Cynthia M. Frisby, associate professor of advertising at the University of Missouri School of Journalism and coeditor of Journalism Across Cultures (2003), in her article “Getting Real with Reality TV”, defines reality TV as a genre of programming in which the everyday routines of “real life” people are followed closely by the cameras (Page 272). Year after year the capability to avoid Reality TV instantaneously diminishes among people. It seems viewers simply just can’t resist becoming engrossed in the shows that publicize the lives of other people. You find these reality television shows as the topic of discussion almost everywhere in places such as restaurants, bars, schools, offices, and of course hair salons. I agree that reality television …show more content…
These shows make a person feel better about one’s life circumstances, abilities, and talents (276). Frisby states in her article that “there are three major categories within the reality genre: game shows, talent shows, and dating shows” (272). Popular shows such as Big Brother, Extreme Makeover, The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, American Idol , The Biggest Loser, The Voice, and may others fall into those categories. My personal favorite is The Biggest Loser. What I like about this show is that it changes lives. Some of the contestants who have appeared on the show were in a really bad state and it was a decision between life and death. Their trainers did not go easy on them either and there were times when they wanted to quit; however, they were not given that option. I related to this show because that could have been anyone in my family including myself. I was captivated by their persistence from week to week. Also it was appealing to witness their weekly weight loss. From the comfort of my home I was encouraging them while they endured their transition every week. Even though the aim of reality shows shift, the effect on the audience is the