, to check out some.

Deal or No Deal. I think they classify all game shows as reality now. Five minutes of people screaming at the top of their lungs sent me switching the channel to, So You Think You Can Dance. Hmm, a Simon Cowell clone is a judge. Gads, the commercials. They are endless.  Show is back. Wait forever with people yakking about each other and their feet, whatever. Where's the dancing? CLICK!  Wife Swap. Aieeee! Wow, the days of the Roman circus are back. However, it's better than any reality show that Paris Hilton shows up in. I guess America's Top Model does nothing for me. CLICK. Oh wait, Celebrity Circus is on, but wait, I have DVDs, oh wait, Criminal Minds. Haven't seen all of them. Serial killers or actors I don't know being judged cruellyl in a circus show. Serial killers win. At least the acting is good.

Deduction: to join any of these shows, you must have the capability to scream rather shrilly. I hate to say it, but I can't even watch Meerkat Manor, although I adore the critters. Trouble is that it's reality (to a degree) and I swear, any time I turn on the Animal Planet, a cute little critter dies. Usually horribly. Gah, get enough of that in real life. What's really weird is that many many years ago, my fifth grade history teacher actually predicted this drivel. And none of the reality shows are real. Survivor and its ilk are all scripted to a degree, although the one I saw  (back when it began) totally turned me off due to the sheer vitriol from the people. I mean, how do these people go back to a job after they've acted so... horridly? 

Now, shows on TLC and Discovery, in particular the medical ones which I can no longer find because the *(#@*! cable people have divvied it up into another channel which of course they don't offer (sorry, rant over) are great. I will watch some of the Food Channel shows - the ones where, say, they go to a town and give the tour of specific diners and their horribly artery-clogging foods which of course you'd eat in a flash if it was stuck in front of you ;)  Or watching how they make candy, or donuts, etc. Yum.  But the cooking cook-offs, eh, don't do anything for me.

Ack, see, see, I turn on animal planet and the cheetahs eat the poor little gazelle thing (which is sorta what happened with baby bambi in the yard last week).

Comments

[strange-magic.livejournal.com]

I feel the same way about Reality TV. And you're right, there is enough of all that in real life. And you are also right that they are all scripted to a point. I rather watch a show where people have to use their brains to create. I like Animal planet but I'm not a fan of Animal Police because I can't stand watching the abuse. It makes me either angry or cry, and sometimes both. Poor Meerkat manor. I only ever saw it occasionally, but when I found out Flower died, it made me sad and I lost my interest.
There is only one show that I will actually watch and only for one reason. It's that "America's Next Best Dance Crew", and I only watch it because I've always been a fan and envious of their ability to dance like that. Of course that may be because I couldn't dance like that to save my life, lol. But the whole Mario Lopez being the host, Randy Jackson's name being plastered across the title and the judges panel? I could care less about. I just like to watch the dancing. :) Ahahah, might as well put it on mute!

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

I haven't heard of the America's Next Best ... possibly because so many things have those three words in 'em ;) Yeah, when FLower bit the bullet, sigh. Glad I didn't see it.

[strange-magic.livejournal.com]

I think it's shown on MTV. That's the only channel I ever catch it on. I don't watch TV very often, only my specific shows, so I don't know what's on when and where.

Luckily I didn't see it either. I just came in on an episode after it had happened.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

No wonder. I stoppped watching MTV and VH1 when they became reality show channels. I couldn't find one solid hour of just simple music videos, so, simply gave up, and realized, wow, I don't miss any of 'em at all.

[strange-magic.livejournal.com]

Ahahahah! Yeah the ONLY time they play videos is late late at night. I say that's when they should be playing they reality shows, lol. even MTV2 doesn't play videos all the time anymore and that's what it was originally created for.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Geez, it's supposed to be music video television. Guess I can dump that upper package now!

[strange-magic.livejournal.com]

*snort* Yeah I only keep my cable package because of things like sci-fi, BBC and the discovery/history channels. Now if you coulf just buy the channels you WANT like you can with the movie channels, I'd be a very happy person, and richer. ;)

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

You get BBC America? or just BBC news? I get the latter. Wish I got the former.

[strange-magic.livejournal.com]

I get BBC America, but they still "cut" shows up. Like a Doctor Who I saw once had bits cut from it. For time I assume. I wish I had BBC3. I believe they show shows and movies unedited.

I have Time Warner Cable. It's the Watch & Surf package because I have my phone, cable (basic expanded digital) and internet through them.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

That sucks. I thought they wouldn't cut shows.

