When Survivor appeared on CBS for the first time, it quickly became a topic of conversation around water coolers everywhere. Even people who didnt watch the show couldnt escape conversations about which castaway would be voted off the island next. Today, there are dozens of reality shows that offer to turn everyday people into chefs, actors, singing stars, brides or grooms, millionaires, and almost anything else you can imagine.
And while people make the obligatory negative remarks about reality TV, many harbor secret addictions to one show or another. What makes reality TV so popular? There are probably several factors.
First, reality TV participants come from all walks of life. Whether youre gay or straight, male or female, Christian or Buddhist, Black or white, it is easy to turn on reality TV and spot someone like yourself whisked away into an adventurous or luxurious lifestyle. We experience a vicarious thrill seeing ordinary people like us compete for fabulous prizes. And, if you are being absolutely honest, you have to admit that youve sometimes thought, I could do that!
Another reason people enjoy reality TV is the suspense. On most shows, each...