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What's the deal with all those "reality" shows?

by taskemann
11 replies
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I remember a time (type 10 years ago) when TV channels such as Discovery and National Geographic used to broadcast documentaries, motor shows, "how its made" type of programs, science programs, etc. all the time.

But now, there's only crappy, scripted and staged "reality" shows that's being broadcasted almost 24/7. What the heck has happened to these once a good TV channels? What's the deal with these staged shows? Do people actually believe that they are real and enjoy them? :confused:

These channels are the only TV channels I use to watch except news channels, but now I feel like I want to cancel my TV subscription because there's only crap on TV.
  • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
    I remember a time (type 10 years ago) when TV channels such as Discovery and National Geographic used to broadcast documentaries, motor shows, "how its made" type of programs, science programs, etc. all the time.

    But now, there's only crappy, scripted and staged "reality" shows that's being broadcasted almost 24/7. What the heck has happened to these once a good TV channels? What's the deal with these staged shows? Do people actually believe that they are real and enjoy them?

    These channels are the only TV channels I use to watch except news channels, but now I feel like I want to cancel my TV subscription because there's only crap on TV.
    So you are saying that in the US, paid tv has crap on it, scary thought!

    In AU, free to air is crap, and paid tv, or Foxtel, is basically the only channel open to us to get some decent movies back again. Channel meaning Discovery, classic movies, etc.


    I am watching one show on free to air, at the moment, then l will probably switch it off for good, (unless l watch a DVD).

    Or a decent movie comes up?

    They will probably put "Flight of the Phoenix" on again in 3 to 5 years, maybe? :rolleyes:

    Shane
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    • Profile picture of the author taskemann
      Originally Posted by tagiscom View Post

      So you are saying that in the US, paid tv has crap on it, scary thought!

      In AU, free to air is crap, and paid tv, or Foxtel, is basically the only channel open to us to get some decent movies back again. Channel meanly Discovery, classic movies, etc.


      I am watching one show on free to air, at the moment, then l will probably switch it off for good, (unless a watch a DVD).

      Or a decent movie comes up?

      They will probably put The Phoenix on again in 3 to 5 years, maybe? :rolleyes:

      Shane
      I haven't mentioned anything about US. But the reality shows are American yes, but the good ol' programs that they used to broadcast before which I really enjoyed were American too. So it has nothing to do with countries.
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  • Profile picture of the author alistair
    We have some great free TV in the UK but also a lot of the usual reality stuff. I suppose as long as people keep tuning in and the production companies etc are making money then they'll keep making them.

    Personally I can't stand them (except Big Brother), especially shows like x factor and Britains got talent but I'm sure they've nearly run their course.

    EDIT: By the way, I don't watch much tv, not because there is nothing decent on because there usually is, but I just don't, and if I'm ever stuck for anything to watch there's always youtube.
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    • Profile picture of the author taskemann
      Originally Posted by alistair View Post

      We have some great free TV in the UK but also a lot of the usual reality stuff. I suppose as long as people keep tuning in and the production companies etc are making money then they'll keep making them.

      Personally I can't stand them (except Big Brother), especially shows like x factor and Britains got talent but I'm sure they've nearly run their course.

      EDIT: By the way, I don't watch much tv, not because there is nothing decent on because there usually is, but I just don't, and if I'm ever stuck for anything to watch there's always youtube.
      Yeah, I really enjoyed the BBC Knowledge channel. But it seems like the satellite company have removed it...
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      • Profile picture of the author Kay King
        Reality shows are cheap to produce. They cater to a population that wants shock and gossip and opinion-pumping programming.

        It's interesting to me that the growth of reality shows seems to be on par with the growth of social media. On the shows you watch a fake reality of people you don't know - on the other you share your life with people you don't know.

        There are a few shows like The Voice and Hells Kitchen, etc that I enjoy. I do have my own method of watching as I record them and do a lot of fast forwarding when I watch.:p
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        • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
          I haven't mentioned anything about US. But the reality shows are American yes, but the good ol' programs that they used to broadcast before which I really enjoyed were American too. So it has nothing to do with countries.
          Yep, sorry about that, l should have read your details! :rolleyes:


          We have some great free TV in the UK but also a lot of the usual reality stuff. I suppose as long as people keep tuning in and the production companies etc are making money then they'll keep making them.

          Personally I can't stand them (except Big Brother), especially shows like x factor and Britains got talent but I'm sure they've nearly run their course.

          EDIT: By the way, I don't watch much tv, not because there is nothing decent on because there usually is, but I just don't, and if I'm ever stuck for anything to watch there's always youtube.
          Yep, l feel the same way! They have thrashed those sorts of shows for more than 10 years, so they should be waning in ratings. Only so many crappy, psychotic contestants, saying they are doing what they love, so they deserve to win, and it's just the same old act, or worse their friends and family tell them they are great, but are crap!


          I am watching the Block, AU production, (channel 9, the block will bring up the series) at the moment, then l will turn the tv, off, maybe for good, or until the block or Survivor shows up again, or they finally put on the last series of Star Trek Voyager, instead of putting it on the paid tv, bin! Grrrrr.


          True l am watching more and more Youtube, or the old series of Space 1999, still good storyline s, and great models.

          l May have to buy Time Tunnel, on Ebay or Voyager series 7? :rolleyes:


          Still trying to track down, this one, it isn't made anymore, but still a classic...

          I have found it on Ebay but would like to rent it first!

          Another one they used to play once or twice a year, but no more!!!! Sniff!


          Shane

          PS the only under the sea one they play now is the crappy Vincent Price one, with the two people trying to track down, some lady and one of them has a duck, (comedy releaf l guess)? I think that it is called "City beneath the Waves", a seriously crappy movie!

          I think that we get this crock, every few months, it seems like free to air and some paid tv, has gone past it's expiry date! At least there are no more stupid ad's, for Youtube videos or not ad's every 10 minutes or so!
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  • Profile picture of the author MikeAmbrosio
    It's simple really - with literally HUNDREDS of channels at our disposal, you are bound to get a ton of crap.

    The solution is very simple - don't watch them

    I used to watch the biography channel a lot - but now it's like 75% ghost/haunted type shows. Which I don't like.

    There's some good channels. You just have to find them.
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  • Profile picture of the author ViralMediaBoost
    I agree that most you see on TV are mostly reality shows. However, some of them are still worth watching like Hell's Kitchen, as mentioned, and The Amazing Race. I prefer to watch series lately. I've watched all seasons of the Game of Thrones and now I am considering on going back to watching Dexter.
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  • Profile picture of the author jtchaschowy
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  • Profile picture of the author MikeAmbrosio
    There is one reality show that is doing good for a family member...

    Toy Hunters - on the Travel Channel



    The one on the left is my brother in law. He's been with my sister since they were 16. He's also dealt in memorabilia like toys, etc. for over 30 years. And I sort of got him started...

    When I joined the Navy he found my collection of baseball cards and old G.I. Joes. He asked if he could have them and I said "Sure". That got his interest going in trading and collecting.

    His basement and garage is ALWAYS filled with toys. He's been a power eBay seller since eBay launched.

    And he's a funny guy.

    Frankly, after all he and my sister went through a few years back losing their daughter (my niece) to colon cancer at 18 years old, they really deserved this break.
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