Bring out the boxing gloves, “The Real Housewives” are on. I’m not going to lie, I love Reality TV. Many don’t like to admit this, but I don’t mind putting it out there for all to judge. Nine times out of ten, when I mention the shows I watch, others reveal they watch too. I’ve been people watching my entire life, so this attraction seems a natural extension of the habit. It all began in the early 90s when I got hooked on MTV’s “The Real World.” I was fascinated by this peek into the personal lives of random strangers.
Now reality television is everywhere and while I still watch, even I can admit that it has taken an ugly turn. I always say, “I can’t watch this trash anymore,” yet week after week I get sucked back in. Recently, I identified what I feel is Reality TV’s biggest issue – among so many other problems. The shows’ producers and stars have allowed the success of some pivotal reality moments to influence each future season, episode and scene. By this I mean; the big arguments that have previously shocked unsuspecting viewers and skyrocketed ratings have now become the standard by which all scenes are measured.
Epic moments like “Real Housewives of New Jersey’s,” Teresa Giudice’s, table flipping incident nearly seemed real. As if it might’ve happened even if the cameras weren’t there. But now, similar attempts for shock value fall short because they are so obviously forced.
Let’s take this latest season of “Real Housewives of New York.” Every episode now includes some element of an ongoing argument between Luann de Lesseps and Bethenny Frankel. I thought Luann was the classy countess, but it’s apparent she’s creating drama for the sake of airtime. Nobody enters a party, restaurant or public place to expressly pull aside the person with whom you have a major beef, to discuss the very thing you are pissed off about.
But these ladies do it all the time and it’s what Reality TV has become – one big, shameful fight after another. And it’s not just the housewives, although they really seem to have it mastered. My newest reality favorite, “Southern Charm,” just had the most ridiculous dinner party brawl in which everyone was kicked out before the salads were served. Come on people! You’re supposed to be “ladies and gentlemen” of the south. Hardly!
If nothing else, these contentious themes are boring because they are rehashing the same argument over and over again throughout an entire season.
Let’s really get real and show the truly interesting aspects of reality. They still exist; you just have to go deeper than the manufactured fights and drunken outbursts that have become the focus.
Are you a Reality TV watcher? What do you think about all the drama?
I confess I too watch reality tv. My favorite, that always makes me laugh out loud, is the Chrisleys!
Your comments confirm why I don’t watch any Housewife reality shows. What makes me laugh is that you admit these shows are really bad now and they still have you hooked. I love your honesty! I think we need Housewives of North Andover for real drama!
I don’t think the world could handle RHONA.
Had lunch alongside Lisa Vanderpump at her LA restaurant “Pump” yesterday! Have never seen an episode but was star struck all the same! Go figure!