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Reality television has taken over everything we do. There is nothing sacred anymore about what people will do to get on television. I am a converted fan and I now realize that watching reality television truly makes us realize how "normal" our lives are and how screwed up so many others in the world can be.

From the days of the Real World on MTV (this is the beginning in my opinion) until now, reality television has become more far-fetched. People eat bugs, have babies, raise or discipline their children, and find love (or lust). The five things that make a good reality show great and make the reality of the show not seem so bizarre are as follows;

1. Make the prize something worth being on television for. This is why the Amazing Race and Survivor have lasted so long. Both of these shows offer a million dollars to do all of the crazy challenges. People want the money so they complete the challenges.

2. Really showcase people with talent. Project Runway and American Idol are great shows that give undiscovered talent a chance to prove what themselves. These shows are created to give the contestants a "leg up" in an otherwise extremely competitive business. Plus it is so nice to see truly talented people finally get their due.

3. As much as I hate to admit it, you have to have a fairly popular and attractive host. From Heidi, to Tyra, to Phil, and even Jeff, all of these hosts have looks, charisma and knowledge of their show. They always speak well and are never boring.

4. Drama, drama, drama. Every reality show has to have "junior high like" drama. This is what keeps us coming back. The girls have to fight on America's Next Top Model, the couples have to get lost on the Amazing Race and the designers on Project Runway have to be egomaniacs for us all to love to hate them.

5. Finally, a great reality show must deliver the moments that make us mad or make us cry all at the same time. We have to care about what we are watching. If that means leaving us hanging until the next episode, do it because we will watch. I may get mad at the producers for making me wait to see who gets eliminated but I can guarantee that I will have the television on the minute the next episode comes on. If we care, we tune in.

Not all reality shows are great. Not all are even that good. Some are actually horrible but each show has something in common. Every reality show is about people just like us who want to be on television. The way to make the show great is by making us, the people at home, care enough to allow these people to stay on television and complete the task at hand.

Learn more about this author, MC Allen.
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