[bramble-rose.livejournal.com]

Ghost Hunters. It's the only reality tv I watch. But the S-5 SGA promo clip tonite was on during the show :-) Very nice in HD *g*

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Ah, I have tried GH but well, eh... but darn, missed an ad. However, it is now up on the SciFi.com site! :)

[bramble-rose.livejournal.com]

Thanks,I'd like to see it again! Everyone looked very nice on the oldest son's very new and shiny 32" hd tv *nods*

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Ooh, 32" TV...

[bramble-rose.livejournal.com]

It's a religious experience.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

I've seen REALLY big ones in the stores. I can understand what you mean! I'd love to have one, for the nature programs!

[colls]

Wow
I'm glad I drank wine and surfed the net all night.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Heh, oh, I love that eye pod icon you made. I gotta use it one of these days.

[mcsheplovers.livejournal.com]

I think Jon and Kate Plus 8 and Little People Big World on TLC are pretty good. I also love The Amazing Race.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

I have friends who LOVE Amazing Race, but I think one reason I never bothered it was against something else I watched, or during a time I just don't watch...

[lysambre.livejournal.com]

I haven't owned a TV for now more than 5 years... and boy am I glad of it when I read this kind of post.

I hate what they call "reality TV", as you said, it's about as real as the reality of me being the Queen of England. The people in it are terrible and a shame to the rest of humanity. And this opinion is from the 2 times I watched the french equivalent of Survivors at my mom's house during a holiday, years ago.

DVD's and Internet are a perfect replacement of anything interesting I could have missed (a few TV shows including SGA, CSI and a couple others), which those days isn't much, unsurprisingly.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Yeah, reality TV isn't real. And yup, you're not missing much at all! In fact, I'm in the process of downgrading my cable (I still, alas, like a few low end channels).

[flingslass.livejournal.com]

I always sercetly like things like Border Patrol. An Aussie reality show which films the Australian Customs Service. Seeing some dopey drug courier try to get out of whatever, get angry with Customs, all the while being filmed! These people are DUMB!

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Ha! WEll, there are some AWFUL dumb criminals out there ;)

[leesa_perrie]

Depends of what you call reality TV. Things like Big Brother, Dancing with the Stars (not sure the title is correct!) and that ilk do little for me. The only exception was Fame Academy (BBC), but I think I was beginning to go off it during the second season (it only ran for two). They now do a charity one every couple of years with celebs that is often very, very funny (some of the celebs cannot sing at all, but boy they can 'dance'! Snerk!).

I do like shows like Vets in Practice (which was a BBC one a few years ago that followed vets), and the one they do for the vet in Afica (title escapes me). Sometimes I'll watch Animal Cops, and I'm addicted to Extreme Makeover: Home Edition for some reason... And I used to be addicted to Ground Force.

So, if it's a makeover or following people in their jobs type one I don't mind (so long as it's a good one, some I can't stand), if it's a stuff people into a house/academy or talent show type one, not keen (unless it's a funny one for charity!).

Just that make sense?

Anyway, must go - got to grab the bus into town to meet up with RL friend!!

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

It depends on the whims of the entertainment industry what is 'reality tv'. Some articles lump in game shows, others your vet show, etc. I consider *cough* reality shows to be the drivel in which your every day person is trying to win money or fame and is mercilously (usually) judged by some person who makes some remark that in any other business, would probably get you fired, and sends the poor people on their way.

Hmm, I don't think they do charity ones here... but yup, you made sense :)

[leesa_perrie]

Glad I made sense!! And that's what I think reality shows (or not so reality shows) are!

Of course, I did get caught by the last few episodes of The Apprentice. If you don't know, don't ask (or google it if you must!) - no idea how I ended up watching that!! Though I can see how these things can become addictive - but I really don't like all the nastiness that goes along with it, like you don't.

Hmm, now I've had a really strange vision...

Physicist Goes Theorising - a chance to win that coveted place on Atlantis; as judged by Dr McKay, Dr Zelenka - and Dr Kavanagh!

Followed by a Celebrity version...!

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Ugh, Donald Trump. Don't get me started on him. COuld not watch the show at all.

But... a Stargate Atlantis win a job on the science team scenario? Oh gawd, that would be hysterical. Don't think anybody would be alive at the end, but hey...

[leesa_perrie]

Ugh, Donald Trump. Don't get me started on him. COuld not watch the show at all.

I think we're either talking about different shows, or there is a US version with DT, 'cos the UK version doesn't have him in it - thank goodness! Have you heard about his idea to turn some protected Scottish sand dunes into a golf course?! Yeah, do not get me started on that!!!

But... a Stargate Atlantis win a job on the science team scenario? Oh gawd, that would be hysterical. Don't think anybody would be alive at the end, but hey...

