Reality television facts for kids
Reality television is a type of television show. It features real-life situations, sometimes funny or serious, instead of made-up stories. These shows usually star regular people, not professional actors. While reality TV has been around for a long time, the term "reality television" became very popular after the year 2000. Shows like documentaries, news, and sports are usually not called reality shows.
There are many different kinds of reality TV. Some are like game shows, while others watch people living together, like Big Brother.
Some people say that "reality television" isn't always truly "real." Many shows might change or influence what happens. Participants might be in unusual places or situations. Sometimes, they are even told how to act, and events can be changed when the show is edited.
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What is Reality Television?
Reality TV is a popular kind of TV show that focuses on real people and real events. It's different from TV shows with scripts and actors. Instead, it shows what happens when ordinary people are put into interesting or challenging situations.
How is Reality TV Made?
Even though it's called "reality," these shows are often carefully planned. Producers might choose people with strong personalities. They also set up situations that are likely to create drama or excitement. The way a show is edited can also make a big difference in how the "reality" looks on screen.
Different Kinds of Reality Shows
There are many types of reality television shows. Each one has its own way of showing "real life."
Shows About Daily Life
These shows watch people as they go about their everyday lives, both at home and at work.
- Documentary Style
- Living Together
These shows feature people who didn't know each other before. They live together and often have tasks to complete. Examples include The Real World and Road Rules.
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- Celebrity Life
These shows follow famous people in their normal lives. Examples are The Anna Nicole Show and The Osbournes. Sometimes, celebrities are given a task to do, like in The Surreal Life or The Simple Life.
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- Working Life
These shows follow professionals doing their jobs. Examples include COPS, Miami Ink, and American Chopper.
Competition and Game Shows
In these shows, people compete to win a prize. They might live together during the competition. An example is The Amazing Race.
- Dating Competitions
One person chooses a date from a group of people. Examples are The Bachelor and Temptation Island.
- Job or Skill Competitions
Contestants show who is best at a certain skill. Examples include America's Next Top Model for modeling, The Apprentice for business, and Hell's Kitchen for cooking.
- Game Shows
These are traditional game shows where people compete for prizes.
Self-Improvement Shows
These shows focus on people trying to make their lives better.
- Makeover Shows
A person or group tries to improve themselves or their lives. Examples are Extreme Makeover, The Biggest Loser, Supernanny, and Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.
- Home Renovation
These shows focus on improving homes. Examples include Changing Rooms, Trading Spaces, and Extreme Makeover:Home Edition.
Other Types of Reality TV
- Dating Shows
People go on a date. Unlike dating competitions, these shows have new people in each episode. An example is Blind Date.
- Talk Shows
A host interviews people, often about unusual topics that might cause arguments on screen. Examples are The Jerry Springer Show and Maury.
- Hidden Camera Shows
A hidden camera records regular people in a fake situation. The goal is often to confuse, amuse, or scare them. Examples include Candid Camera, Punk'd, and Scare Tactics.
- Hoax Shows
The show is a prank or trick played on one or more cast members. They know they are on TV, but they don't know the real plan of the show. Examples are The Joe Schmo Show and Invasion Iowa.
Images for kids
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The Loud family, subjects of the pioneering PBS series An American Family. During filming, the parents decided to divorce and son Lance (top left) came out as gay.
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Dutch media tycoon John de Mol Jr., who created the reality television franchises Big Brother, Fear Factor and The Voice, among others
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Duncan Laurence, who competed on the fifth season of singing competition show The Voice of Holland in 2014, with the trophy for winning the Eurovision Song Contest 2019.
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Chef and restaurateur Guy Fieri won the second season of Food Network's Food Network Star in 2006, and by 2010 had become "the face of the network".
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See also
In Spanish: Telerrealidad para niños
