by Stephen Bate

Created on: September 15, 2008

I have to say, no I'm not. I'm ashamed to the point of cringeing, but I'm an addict and I can't miss these shows once I'm hooked. I gain no pride whatsoever in acknowledging the fact that I watch reality TV, and that I am a fan, as it says something about my ability to enjoy cheap entertainment.

If you look at the set up for these shows it really is pitiful, weak and "easy" TV.

You take a bunch of wannabes who are desperate for their "break" into the cash engorged media world and are willing to do anything for their 15 minutes of fame.

Put them in a situation where they will be made to argue, fight and put themselves through extruciatingly embarrassing situations just to get the attention that they crave, and they are happy to lap up the ridicule.

Then, to make the point even more acutely, put the show out as part of the prime time TV menu and keep hammering it home until it's stuck.

When looked at this way, who would be proud to watch this TV?

We should be feeling sorry for these poor individuals who obviously have low self esteem or no pride whatsoever, and are just chasing the dream of a short lived fame and money in the bank. Often, these people are misfits, and gaining pride through enjoyment in watching should be a guilty pleasure that no civilised human being should stomach.

We should be reaching for the phone and getting them professional help and yet my eyes cannot be wrenched away from the mess that is being created in front of me.

I watch it. Avidly. Why?

I watch it because it's not ME! The finger of fun is being pointed at someone else and they are providing me with cheap, commitment free entertainment. Reality TV programmes offer me a chance to set aside the same half hour or hour every day and watch ridiculous situations unfold whilst I am re-inforcing my routine and "normality".

I do not buy into the "I watch because it's REAL people" line, as these contestants cannot be normal, but I do buy into the macabre idea that I know something is going to be making me laugh, or squirm, every time I watch. I guess it's the same grotesque sense of "phew, it's not me" that we feel when watching a horror film, and the same sense that we know something is lurking around the corner.

Reality TV is shallow, meaningless and banale TV that entertains in the very narrowest sense of the word. Because of this I can only say that I'm ashamed to be an addict. But I am, and I lap it up every time.

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