Reality TV Shows

There has been an influx of reality shows in our local TV the last 2 years. Starting the trend was Survivor followed by The Amazing Race, Fear Factor, American Idol, Donald Trump's 'The Apprentice', America's Next Top Model, The Contender and some other forgettable ones which I would rather not list out. It seems that the bug has caught on and we now have our own reality shows on air. A list of reality TV shows that has been around lately were AXN Challenge, Mentor, Akademi Fantasia, Malaysian Idol and Malaysia Fear Factor (premiering in November).

Why the craze you might ask? Perhaps audiences could see and relate themselves to the flaws/good points of the participants. A few notable ones that come into mind are Richard Hatch, Mawi, Jacklyn Victor, Vain Ahmed, Flo, Jon, Victoria (Okay I admit among all I follow the Amazing Race the most). A more reasonable explanation could be however is due to the unpredictability of the shows. This could be the main appeal/reason audiences come back for more every week. What could be this week's flavour could be the first to be eliminated/voted out in the next Episode. What more could be the main reason... as whatever transpires in the latest episode will become next day's hottest discussion at work.

This also brings back to memories of game shows in the 80's. I still remember keeping myself glued to TV whenever Million Dollar Chance of A Lifetime, Wheel Of Fortune, Hollywood Squares and Lingo were broadcasted on TV. These gameshow kept me glued faithfully as I on numerous occassions guessed the answers before the contestents did.

I'm one of the migrators of gameshows to Reality TV as they do not appeal to me now .... I just wonder what will be the next BIG thing on TV. Till then ... gotta catch up with the latest episode of The Amazing Race.