# Are Reality Shows A Cop-Out.... **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [March 15, 2012, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-reality-shows-a-cop-out/615810 "2012-03-15T00:40:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Quasimodem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2012, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-reality-shows-a-cop-out/615810/1 "2012-03-15T00:40:14Z")
… because writers just can’t write stuff into dramas/comedies anymore? Just stick a camera/mic into their faces and turn 'em loose? To be fair: Are any of those shows exciting or worth watching? _Any_ of them?? No, IMHO. But, could stories be _written_ about what that live camera sees and be _made_ into an exciting series? Yes, I think so. Just takes a little movement of the fingers on the keys responding to an idea from the brain. It’s called “writing”. Q ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2012, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-reality-shows-a-cop-out/615810/2 "2012-03-15T00:46:54Z")
I like competition shows like Survivor or The Mole. Then again, I wouldn’t even call them reality shows. Just fancy game shows. Aside from that, you are quite right. ---
**Author:** ![AlsoNamedBort](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alsonamedbort/32/3213_2.png) [@AlsoNamedBort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlsoNamedBort)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2012, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-reality-shows-a-cop-out/615810/3 "2012-03-15T00:48:25Z")
There are plenty of writers out there willing to write shows. But you have to pay them. And then pay the actors to do what the writers say. And a director to direct them. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2012, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-reality-shows-a-cop-out/615810/4 "2012-03-15T01:10:14Z")
Most reality shows are scripted, just like everything else on TV. If you think what you are seeing happens spontaneously, you’re dreaming. ---
**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2012, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-reality-shows-a-cop-out/615810/5 "2012-03-15T01:12:54Z")
Cops is a reality show and it rocks. It’s not that writers can’t write stuff, it’s that with a reality show you don’t even need writers. In fact you don’t need stars either, and those two things remove the two most expensive costs of a tv show. ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2012, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-reality-shows-a-cop-out/615810/6 "2012-03-15T01:23:36Z")
Reality shows are cheap. Far cheaper than writing a scripted show. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2012, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-reality-shows-a-cop-out/615810/7 "2012-03-15T02:08:31Z")
> [@Telemark](#): > > Most reality shows are scripted, just like everything else on TV. If you think what you are seeing happens spontaneously, you’re dreaming. This is really a false and misleading statement. The major departure from real life that reality shows take is the editing. There’s plenty that actually happens that you can twist and turn in the editing room. Any writing that takes place would be required to be done by a writer. Which, as mentioned before, need to be paid. The second thing that makes your statement misleading is that the next largest way to influence how a reality show appears to the audience is interference by production. Directors can lead discussions, cameramen can physically draw attention to things, etc. To handwave reality shows as being “scripted” ignores this. When you think about it, it’s a pretty lazy conclusion to reach. Most reality shows are contests, and as such, are heavily regulated. Remember “Quiz Show”? Yeah - to say “scripted” is just wrong. Finally, there’s plenty of influence taking place by steering the direction of the show by adding/subtracting/altering elements of the environment. “Now you all have to compete with blindfolds on!” “Your new roommate is a chimpanzee - let’s see how everyone copes with the poo-flinging!” None of those require a bit of script work, and result in just as unpredictable and “real” reactions as anyone could make up. ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2012, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-reality-shows-a-cop-out/615810/8 "2012-03-15T02:48:34Z")
It’s all in the editing, and it’s not really that hard. Let’s say the director says “Your new roommate is a chimpanzee!” Roommate A says “Cool, this should be fun.” Roommate B says “Screw this, I’m not living with a monkey!” Add the appropriate music, a few reaction shots from the chimp and you can make the story go in two entirely different directions, depending which roommate you show. Remember that Charlie Sheen was making $2 million an episode for Two and Half Men, and Ashton Kutcher is now getting something like $1.4 million per epsiode? Howard Stern’s wife turned down a total of [$245,000](http://www.dwts.org/page/DWTS+salaries%3A+How+much+do+the+stars+make%3F) for an entire season of Dancing With the Stars. That’s all you need to know. ---
