Reality Television... --- Originally posted on February 6, 2008

When you think of television now a days...what do you think of first?

Reality television has literally taken over this little (or big) box we called the TV. Now, as much as I enjoy watching people making fools of themselves by singing in front of millions of people knowing they sound like a dying chicken, I still think our world has been consumed by ridiculous entertainment. Shows such as "A Moment of Truth", where contestants answer questions while attached to a lie detector, not only proves what people will succumb to just to make a little cash, but also proves the entertainment world's dire need to attract viewers sick of the "ordinary" reality shows.

When a new show hits the reality scene, it's usually either a hit or miss. I remember watching one of the earliest episodes of "The Singing Bee," and I clearly said earliest episode because the show didn't even last for very long to begin with. But, that was a show I could say was painful to watch. From what I can tell, "The Real World" on MTV set off some sort of fire and people were enthralled with watching other peoples lives -- the sadness, the happiness and most definitely the weirdness. It may be the fact that watching other people fail in life may make everyone else feel better about themselves...or maybe it's just plain fun to watch and even judge people we don't even know.

I've watched more reality television than I probably should be proud of - but, lets face it, once you start, it's hard to stop. You develop a sort of "relationship" with these "characters" you watch on TV. You either end up relating to these people or finding qualities in them you never want to find in yourself. Reality TV has become a phenomenon. From watching "The Bachelor" and deciding which girl you would choose if you were in his position to watching "Super Sweet Sixteen" and judging these 15 and 16 year old kids and their parent's money. Like, no mom, I want a BMW, not a Mercedes.

Again, this is pure entertainment. But when realizing that more reality shows then shows where directors and writers could actually use their talent, are broadcast on TV, it makes me realize where our world is truly going. I love television and all it has to offer my brain when it needs a little break from studying 24/7, but sometimes I would like to watch some talent in action.

Give the writers guild some more credit and in turn they'll give us more worthwhile television to watch.