Reality Television

Contested Definitions of Reality Television

Audiences and producers seem to “know” what reality TV is, but any attempt to definitively characterize it becomes difficult. There is a general lack of agreement about whether reality TV is clearly its own genre, the details of its history, the categories or types of shows that it should include, and most [Page 1406]of all its definition. Reality television includes a wide range of programs, and is said to be a hybrid format—revealed in the terms sometimes used for it: factual entertainment and infotainment. It has roots in the documentary but also the drama, and intersects with other established television genres from tabloid journalism to the sitcom. Some claim that reality television is not a new genre, but merely a combination of aspects of other genres, or even a catchall category with no firm footing. Others call it a metagenre, with the differing types of shows labeled subgenres. In addition, the volume of programming and the changing, evolving nature of the programs as dozens of new shows are introduced each viewing season thwart any attempt to create permanent definitions, and threaten to overload the genre (if it is one).

Any definition is tenuous and likely to be subject to criticism. Researchers tend to provide definitions within their studies that best suit their needs for scope and focus. However, a general definition that incorporates a number of key characteristics might be the following: reality television involves placing ordinary people before the camera and deriving some entertainment value from the perception of their activities being unscripted. Characteristics within this statement that are important to many definitions of reality televisions include the following:

• There are no professional actors; rather, people on these shows portray themselves and are often therefore relatable to the audience. Participants, however, are often carefully selected and often coached by producers.
• The situations in which these people are placed are often preconfigured, surreal, or abnormal. The settings are generally not a typical TV studio set but a home or place of work with numerous cameras placed to capture every action.
• Professional writers are not engaged to produce scripts, such that action takes place without a script or at least purports to.
• Large amounts of footage are captured, but through extensive editing only a small portion appears in the show. Some editing techniques can create or enhance drama.
• Events are placed within a narrative context. For example, a story of romance or true love is used in The Bachelor and The Bachelorette.
• The primary purpose is commercial and for entertainment, and generally is said to have mass appeal.

Another defining feature of reality television that fascinates researchers is its ability to incorporate audience interaction and participation, particularly through the web and social media platforms. Whether the show itself includes audience participation through voting, or its characters and events warrant their own blogs, Twitter hashtags, and online mayhem, many reality television shows continue online beyond the traditional TV broadcast. In addition, reality television shows are a ripe area for the development of parasocial relationships between viewers and show characters. Such relationships are enhanced through the use of social media by both consumers and the cast members.

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