This is going to be a new regular item here at SpoilerTV, one that I hope you will enjoy and participate in. Each day I'll be posing a TV related question for you to comment on and discuss.If you have an idea for "Question of the Day" please leave it in the comments below. We are looking for questions that provide a simple Y/N answer.
So here is the first one.
Personally I hate Reality shows. For example the recent Dancing with the Stars. Do you really care that some overpaid B-List star beat another overpaid B-List star at dancing? I find they take away from intelligent programming and dumbs people down.
What about you?
Let me know your ideas for future "Question of the Day" articles.
ReplyDeleteI hate reality shows so much. I cannot wait until "American Idol" is finally over, which better be this season! It will not be the same without Sam.
ReplyDeleteMe too!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on getting the feature started. Looking forward to discussion and questions each day
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity :)
ReplyDeleteoh yes. I make an exception for Top Chef though. But yes yes yes! Give me scripted tv any day of the week. I don't understand the appeal of Dancing with the Stars and Jersey Shore, among others.
ReplyDeleteYes to todays question. Hate Reality shows with a passion.
ReplyDeleteHow about this for a question
"Are the days of non-procedural scripted shows over?"
Great question, I will add it to my list.
ReplyDeleteI have a hard time answering this question and it comes up often among my family during holiday meals. I loathe most realit competition shows (Survivor, Idol. Biggest Loser etc), but I lovethe reality documentary genre like Dealiest Catch, Ice Road Truckers and others. On some level I realize even the shows I love are trivial and mindless fun, but it does not stop me from enjoying watching them. I can see why people get emotionally invested in them because voting for them or rooting for a favorite builds a connection that just watching a scripted show (or unscripted series without voting like Top Chef, Biggest Loser etc). Since I brought up Top Chef... why dp people like realty food shows? I get shows where they have recipes or cook something for the veiwers or where it's aaesthetic challenge like Food Network's Challenge. But a show that is based on food taste that I cannot taste? Why would I watch? I don't get it. I can see watching a show with singing I can hear, or dancing I can watch, or racing I can see the finish order, but a competition where I can't taste the food? Does not compute.
ReplyDeletewtf indeed, Dark.
ReplyDeleteI do not find any worth or entertainment in reality shows.
ReplyDeleteMost reality shows, whether they be about housewives, love buses, hoarders, fashion wannabes, Guidos, teen moms, or whatever, appeal to the most unhealthy voyeuristic aspects of society. Creating entertainment from dysfunction seems to be leading to a wider acceptance of dysfunctional behavior and that's more than a bit disturbing.
Great comment Bruce, I could not have said it better.
ReplyDeleteI completed agree with you on non-voting reality shows like Jersey Shore, "real" Housewives, Keeping Up with the Kardashians and the rest.
ReplyDeleteNever liked reality shows.
ReplyDeleteLike the question of today!
I think shows like Ice Road Truckers or Deadliest Catch belong in a different category. When I think Reality, I don't think of them, though for all intents and purposes that is exactly what they are. In a sense, the reality genre hots many sub-genres.
ReplyDeleteAs for Top Chef, I don't even WANT to taste the food they prepare! It does not appeal to me. Perhaps that speaks to my unsophisticated palette, but whatever. I like the show because I think the challenges are fun. I like to see what they put together and how it looks.
Great article! I hate reality shows and the big ratings the guest, when scripted, smart and fun shows get canceled way before their time. Most reality shows are just dumb (I like Top Chef, though) IMO, and not even fun to watch.
ReplyDeleteThanks, darq.
ReplyDeleteAlso, while "competition" reality shows like America's Next Top Model, The Apprentice, Survivor, and Top Chef SEEM to be lesser offenders in this category because of the supposed focus on the talent of the contestants, in reality, the majority of the appeal of these programs derive from the exploitation of the personal issues of the contestants and interpersonal conflicts between the contestants. This fact makes these shows hardly better than the others, in my opinion.
Thanks. I really like this new feature.
ReplyDeleteThat depends on what kind of Reality Shows are we talking about.
ReplyDeleteSomething like The Dog Whisperer is great TV, something like Jersey Shore is crap.
Thank you!
ReplyDeleteIf you have any questions that you'd like to be featured please feel free to submit them here in the comments or email me @ thespoilergirl@gmail.com
Questions for the WOD:
ReplyDeleteWhy are so few shows that have leads older than 50 and should there be more?
How many modelesque police women, firefighters, swat team members, detectives are there in the real world and why does the majority of cop shows have a black female police captain?
If all these serial killer shows can catch a new killer every week (22 episodes x however many seasons x however many shows... ) how is the population stil lgrowing and why have I not met a serial killer yet...r have i?
Which shows that were cancelled in a season or 2 do you think could have become classics like Seinfeld (which had below average ratings its first year) that ran 9 seasons or Married with Children that ran 11 seasons?
What genre do you think is OVER represented on TV?
