If you agree that the Real World on MTV probably started the recent
Reality TV show  (Survivor, American Idol, Fear Factor, Blind Date, ad
infinitum…) craze on US channels, how many shows have been and are
currently on television? Names, Production Company, theme, channel,
etc..

Much appreciated

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Request for Question Clarification by bobbie7-ga on 31 Jan 2003 22:50 PST

Hi jaz-ga,

I have a list of over 120 U.S. reality TV shows (past and current)
with their respective network. Each reality show is a link to
additional links with information about the show where you will be
able to search for the Production Company and theme of the show.
I can give the source of the list. If you want the theme and
Production Company as well that will take a considerable amount of
time and you may want to reprice your question to cover the amount of
work required for the research. If you are looking only for the list
of shows with the network that airs it which includes the link to
additional information for each show, please let me know and I will
answer your question.

Thanks

--Bobbie7-ga

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Clarification of Question by jaz-ga on 31 Jan 2003 23:36 PST

As long as the link list is 80% or more complete with the shows
details, then good work!

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Request for Question Clarification by bobbie7-ga on 01 Feb 2003 00:01 PST

In the list of links for each show you can find out what the show is
about but nothing about the production company.
Would you still want my information?
Thanks
--Bobbie7-ga

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Clarification of Question by jaz-ga on 01 Feb 2003 00:23 PST

no thanks, I was looking for a bit more concise if it was available...no worries:)

Hello again jaz-ga,

I reviewed a number of the reality show links and they do provide more
information than I originally thought. Some of them offer a link to
the official website if available or episode guides and others to cast
and crew members or news articles. All of them have a link to
information on what the show is about.

The directory of 131 U.S. reality TV shows (past and current) with
their respective network can be found here:

Reality TV Links Website
http://www.realitytvlinks.com/

You only have to click on the name of the show at this webpage
http://www.realitytvlinks.com/  in order to view the list of links
concerning the show to find additional information.

I located another list of Prime Time Reality TV Shows by Network where
you may click on the name to obtain information about the show.
Sir Links a Lot Website
http://www.sirlinksalot.net/realitytelevision.html


If after reviewing the links to each show you feel that my research
has answered your question please let me know and I will post it as
the official answer.

Best Regards,
Bobbie7-ga

I feela as though I should start spouting off the things I have been
taught at film school about reality TV, but overall, my thoughts are
this:

It's difficult to find a list like that, as people's definitions of
reality TV vary. One of your examples is 'Fear Factor' (a show I quite
enjoy) which is often not classed as 'reality TV' as such, and more as
a gameshow. The fact it the genres get very blurred. Reality shows
have been around for a long time, but the term has been in use for a
much shorter term and it's scope has been expanded to fit more shows.

Just watch 'Real World' and 'The Osbournes' vs. 'Fear Factor' and
'American Idol' and try to tell me they are really the same genre. The
former show are more documentary in nature than the latter which are
very much derived from gameshows. They are all reality TV.

And anyway, none of it is 'real' at all. They, just like all
television (from News to Drama) are constructed reality. While they
may not have scripts, the action and story is just as contrived as any
daytime soap.

But none of that matters, it's all just fun to watch.

And that is the end of my Reality TV diatribe.

Not too much help, I know, but it may explain deviations you find in
listings and opinions.

Regards,
sycophant-ga