Monday, March 5, 2007

'Will Reality TV survive'
The New Paper

Will reality TV survive? In recent seasons, viewer ships have been declining steadily, especially for shows that were monster hits when it first premiered. However, being a big fan of reality TV shows, I would say it would definitely survive any onslaught.

The trend of reality TV started in America in 2000, when the first season of Survivor was screened. It became a worldwide hit instantly, and soon after, it was the search for the next big superstar, American Idol.

Reality TV continues to soar, particularly with these two juggernaughts, because of its unpredictable plot and the use of civilians. For example, American Idol, which is into its sixth season now, attracts viewers for its comedic performances from tone-deaf contestants and also astonishing voices from unexpected contestants. The end result is a superstar picked off he street who sells millions each year.

Scripted shows, on the contrary, may not appeal so much nowadays because few surprises are in for viewers. CSI, for example, became a worldwide hit with a crime-centred plot, but sooned it spurned many other similar dramas like 24 and Criminal Minds. even for the award-winning soap drama like Desperate Housewives, its niche audience is limited to just women.

Reality TV, however, attracts a wide variety of audiences which makes them a family-oriented show. Amazing race is a show which allows cildren to know the geography f the world, while The apprentice teaches young adults about running businesses.

In Singapore, he trend for reality will continue in the coming years. Singapore Idol and Project Superstar is expected to screen its third season this year, while new shows like The Dance Floor and Deal Or No Deal are reality shows with new concepts which will be airing soon.

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