Which genre do you think is UNDER represented on TV?
What graphic novel or comis will be or could be a great TV series?
Who is the worst 22 to 33 year old actor/actress playing a highschooler on TV now or in the past?
Thank you for some great ideas, I'll be adding them all to my list of possibles. Thank you again.
ReplyDeleteOh, I agree. I don't think they are any better... I just can understand why people get so into them. Somewhat atleast. For me personally, voting for people I do not know, do not like and would not like if i met them gives me no joy and no feeling of belonging. That said, I am in the minority. In a world where texting on phones is more common than actually verbally communicating with other humans, I guess texting votes in has replaced the social clubs of old. The end s nigh....
ReplyDeleteIt's very rare that I'll watch a reality TV show. Most are total garbage. So I voted yes. :)
ReplyDeleteI would not lump Dancing With The Stars with the other reality shows. I find it way more entertaining. It's my only guilty pleasure.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree.
ReplyDeleteCan I just say I think this (Question of the Day) is a really good feature, thank you Spoiler Girl :)
ReplyDeleteGreat questions. I guess I will wait until they are posted to answer these.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bob, hopefully it will turn into a popular feature.
ReplyDeleteI hope to use some of these
ReplyDeleteIn general I would say 'Yes' but that doesn't mean I never watched any reality shows. I watched a season/episode of Big Brother, American Idol, The Real World, ANTM, Survivor, ANDC...etc. etc. I like to build my own opinion before I start to bitch about something so if I wanna say American Idol is bad, I have to watch at least one episode. I think there are just too many reality shows now and I get why some people like it (mindless fun and 'Schadenfreude') and why networks fall into the trap of making one reality show after another (they're cheap) but it's the same boring thing every season. *sigh*
ReplyDeleteBut I got one guilty pleasure and that's food shows. I love me some Anthony Bourdain.
Let's hope so. Normal shows would stop if their main star goes away but the problem with reality shows is that they just keep on going and going.....
ReplyDeleteFun feature :). Thank Spoiler GIrl.
ReplyDeleteOnce again Bruce you said exactly what I was thinking :)
ReplyDeleteWhat were we saying recently about great minds?
I hate reality shows with a passion. I watched a few when they first started becoming popular - mainly because everyone at work was talking about them. Bit I'd rather talk about scripted tv shows if I'm going to talk tv at all.
ReplyDeleteOh and I love the Question of the Day idea. Great stuff :)
The only reality television I ever enjoyed was The Mole. Now THAT was intelligent tv. :) Too bad it found very few takers...of course.
ReplyDeleteWhat I don't understand is how anybody could possibly think reality shows have anything to do with actual reality. Do any of the people on these shows seem like real people to anyone? I know half the 'reality' shows are somewhat scripted, and some of the competition shows have to be skewed, but why escape into something so blatantly un-real when a nice fictional scripted show is there for your entertainment? I'd much rather watch something with characters I can like and root for, then reality show attention mongers who are just acting up to get their 15 minutes. American Idol is the only one I ever watched (but not for the last 4 years or so) and I've come to the conclusion that the best singer doesn't win. With the exception of Carrie Underwood, I've never understood how the actual winners won.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right Sue. Give me my Supernatural any day over so-called 'reality tv'.
ReplyDeleteI truly dislike Reality TV. It just doesn't entertain me, which is what I really want from watching tv. I can forgive (and be entertained by) the flaws and failures of a fictional character, while the same flaws turn me off in a real person. The fiction is a relief, because "it's just tv it doesn't matter that he crashed his best friend's car", but reality shows just serves to remind me that we can all act like idiots (or be made to look like one).
ReplyDeleteSo I suppose it's all about what you want from your tv experience. Someone who needs to feel that there are more unpopular people out there, or worse situations to be in might find comfort in watching a bunch of weird people get dropped on a deserted island.
Personally I do find reality tv shows to be stupid, but I have been guilty of tuning into "Little People, Big World" occasionally.
ReplyDeleteWhat must a show contain to make you a dedicated fan, as opposed to someone who watches said show once in a while?
ReplyDeleteHow important is it for you to relate to the situation the characters are in? And does this make you lean towards or away from specific genres like sci-fi? Is it enough to like the character?
I find reality stupid enough without the added imbecility and misrepresentation of "reality" TV shows clogging up what little faith I have left in humanity. I find much more worth in intelligently conceived escapist programming that appeals to our imaginations and helps us focus on our lives when it is over rather than vicariously through the badly represented lives of others.
ReplyDeleteGood point - i think there are reality shows and then there are documentary shows. Reality shows aim to create melodrama from real life, by seeking out egotism, and dysfunction as Bruce said. Documentaries (mostly) find extremes and unusual situations and document them. Often the line blurs, and i definitely can only cope with shows very firmly on the Documentary side of the line! (and not very often, give me escapist fiction over real life any day!)
ReplyDeleteDo I find reality shows stupid?
