This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s fall editorial intern Jason Tsoi. Find him on Instagram at @jason.tsoi. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
After a long day, people often unwind on the couch, enjoying their favorite TV show. This makes prime time ideal for major networks to broadcast popular shows, especially reality shows. Reality television is an unscripted television genre, capturing ordinary people in everyday life or situations. In these shows, cameras follow contestants or cast members, showing their every move to millions of viewers. This raises the question, why are reality shows so popular?
The Popularity Of Reality Shows
In our busy lives, we all need a break, which makes reality shows a place to escape from our own reality. For just an hour, we are able to immerse ourselves into a world that is different from our own. Whether it’s living in luxury or trying to survive on a deserted island, reality shows provide new perspectives. This allows us to forget our worries for a moment before returning to our regular schedule.
And let’s face it — everyone loves a good drama, as long as they’re not at the receiving end of it. In many cases, reality shows center around deception, betrayal and conflict. This generates chaotic, notable moments that provide entertainment for viewers. In these intense moments, viewers must pick a side to root for, based on how the situation unfolds and who is involved in the drama.
But, let’s not forget that the contestants or cast members in these reality shows are ordinary people, who happen to be in the spotlight. Just like us, they have their own personality, style and outlook on life. In many instances, viewers are able to find themselves in a contestant or cast member, which makes them feel represented. This creates a parasocial relationship between the cast member and the viewer.
There are three main categories of reality shows: competition, romance and family. What types of reality shows are there and what makes them so popular?
Survivor
“Survivor” is a highly competitive competition, where up to 18 contestants, referred to as “castaways,” are divided into three tribes, competing for the Sole Survivor title. Televising for over 24 years, “Survivor” is a popular reality show for its survival concept, as well as the strategic gameplay that goes into it. Here’s how the game works. Hosted by Jeff Probst, the contestants must survive in a remote location while also competing in challenges. There are two types of challenges: reward challenges, where contestants compete for food or supplies, and immunity challenges, where they compete for safety from elimination.
The reality show is also popular for its high-stakes moments. When a tribe loses an immunity challenge, they must face tribal council, where one contestant is voted off. This creates chaos amongst the contestants as they are put into a situation of deceit and betrayal. Once a certain number of players are eliminated, the cast eventually comes together, which is referred to as “the merge.” Then, the remaining eliminated players are sent to the jury, where they will cast their vote for the season’s winner. The cycle repeats until three players remain. Then, the final three contestants make their case in front of the jury to become the winner. As Sole Survivor, the first-place winner receives one million dollars.
In the 2023-24 television season, “Survivor” ranked as the No. 1 Entertainment Show among adults aged 18-49. Currently, the show is on its 47th season, airing every Wednesday at 8 p.m. EST on CBS.
Big Brother
“Big Brother” is a reality show where 16 contestants, called “houseguests,” are isolated inside a house for up to 90-100 days. Anchored by Julie Chen Moonves, “Big Brother” immerses viewers in a high surveillance atmosphere, with dozens of cameras and microphones placed around the set. The cameras follow each houseguest’s every move, whether they’re eating, sleeping or lounging in the backyard. But, the most important part about the cameras is capturing the houseguests playing the game.
This is how the reality show works. Each week, the houseguests typically compete in two competitions: the Head of Household (HOH) and Power of Veto (POV). In both competitions, the houseguests compete for safety and control of the house. The HOH winner has the most control over the house with the ability to nominate houseguests. Meanwhile, the POV winner has the ability to take themselves or another nominee off the block, or keep nominations the same. All of these events lead up to eviction night, where one of the two nominated houseguests are voted off. When the first seven houseguests are evicted, the next seven evicted houseguests are sent to jury, where they vote for a winner on finale night. At the end of the season, the winner is crowned with $750k.
This sets the stage for an exciting game filled with twists, manipulation and betrayal. In order to make it far in the game, the houseguests not only have to win competitions, but also form alliances and make bold moves. Although it’s unknown when the next season starts, “Big Brother” airs every summer on Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at prime-time on CBS.
The Bachelor
If you’re in the mood for love, “The Bachelor” is the perfect reality show for you. Hosted by Jesse Palmer, the show follows a single man as he chooses a fiancée from a group of women. As cruel as it may seem, viewers are often drawn to the show for the emotional turmoil that the contestants experience. The show presents different sides of love that are relatable to viewers who have experienced their own heartbreak in a relationship.
Each episode, the bachelor goes on one-on-one dates with each contestant, getting to know their personalities and lifestyle. Then, the bachelor gives a rose to the contestants, indicating they have moved onto the next round. Women who do not receive a rose leave the competition. At the end of the season, the bachelor then proposes to one of the two remaining contestants with the final rose.
Although the show centers on romance, it also delivers on drama as well. As the contestants compete for the bachelor’s love, they often engage in heated arguments with each other. This creates shocking and memorable moments that leave audiences talking about it on the internet. Season 29 of “The Bachelor” is expected to start on Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.
What is your favorite reality show and why? Let us know in the comments.
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