Reality shows release seasons and episodes constantly, but is it actually good television? Reality television has a wide range in definition. With so many sub-genres like dating, game shows, self-help or makeovers, and documentary shows, there is something for everyone. So, are they actually worth watching and enjoyable? My answer is yes. 

Why is it that we love reality television so much? When you watch a season of a reality show, most of the time, we can’t help but pick favorites. Even though they are not characters on a fictional show, most contestants or people have a TV presence that is just so interesting to watch. When people make friendships, alliances, or enemies on our screens, we get hooked into seeing what they will do next. Most of the time, the viewers know more than the participants or players and watching them find the twists and turns is just as fun as when we find out.

Since there is such a wide variety of genres, almost anyone can find something that they are interested in. For example, if you want to learn how to cook, or are a food enthusiast, a cooking show would be the perfect fit. If you love competition, twists, and secrets, game shows and competition shows are the pick for you. There are plenty of different options even within those categories to choose from. For cooking shows, there are choices like Chopped, Hell’s Kitchen, and The Great British Bake Off. Competition shows are my favorite. Some of the shows I watch the most include Survivor, The Amazing Race, and Traitors. 

Statistically, we love to watch reality TV. In the United States, about 79% of people watch reality television. As more viewers tune in every week and season for more episodes, other spin-offs and similar shows come out in order to gain more popularity. For example, The Real Housewives of Orange County became extremely popular and there are now eleven different series with the same plot and concept.

Apex High School students love to watch reality TV. Sophomore student Sirine de Rambures says, “I love to watch reality TV. Last summer, I watched Love Island which became one of my favorites.” Apex High teacher Mrs. Fruehauf has enjoyed watching The Real World and Survivor when reality TV started to become popular. 

 Gen Z consumes about 76% of reality TV in comparison to the other generations. The shows each age group watches also seems to differ. Many younger viewers find shows like Love Island, Love is Blind, or American Ninja Warrior to be the shows they come back to. Millennials watch a lot of The Kardashians, or The Bachelor and Bachelorette. It doesn’t matter the age group of the viewer, each generation has their shows that they seem to be hooked on. 

Some people argue that reality TV is not enjoyable for a variety of reasons. A lot of these include scripts, acting, or misleading editing when the point of the show is to be much more authentic. It is true that many shows dramatize elements, however it really comes down to how enjoyable it is to watch. If this is something that really bothers a person, then they may not watch it, however some shows avoid this issue better than others. Certain shows have stricter guidelines to follow while others let the people lead the show. Series that are more focused on a celebrity or specific people may just show a glimpse into what they want you to see of their life. There are still ways to find a show that works around this, but most people just want to watch something and be entertained.  

In conclusion, reality television is good entertainment and that makes it good television. They may not be the most well done shows, but if the viewer enjoys watching it, then yes, it is good television for them. I personally love reality TV, as do many other people in the United States and all over the world. If you are interested in starting to watch a reality show, they are on all different streaming services with many themes and concepts for all kinds of viewers!