Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Kyle Richards- all stars that have dominated the world of reality television for years. Keeping up with the Kardashians, Real Housewives, Survivor, American Idol, and Married at First Sight are all reality television shows that have made their mark on the entertainment industry. Though, we often find ourselves asking, why are these people famous? Why do we watch these shows? Or, some of us, myself included, think, why don’t I have my own reality television show?
Reality television took over the entertainment industry in the 1990s, and since then it has evolved into a platform for creators, entertainers, and people from all walks of life. Fans become obsessed with reality stars, the drama of the shows, and the window they give into the lives of others. Watching these ordinary people in extraordinary situations has become one of the most popular television genres of our time. Part of what makes reality television so popular is the wide ranging criticism that it brings about, as the shows often exploit the stars for the enjoyment of viewers. So what truly makes these drama-filled shows so addictive? What makes fans want to turn these shows on after a long day of school or work? It turns out that there is a real science behind the obsession with reality television.
When surveying one hundred and eighty three participants about reality TV shows, Michael Hershman Shitrit and Jonathan Cohen from University of Haifa in Israel, found that “the more participants enjoyed the shows, the more likely they were to say that they’d like to participate” (Business Insider). This proves that reality television fans do not always watch because they enjoy seeing the humiliation of others, but because of other factors such as out of empathy or wanting to be on the shows themselves.
Clinical psychologist, Dr. Jana Scrivani, says that another reason for this obsession is the false connection that fans develop with reality television stars. The reality aspect of these shows gives fans the false notion that they really know and have a personal relationship with the people they are watching and during a time when we are so busy, “It’s much less time consuming to take in a half an hour television show than to connect with a friend” (hellogiggles). So, reality television can seem like a convenient way to stay connected while balancing busy, everyday life.
As a reality television fan myself, I often find myself spending my free time with these reality stars. I will admit that I enjoy watching the drama of the original seasons of Real Housewives, but I also have spent hours watching Chopped Junior and the Great British Baking Show. I think that the key to watching this type of television, is as with everything, it is good in moderation. So when I find myself arguing with my sister after watching a few too many episodes of Keeping Up with the Kardashians or cleaning my kitchen floor after a Food Network inspired baking spree, I force myself to take a step back. While everyone might not find the same enjoyment as I do in these shows, the obsession behind reality television is a topic that has puzzled society for years, but has been an outlet for so many.