reality shows

Did anyone know that reality shows were going to be such a big and permanent part of our reality? I remember that movie “Truman Show” directed by Peter Weir where Jim Carrey plays a guy’s life is shaped to be content for a reality show, and that felt kind of sci-fi-y and over the top to me. No way, i thought would someone live in front of the camera.

But then after all those game-style shows (and by game, I don’t mean “Jeopardy,” but like “Survivor” and the “Dancing with the Stars”) it felt like a new crop of completely boring, mediocre celebs was born. I remember hearing how reality programming meant lots of talent not getting to work — writers, actors. Instead, we have people like Omarosa from that “You’re fired” show (the name of which escapes me, you know, the one with Trump). Then the biopic shows came around — Flava Flav, the Osbornes, Kathy Griffin (which I love, love, love, love) came around, where the people aren’t even playing games but just living their lives in front of the camera.

“The Hills” is, of course, a very famous one of those biopics that’s made MTV a kajillion dollars, and turned Lauren Conrad into a millionaire fashion designer. Her line is supposed to be very mehhh. And I totally agreed with the consensus, that these newbies were stinkers and seem to be handsomely rewarded for being just kind of middle of the road. I mean, Lauren Conrad is very pretty but otherwise unremarkable and yet she makes enough money to live frugally for the rest of her life? Just saying. I have since changed my mind after reading the Entertainment Weekly interview with her, where she says that sometimes she wakes up in the middle of the night and thinks she’s being filmed. She may not be talented per se, but she’s given a TV show full access to her personal life, her relationships and friendships — which seems like a NIGHTMARE and makes a million seem like a pittance. I think I’d do it for a million each for me and my pals and my family and then require electro-shock therapy so that I would have something to distract me from the fact that I was always being watched. Creepy.

2 Replies to “reality shows”

  1. Oh, a funny coincidence! I just watched The Truman Show on tv the other night. I actually really enjoyed the movie when it first came out because I identified with the scenario, like, who hasn’t thought at some point that maybe they were part of some show where they are filmed 24/7 and being watched?

    I’ve heard good stuff about the Kathy Griffin show. If it gets some of your Tina love, then I am more compelled to tune in. I will give it a shot. I am looking forward to Margaret Cho’s new reality show.

    There is a reality show on TLC that my sister got me into: Jon & Kate plus 8. This biracial (dad’s half korean) couple have 2 twin girls and sextuplets. And their lives have been filmed since the sextuplets have been born. They are now 4. The family has definitely reaped many rewards as a result, but now that the kids are getting older, I wonder how much longer they will have their lives taped. Because I would imagine if I were an awkward pre-teen, maybe I don’t want cameras following me anymore. Or maybe I grow up thinking that it’s a natural part of life.

  2. i’ve heard the Jon & Kate show is pretty addictive. i have to tell you Kathy Griffin makes me and Husband cry, which is always a good sign.

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