ReplyDeleteWow...is this a trick question or something?
Dysfunctional portrayal should be disallowed on tv? then what the hell am I gonna watch on Fridays at 9 on the CW? Last time I checked, Sam+Dean=Textbook Dysfunctional family lol
ReplyDeleteThis is a sarcastic reply as I am well aware of the metaphorical, emotional, etc. points being made in the brilliant series as opposed to Jersey Shore. lol I just wanted to take a jab at that. :P
It was so obviously rigged to keep Bristol Palin (And therefore her Moose-lovin' mother) on the show the whole season, that in and of itself should warrant you lumping it in with the other shows. In all honesty I don't see how you couldn't when it's a painfully obvious way to get back into fame after your career has gone south...
ReplyDeleteC'mon, Crawford! You almost had it. Remember the "Conan" rule: it's not as funny when you explain it. :)
ReplyDeleteI blame Survivor for the entire mess that is reality TV. I don't care who gets the rose, who gets the contract, or who wins the competition and I most certainly do not support SPOT (Stupid People on TV) shows. Normal people are annoying enough. Why would I search out the most annoying, generally pathetic people on the planet? And why would I actively encourage bad behavior and a lack of common decency just to force others to try to top the obnoxious people we already have? TV should be an escape, not a continuation from the boorish people already in your life.
ReplyDeleteGive him a break he's only covering his ass - he's already encountered SPN fans who don't get sarcasm ;P
ReplyDeleteAlthough having said that, how can they possibly be SPN fans and NOT get sarcasm??
Because they're grabby, incandescent douchebags? ;)
ReplyDelete:D
ReplyDeleteI think the term "Reality TV" can really cover a lot here and I'm not so sure anybody can really give an honest answer. Are we talking unscripted shows? Are we talking voting shows? Are we talking half of each with a bit of melodrama on top? There's no real "Reality TV" category anymore because once the camera is on, it's no longer real life.
ReplyDeleteWhile I don't like most "reality" shows - and will always prefer scripted dramas - there are some that can be beneficial to people. As a professional dog trainer, I always point people in the direction of Cesar Milan's "Dog Whisperer" show. While I don't necessarily agree with all his techniques, he does more for dogs and owners than, say, one hour of script CSI does.
Your question is just flawed and somewhat pointless. It's like asking if I find scripted shows stupid. Of course, some of them. But there are some that aren't.
If you're looking for questions that provide a simple "yes/no" answer, I'd look a little deeper.
thats offensive...to moose.
ReplyDeletewell said
ReplyDeleteI hate "reality" shows because they screw over other shows in ratings. They aren't usually realistic anyway. The only true reality shows are the news...unless it's Fox news.
ReplyDeleteEvery single person who watches just one of those reality programmes is responsible for the cancellation of scripted television shows.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this new feature! I have a suggestion if it hasnt been done before: What's your favorite CSI out of the three?
ReplyDeleteHa, don't get me started on Jersey Shore. Maybe it's a sign of getting
ReplyDeleteolder but shows like that.. wtf?
I watched them when they first came out, and were actually watchable, and also only the occasional program.
ReplyDeleteNow days it's everywhere, it's a crap standard and takes over channels from good shows.
Thank you for the kind words. Hope each question brings this much discussion!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the idea, I'll add them to the list
ReplyDeleteThanks Dalia, I was really look for more general TV Themed questions
ReplyDeleteas opposed to specific show questions. Maybe you could email darkufo
and ask him to maybe do a poll for you, I know he has done some of
these in the past.
Glad you enjoy the new feature.
Could be something as simple as "Do you prefer watching live or DVR?"
ReplyDeleteI voted "Yes", but I watched DWTS stars this season because of Jennifer Grey. She just ROCKS!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI agree!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThinking of "Jersey Shore" reminds me of a line from "The Monkees":
ReplyDelete"I watched it for about five minutes, then I thought to myself, 'Why am I sitting here watching this show when I could be out cleaning garbage cans?'"
Thanks SpoilerGirl, I'll think of a more general question then, i liked Memento Man's suggestion.
ReplyDeleteFlawed.
ReplyDeleteAnyone can watch a reality show and watch a scripted show. One does not cancel the other.
Great new feature!! Are there too many cop shows on tv right now?
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy some reality tv shows like American Idol and The X Factor, mainly because of Simon Cowell, but I also enjoy The Amazing Race, Survivor, So You Think You Can Dance? and The Biggest Loser but I find some others are just really stupid like I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here!, Top Chef, Hell's Kitchen, Keeping Up With The Kardashians and Deadliest Catch.
So here's one that hit me today as I read someone write that they watch Hawaii Five-0 for Grace Park. The character that gets the fourth most face time.... fifth if you count guest stars every epsiode! Do you watch any shows just for an actor or actress? I was nonplussed reading some one watched H50 for Grace... so I would be curious.
ReplyDelete