**Author:** ![Hail\_Ants](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/dc4da7/32.png) [@Hail\_Ants](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hail_Ants)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2012, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-reality-shows-a-cop-out/615810/9 "2012-03-15T03:45:11Z")
I would say most reality shows are what I’d consider a ‘cop out’ in that they’re nothing even resembling ‘reality’. What they are are a bunch of TV-pretty amateur actors (seriously, people still have to audition for most reality shows) who are put into unusual and more importantly _ridiculously unrealistic_ situations and then filmed while they argue/complain/fight/fuck. IOW they’re crudely made action/comedy/drama/soap operas with semi-professional actors and crass, high-concept plots/sets/themes. The only reality shows I can watch are the more blue-collar, unusual jobs kind (crab-fishing, logging, wildcatting, coal mining etc.) The key difference being that most everything you see would happen the same whether the cameras were there or not. I know that even these shows are ‘sweetened’ a bit here & there, but they’re decidedly more real than the stupid soap opera ones. And yes, it’s all about the money. For the cost of one original sitcom or hour long drama TV networks can literally green-light a dozen cheap reality shows. And even if only one of them is a modest hit it can still be a license to print money. Television at its ‘vast wasteland’ best… ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2012, 11:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-reality-shows-a-cop-out/615810/10 "2012-03-15T11:06:12Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > This is really a false and misleading statement. The major departure from real life that reality shows take is the editing. Perhaps it was a bit strong, but there’s plenty of evidence (in the form or retakes and producers telling participants what to say) that you aren’t getting anything resembling real life as the raw materials. The participants of most shows are aware that the more outrageous they act, the more screen time they’ll get. They are given advice and direction. Even at their most basic they are nothing like real life. ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2012, 12:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-reality-shows-a-cop-out/615810/11 "2012-03-15T12:03:23Z")
What we need is a “reality” show where the contestants guess what the next big “reality” show will be… _Gutter Guys_ - a gritty look at the grimy work of getting last year’s leaves out of your house’s gutters, and the surprises they encounter - next on A&E!!! 😛 My husband, for some unfathomable reason, watches\* Parking Wars\*. Seriously? A show about parking violators and the people who ticket them?? I understood when he watched the Trauma/ER shows - he’s always been interested in the stuff doctors do. But meter maids?? Apparently I’m in the minority who use TV to escape reality and wallow in some mindless entertainment and/or fantasy. I’d much rather watch an inane sitcom than follow a bunch of guys thru their work day. ---
**Author:** ![enomaj](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/59ef9b/32.png) [@enomaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enomaj)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2012, 12:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-reality-shows-a-cop-out/615810/12 "2012-03-15T12:20:55Z")
Cop Out - New reality show beginning this month on Logo. ---
**Author:** ![Corcaigh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eb8c5e/32.png) [@Corcaigh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Corcaigh)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2012, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-reality-shows-a-cop-out/615810/13 "2012-03-15T13:50:12Z")
> [@AlsoNamedBort](#): > > There are plenty of writers out there willing to write shows. But you have to pay them. And then pay the actors to do what the writers say. And a director to direct them. Or sets to be designed and built, costumes designed and made, hair, make-up … > [@Munch](#): > > This is really a false and misleading statement. Not so much, there is a ‘reality’ show on TV in the UK (can’t remember which but I think it might be TOWIE) that is known to be scripted, or at least partially scripted - as in the scenes are set up by writers/directors before the people are filmed. Pretty sure _Unstable_ is scripted, it credits a writer anyways, and the dialogue in the scenes is always stilted and childish (for a group of grown women) if they actually do speak to/about each other like that, then they won’t be in business very long! ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2012, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-reality-shows-a-cop-out/615810/14 "2012-03-15T14:57:47Z")
> [@Quasimodem](#): > > … because writers just can’t write stuff into dramas/comedies anymore? No. They’re a copout (if you think of them as a copout) because networks don’t want to spend as much money on scripted shows. It’s not because nobody wants to write a drama or sitcom. There’s been plenty of great scripted TV in recent years. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2012, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-reality-shows-a-cop-out/615810/15 "2012-03-16T16:09:17Z")
