by Charlene C

Created on: October 21, 2009   Last Updated: October 23, 2009

Reality television has evolved and is more fictional now than when it first began. The number one reason for this is that once a person has experienced exposure on national television they become more guarded and are not as real as they once were.

"The Real World",shown on MTV, one of reality television pioneers is one of the few shows that keeps it "real" by filming 24 hours a day. They force people to live in a house together and they must interact and really live with their every move in the house caught on camera.

Other reality franchises, such as "The Real Housewives of ____" and "The Hills" only film at certain times and places and many things are not caught on tape. The people live separate lives and the show forces them to throw parties and dinners just so that they can come together and interact. The first season of these shows are usually the most real that you will get from the particular characters because they had not yet had the notoriety that comes with being a television star. Once, they become a celebrity and are attacked for their behaviors and actions by viewers then they become more guarded and the next season always seems a little forced.

So, in fact reality television eventually becomes fictional television in many ways. In reality television the producers often get involved to spice things up for ratings. Reality television success often hinges on how much drama they can bring to the small screen. Fictional television can take you away with science fiction, comedy, action/adventure etc. Many people are now craving more fictional television for the reason of escapism.

It's nice to follow a storyline every week and be surprised with plots twists and turns that fiction television offers. Reality television often become bland and predictable. Many characters are so afraid of being seen as villains or air headed or whatever and they change who they are when the cameras are on them.

There are limits on reality television and fictional television has a much more free realm of stories to explore. Fiction television can boldly go places that reality television can only begin to dream of going.

Is reality television a way to escape as well? Yes, it can be very entertaining and have people coming back week after week to find out what happens next. The real deal is that reality television is often a sham. The stories are coached or even loosely written for the stars. It often turns into bad acting with bland stories. At least with fictional television you expect the story to be fabricated. There is often a lack of integrity in reality television.

Learn more about this author, Charlene C.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.