LOL! Yeah, maybe more in the style of The Apprentice - 'your task this week is to build a naquadah generator without blowing yourselves up. The team whose generator produces the most power, safely, wins'!!

Okay, I think I need to stop now, before someone writes the crack!fic!! (Though, that could be fun to read...!)

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

yeah, Donald Trump lorded over the US version of THe Apprentice, and as for the golf course in Scotland? Boot the guy back here! Well, maybe not. The Atlantis Ocean will do. *cough*

WEll, gee, your task this week... naquadah generator. Show would probably get blown up by the half past hour mark when Kavanagh does something ;)

Oooh, does sound like a good fanfic...

[leesa_perrie]

Do you mind if I put the idea up on sga_genrequest and link to this thread? Someone might just get inspired by it!!

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

No, wait, i was gonna write it! Right after I get that story I started 16 months ago gets finished. *cough*. Oh yes, please do suggest it. I'd love to see someone write it :)

[leesa_perrie]

Posted it - let's see if anyone responds!! *fingers crossed*

[vecturist.livejournal.com]

I think reality shows can best be summed up with a line from the movie "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind' - 'and I learned that someone will sell out their grandmother for a new washer/dryer.'

I really can't stand reality tv. However, I did have to watch 'Wife Swap' last month because the choir director at my parents church and his family were in an episode and the portrayal wasn't flattering - to the extent that there's some backlash against them (and a few people now want to see him fired).

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

That's very sad aboaut the choir director. I dare say some people just don't think about the repercussions of being on a TV show, because if you're all sweet and boring, they'll figure out a way to make it controversial :(

[veronicasaether.livejournal.com]

Yes, why DO they always show cute critters die on Animal Planet? The worst shows are the one where some peeps find a dying, helpless puppy or something, and they nurse it back to health, and it all looks like its gonna turn out okay - but wait! Oh no, something suddenly went wrong, and the little puppy DIES after all, and its mother cries!

Its just cruel. I cried myself through four or five of those programs before I got the picture.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Well, death is part of real life, but after having three pets die in succession of cancer, I'm not all that keen to watch more die on TV. I understand that coyotes will eat deer and whatnot in my yard, it's part of nature, but I don't really want to see little pups and kittens die right before I go to bed. This is probably why I watch some medical shows because for the most part, they do show people recovering from incredible injuries/adversity, etc.

[pisces227.livejournal.com]

I think it's time for you to turn off the TV till SGA starts. I don't watch any of that so called reality stuff... waking up, going to work and paying bills is real enough for me.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

well, my total volume of reality tv watching in '08 is perhaps 10 minutes total. i have CNN on more than anything else these days, mostly as background noise.

[kriadydragon.livejournal.com]

I occasionally watch the nanny shows because I feel you can actually learn something from them (The biggest moral of that show? "Time outs" are not cruel and unusual punishment, they are necessary for the sanity of the parents. Use them!)

The only reality show I ever really, really liked wasn't even that much of a reality show. I can't remember what it was called, just that its goal was to find the next big director. There wasn't a whole lot of "real-life" drama, just mini-movies and snippets on how those movies were made. It was pretty cool and my sister and I were hooked. Sadly, it wasn't renewed :( Yet "So You Think you can Dance" was ):P Blah!

Other than that, I watch TV to escape reality. Why would I want to watch shows that either shoves it in my face or cheeses it up?

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Yeah, TV is escapism. If I want a load of, well, crap, gee, I can just leave the house and deal with idiots on the road, at the job, etc. etc. ;)

[celestial-diary.livejournal.com]

I must ashamedly admit that I like reality tv only because there are some decent ones. I don't particularly enjoy them for their entertaining value (though some are good) but more so for behaviour/social observation - seeing people make an idiot or a fool of themselves make me laugh. I don't know if that means that there's something wrong with me, but then it makes me feel better that I am actually better than these people.

LOL! Reality TV actually boost ones self esteem as I see it.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

I still cringe becuase I think, these people must go back to jobs. what will their co-workers think of the person who rants "I would let you DIE before I'd give you a glass of water." Hmm, well, I suppose in some respects it does work with some self-esteem as heck, that could be any of us making a total fool of themselves on TV...

[celestial-diary.livejournal.com]

LOL! If I was working with any of these "idiotic fools" I would certainly try my hardest never to be stuck on an island with them. I'd probably just as soon take my chances with the sharks and/or drowning for my survival!

Then again, I rather think you (and certainly me) wouldn't be caught dead in any of these reality tv shows. :D

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

I could just see when it comes time for their annual review. "Well, John, we saw you on 'Survival' and you stole food from your comrades, so, we're pretty sure you stole the yogurt from the fridge. You're fired."