Why are reality shows so popular????

Well, 2 me, it's very simple: we LOVE 2 watch people make a FOOL of themselves! It's the "voyeur" in ALL of us! PLUS, it makes us feel better about our OWN lives, when we c how DYSFUNCTIONAL many (if not MOST) of these people really are! Also, when the shows involve CASH PRIZES, like $1 million dollars, MOST of us would LOVE 2 win that kind of money! And so, it's interesting 2 us 2 watch how far OTHERS will go 2 win it! And maybe, it "inspires" us 2 think that, hey, if THEY can do it, so can WE! Lastly, reality TV is the CHEAPEST 2 produce! These people basically sign their LIVES away, 4 little compensation (in comparison 2 "real" actors), and they DON'T get any residuals (as far as I know). So, 4 the producers and networks, it's the BEST form of EXPLOITATION they could ever wish 4! And since there seems 2 be an ENDLESS crop of people who are WILLING 2 HUMILIATE themselves, just 4 the CHANCE at a cash prize, and since we LOVE 2 WATCH others BEING HUMILIATED, this combination will make it CONTINUE 4 quite some time! I agree, that it's kinda "out of hand" right now! And, people are sometimes doing some very DANGEROUS things 2 try 2 win. Un4-tunately, it may take someone actually DYING b-4 a message sinks in! But, then again, even THAT probably WOULDN'T stop this "craze", 'cuz it costs 2 LITTLE, and it MAKES 2 MUCH money! Again, a producer's/network's DREAM: spend as LITTLE as possible, and make as MUCH as possible! "Reality" TV is the "perfect" vehicle! I have my "guilty pleasures" in this genre (like MANY of us), but ultimately, I still prefer 2 watch REAL ACTORS! I'll take a great SITCOM over an UNREAL ('cuz, the IRONY is that "reality" TV is anything BUT "real"...it's ALL contrived!) "reality" show ANY DAY!

Reality shows are popular because most human beings have a voyeuristic curiosity. Its kinda like if something terrible was about to happen, subconsciously you really dont want something terrible to actually happen but if does happen you wanna see it. Survivor is really the only reality show that I watch.

I certainly don't understand it...I'm not a fan.

Not sure but I think they get paid extra when they cause more drama in the show. I'm sure its cheaper to pay just anyone who wants to be on tv then a movie star. I don't like watching them. Its not bad for some of them for like the first time they play but when they do more then 1 season it starts getting boring and I don't get why they can't come up with something new. Like survior that damn show needs to be retired.

The reality show is brought to us live. And also the participation of live audience make it so popular.

I'm with you, I don't understand why people like them. I don't like them at all.

I have got to say I am not a big fan of them either and have seen a few members of the shows go on to become one hit wonders or take on fame to quick and wonder why the media are priting all their business when it was them who opted in the first place to flaunt their business in public. There is enough reality in my house as it is without having to turn on the tv and see it lol. And the reality in my house will stay strictly behind clothes doors and minus the camera.