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Reality TV is like pickled herring or modern furniture -- you either like it or you don't. Sometimes, a liking for it grows on you. No matter whether you watch it or not you've got an opinion about it, that's for sure.

This week we're taking a glance at Reality TV -- what is it that draws us or repels us? Is there redeeming value to it? How do you get on a show? How do you cook up an idea and pitch it to a producer? We've got links galore and a few pithy comments. Who knows, you may find yourself sneaking a peek at a show tonight!

See you soon!

Jim Nixon

It's Contagious!

Realty TV has spread from the US to the UK and other nations -- including Iraq. A program called "Labor and Materials" rebuilds war-damaged homes, complete with new appliances and furnishings.
Click to read more, and see what's Reality in Iraq.

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Caught Watching!

There are a lot of people watching so-called "Reality TV" -- and a lot of them won't admit it. Some will admit to programs like Trading Spaces or other home improvement style progams but keep their fascination with the more prurient programs to themselves. Like it or not, though,Reality shows are the rage of our day, and until they run their course you can hardly flip through the channels without encountering one or more.

All Reality is not the same.

Reality TV has nearly as many varieties as ice cream, and run the gamut from friendly and helpful to overtly sexual and titillating. Some of the more crowded genres include:

• The Originals -- Shows like Survivor, Big Brother, Fear Factor, and Trading Spouses stick to the original "concept" of Reality TV, namely putting a bunch of people into an awkward or even hazardous situation and letting them battle it out among themselves, often for incredible prizes.Unfortunately, this group of shows has to keep topping the previous ones in gasp-factor, and is the main one that gives Reality TV a less-than-sterling reputation.

• Voyeurism of the Rich and Famous -- The Osbournes started it,opening a window into the chaotic life of rocker Ozzie Osbourne and his family. But it's continued in the hardly-understandable grumbling of the boys in Growing Up Gotti, and other celebrity romps like the new Following Farah. Sometimes exposure, even when you're famous and crave it, is not for the best.

• Talent searches -- American Idol, with the wise-cracking Simon Cowell, as well as similar shows like Star Search or Nashville Star all capitalize on our daydreams of being talented and finally discovered. Of course, most of us aren't talented, and for some reason we like to see others who are equally untalented disgraced on nationwide TV. These shows include some musical entertainment, though, and give the audience a chance to vote for the winners, and recording contracts often follow.

• A Day in the Life -- These shows let us in behind the public facade of various kinds of businesses and show us how they really work. Airline capitalizes on the general frustration with the industry, and allows Soutwest Air to show the good, the bad and the ugly in an average day. Family Plots does the same for a mortuary (admittedly grim, but also surprisingly interesting.) Caesars 24/7 and others do the same for casinos, and more shows are surely on the way.

• Social Justice -- Probably one of the earliest Reality shows was Cops, with its unending string of arrests, drunk driver pull-overs and chases. And, it was joined by plenty of court-related shows like Judge Judy or Divorce Court, where people really air their dirty linen for all the world to see. Today, even the Animal Channel is in on the act, with a show featuring animal control officers rescuing abused animals.

• Big Chance -- Shows like The Apprentice, in which aggressive young executive wannabes battle it out to head up a company for Donald Trump, and even spoofs like Joe Millionaire or The Bachelor/Bachelorette have at their heart our hidden desire to drastically change/improve our life's options in one grand sweep.

• Self-Improvement -- A plethora of shows to help us remake, reshape, re-evaluate and re-direct our lives include hits like What Not to Wear, Extreme Makeover, The Biggest Loser, Faking It, and more. These are popular because we can relate to the person trying so hard to improve their appearance, lose weight, try on a new profession or otherwise make a change for the better.

• Home Improvement -- It probably all began with the old PBS show This Old House, which wasn't quite a Reality show, but gave way to them. Now there's Trading Spaces and all it's various spin-offs, Monster House, While You Were Out, Changing Rooms, Surprise By Design, Clean Sweep, Merge and the rather disgusting How Clean Is Your House?, among others. These shows are usually sponsored by one or another of the Do-It-Yourself giant retailers because they actually spur people to get off the couch, turn off the TV and get out the paint bucket and tools.

What's It Worth?

Is there any worth in Reality TV? Undoubtedly so, though of course the producers are just interested in a hit show, not feeding your brain. You can sort out the good stuff from the useless with a little discernment. Shows like What Not To Wear or Ten Years Younger (which helps a person change their looks with non-surgical means to look 10 years younger than when they came in) have great tips about what looks good on different body types. They also have hair, make-up, and grooming ideas that you can start using yourself. Home improvement shows can be credited for some really great never-seen-on-TV home make-overs (and some that SHOULD never be seen) and for teaching people not to fear trying things they've never thought they could accomplish.

It's All About Reality.

Reality shows are generally more scripted and controlled than you'd suppose. If you're interested in checking out shows, or want to be on one, or have an idea for a new one, the links below are a great place to start. You can also punch in the name of a favorite show on your favorite web browser and find out about the cast, requirements for getting on the show, and other details.

• Show listings and schedules
  • Reality Channel
  • Reality Blurred
  • Reality TV Planet
  • Reality TV Calendar
• Chat Boards about different shows
  • Fans of Reality TV
  • Reality TV Talk Forum
• Participating
  • Be On Reality TV
  • Check with your favorite show's website
  • Reality Show Pitch for TV

Emulate the Best, Forget the Rest

You'll find a lot of trash on Reality TV. But there are some gems that will help you improve your life, your attitude or your home. Sift through until you find one that makes you want to pick up some of their tips, then see which tips really make a positive difference in your own life. The shows on how to dress, how to improve your wardrobe, and how to attire yourself appropriately for your job, your age and your personality are great for this kind of thing. And when you've got those new duds, remember us when it's time to keep them in great shape. Here's looking at you, kid!

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