> [@Telemark](#): > > Perhaps it was a bit strong, but there’s plenty of evidence (in the form or retakes and producers telling participants what to say) that you aren’t getting anything resembling real life as the raw materials. The participants of most shows are aware that the more outrageous they act, the more screen time they’ll get. They are given advice and direction. Even at their most basic they are nothing like real life. Oh, absolutely. I was just responding to the idea which is often perpetuated that reality shows are completely scripted, and the people are all actors. I see it a lot on other forums, but I’ve seen it sporadically here. Glad you’re not one of them. > [@Corcaigh](#): > > Pretty sure _Unstable_ is scripted, it credits a writer anyways, and the dialogue in the scenes is always stilted and childish (for a group of grown women) if they actually do speak to/about each other like that, then they won’t be in business very long! Well that certainly sounds like the exception to the rule. And if there are credited writers, then it also sounds like they’re not trying to hide it. ---
**Author:** ![Lemur866](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lemur866/32/434_2.png) [@Lemur866](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lemur866)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2012, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-reality-shows-a-cop-out/615810/16 "2012-03-16T16:33:21Z")
There’s a big difference between “Scripted” and “Jennifer said you were a bitch. Aren’t you mad about this? What do you want to say to Jennifer?” Of course everyone cast on a reality show knows that the bigger show you put on, the more the producers like it. Of course it’s manufactured. The biggest trick is Bob says something, then we cut to Steve reacting to what Bob said. Half the time the reaction shot is completely unrelated. But that’s not “scripting”, not even the way professional wrestling is scripted. In pro wrestling storylines are worked out in advance even if the exact dialog is improvised. In most reality shows storylines are built afterwards out of the masses of footage. ---
**Author:** ![obfusciatrist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/4af34b/32.png) [@obfusciatrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obfusciatrist)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2012, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-reality-shows-a-cop-out/615810/17 "2012-03-16T17:18:30Z")
The OP does seem to be assuming that it is writers who decide what will be on TV. It isn’t, it is people looking to make as much of a return on investment as they can. Sometimes they hire writers to do that when they think it will maximize that return. If advertisers would pay more for placement during static, that is what would be on TV. ---
**Author:** ![DMark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@DMark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMark)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2012, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-reality-shows-a-cop-out/615810/18 "2012-03-16T22:40:11Z")
It sort of depends on what kind of “reality” show. Things like American Idol, The Voice, America’s Got Talent, Dancing With The Stars - they are sort of variety shows with music, no better no worse than the Ed Sullivan Shows of yore. Might not be your cup of tea, but at least there is music and entertainment. Same could be said of House Hunters/House Hunters International or any of the HGTV shows that appeal to people who have an interest in real estate, or do-it-yourself repairs around the house. Food Network has stuff for the foodies. These could be called specialty channels for hobbyists. But those reality shows that simply follow a bunch of idiots around while they shop, bitch and do nothing worthwhile? It is a mystery to me why anyone would care or want to watch. When the whole Kim Kardashian nonsense was all over the news, I quite seriously had no idea who the fuck she was - still don’t know, still don’t care, and am amazed other people do care. ---
**Author:** ![Quasimodem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2012, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-reality-shows-a-cop-out/615810/19 "2012-03-16T23:03:57Z")
I once stated (on this message board) that I’d drink Kim K’s bath water, but the more I became familiar with her, the more I wanted to poke hot needles into both my eyes simultaneously. Definitely not one of my better calls, that one. 🙂 Thanks Q ---
**Author:** ![Typo\_Negative](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/typo_negative/32/484_2.png) [@Typo\_Negative](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Negative)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2012, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-reality-shows-a-cop-out/615810/20 "2012-03-16T23:15:53Z")
> [@Quasimodem](#): > > But, could stories be _written_ about what that live camera sees and be _made_ into an exciting series? > > Yes, I think so. > > Just takes a little movement of the fingers on the keys responding to an idea from the brain. > > It’s called “writing”. > > Q I give you _ **Reno 911** _ [Reno 911! - Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reno_911)! [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-reality-shows-a-cop-out/615810.md?page=2)