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Reality TV Has Taken the World by Storm

by Brian Foden

Over the past two decades, the popularity of reality TV has exploded.

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• If you enjoy watching people trying to win some kind of contest on television, then you are probably a fan of reality TV. While (= Though ) people sometimes disagree over exactly what constitutes such a program, the basic definition is actually rather simple.

• to make up or form something• Women constitute 70 percent of the

student population at the college.

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• Reality TV is an unscripted show where people are filmed in actual situations. It's important to note that news and talk shows, sports programs, and documentaries are not included in the category of reality TV.

• not written or planned at an earlier time• Not about real people or real situatione.g. Her reaction was completely unscripted

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• The first modern-day reality show is generally believed to be The Real World, which aired on MTV in 1992 and lives on to this day.

• air (v.) to broadcast something on radio or television

• lve on = continue to exist• to this day= : up to now ;

continuing until todaye.g. To this day, I still don't know

what happened.

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• The show features several twenty somethings [ who auditioned to be on the show ] and puts them together in a small living space for several months as a camera crew follows every move [ they make ] inside and out.

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• The show was initially strongly criticized by reviewers as being dull and uninspired, but it quickly became a smash hit because of the fireworks (=something exciting= conflict ) between the housemates.

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• 　 Following the success of The Real World, shows like Survivor and Big Brother, expanded the popularity of reality TV even further.

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• More series in a large variety of themes popped up quickly in the 1990s and 2000s, with viewers showing their appreciation by allowing shows such as American Idol to consistently earn high ratings.

• to appear in usually a sudden or unexpected way ?

• Coffee shops seem to be popping up everywhere.

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• Moreover, other countries around the world developed their own versions of reality TV shows, proving that, despite the initial response from critics, this type of format has struck a chord with audiences everywhere.

• If something strikes/touches a chord in/with you, you think that it is true and have strong feelings about it.

• Her comments about political corruption clearly struck a chord with many voters.

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• Psychologists say part of the reason for reality TV's immense popularity is that viewers can fantasize (=imagine ) about becoming instant celebrities themselves one day.

• very great in size or amount ?• a scientist who specializes in the study and

treatment of the mind and behavior ?

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4/26• There are all kinds of reality

programs, from talent contests to programs [ in which contestants compete against each other in cooking, fashion design, entrepreneurship, modeling, and dancing, among other themes (= and so on].

• a person who starts a business and is willing to risk loss in order to make money ?

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• In terms of ratings for US TV shows, American Idol was one of the most popular reality TV shows of the 2012-2013 season.

— used to indicate the specific thing that is being described, thought of, etc. ?

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• The format is simple, with a panel of (= a group of ) judges rating the performances of singers [ who compete against each other. ] Every week a singer is voted off, and the winner is the last one standing. attrition

• a group of people who answer questions, give advice or opinions about something, or take part in a discussion for an audience ?

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• A look at the other popular reality TV programs in America shows a strong desire among audiences for competitive talent shows.

• of or relating to a situation in which people or groups are trying to win a contest or be more successful than others : relating to or involving competition

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• Dancing with the Stars, where famous people show off their dancing skills, and The Voice, which has a format similar to American Idol, are also highly rated programs.

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• At the end of 2013, a different type of reality show became the most successful in the history of cable TV in the US. Duck Dynasty follows a family of rednecks (= low class ; less educated ) [ that run a multimillion dollar company selling duck hunting merchandise.]

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• 　 The success of reality TV proves that there is a high demand for this form of entertainment, but the programs continue to draw harsh criticism.

• to cause (attention) to be given to someone or something ?

• the act of expressing disapproval and of noting the problems or faults of a person or thing ?

• amusement or pleasure that comes from watching a performer, playing a game, etc?

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• Critics argue that the shows don't actually portray reality because they place people in artificial situations with cameras [ that wouldn't normally be around. ]

• a person who gives opinions about books, movies, or other forms of art?

• to describe (someone or something) in a particular way ?

e.g. He portrayed himself as a victim.

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• Some shows may even coach ( = give sb opinion to do sth ) participants on how to act and what to say in order to create drama. Even so, reality TV has had a big impact around the world.

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• For example in China, voting for their favorite singers is the only time its citizens can take part in (= participate in ) any form of democracy. questionable