Reality shows do you watch them...which ones and why? If not...why?

Canada
January 8, 2008 11:39pm CST
This topic popped into my mind today when my girl friend called to say that she checked out the Survivor website and found out who the all stars are going to be for the next Survivor series. James and Rebecca are going to be on from the last one as well as Yow Man...Ozzie and oh no...so is Johnny Fairplay! For those who do not watch this series this will be of zero significance and I get that...but for fans who like the series Johnny Fairplay was anything but a fair player! He is sure new how to stir the pot last time and undoubtedly will again. Other reality shows David and enjoy are the Amazing Race...and initially we liked the Apprentice...but lost interest a couple of sequels back. However, we did see the first one in the all star one they are airing now and we might tune in again. Those are the only three we watch. The reasons I find them interesting and enjoyable are varied. For one I like to see the running travel log and team dynamic on the Amazing Race and Survivor. With the Apprentice it is endlessly fascinating to me to be exposed to a high power world that I have no interest in being a part of. Each time I watched this series I am more convinced than ever. The lavish materialism that so many on the series chase after is not what drives me...but is an still an interesting study in human behavior...as are the other two shows. I am a people person and I find these three shows give me a chance to observe every day people revealing who they are, how they think and what extent they will go to to try and keep their moral compass balanced with their greed factor. Anyway, just my perspective again. So if you'd care to tell me if you watch reality and shows or not...and the reasons behind your decision I am all ears...or maybe I should say eyes. Speaking of which I am betting bleary eyed and it is time to sign off. I will be back tomorrow and will endeavor to keep on responding to every response because I enjoy our chat sessions. See ya...tomorrow! Raia
4 people like this
14 responses
@raijin (10345)
• Philippines
9 Jan 08
Amazing Race is the one I enjoy watching, as I find it more REAL than any other shows. Fear Factor and other reality competition games with less talking and more action, those are what appeals to me most. I guess with the writer's guild strike, some scripted Reality shows will then slow down a bit!LoL I really enjoy the type of game Amazing Race, less drama with no votings recquired and all they just need is to simply out-run everybody else. They get to travel in some parts of the world, all but just with the whole season in-case you get to be on the finals!=)
• Canada
9 Jan 08
Thanks for you opinion on this one Raijin. What you shared here is a very accurate mirror for why David and I enjoy the Amazing Race too. Ever thought of signing up when you enjoy it that much? I haven't...although I keep myself in pretty good shape...I do not think my knees with withstand the pounding pace they have to keep. Raia
1 person likes this
@raijin (10345)
• Philippines
10 Jan 08
I wish I could, we even have an Asian version of AR here on it's 2nd season. But the thing is, I am not good in driving and using right-hand drive vehicles!;)
1 person likes this
• Canada
28 Jan 08
Oh come on..you are a talented guy...you could do it. I believe in you! Raia
@yanxchick (250)
• United States
9 Jan 08
I stopped watching reality shows years ago. I know I watched the first Survivor and the first American Idol, but these shows really have no appeal to me. They aren't original and if I need to see things going on in people's life, I feel like I have enough of my own life that I need to take care of rather than worrying about other people. The talented and funny people are already in the business and getting paid for it. I would rather watch actors than reality television stars.
• Canada
9 Jan 08
Hi and thanks for your opinion. You are certainly not alone in your viewpoint...and that is what makes life interesting and varied...different perspectives! Raia
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
9 Jan 08
watched Survivor years ago when they ate all kinds of insectand bugs. and then they voted off one I wanted to stay and we lost interest in it. Dont know if it s a reality show but we watch the biggest looser. and it is amazing what they do to lose weight and how they look in the end I think this is our 3 times on this one. also Like Americas got talent Chey trys to do all of the acts lol But we really dont watch the reality shows that are reality shows . Either we have to much else we tape to watch and just havent got into them
1 person likes this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
10 Jan 08
thats good altho I have tryed about every thing there is to try to eat I havent tried chocolate covered ants od grasshopper I suppose if I was stranded some where and had to eat something not on my menu lol I would eat to survive. later today phone call yeah!!!! hugs
1 person likes this
• Canada
28 Jan 08
Ditto for me on the chocolate covered insects...UGH! The idea of them 'crunching' in my mouth and knowing what it is...yikes too creepy for me too! Raia
• Canada
9 Jan 08
Oh yes the dreaded bug challenge. They aren't doing quite as much of that as they used to...although they brought some really weird food choices in as a challenge last one. I know what you mean about only have so much time to watch things. We are pretty selective because although we enjoy television we also like doing a lot of other things as well. Chat tomorrow...hopefully! Raia
@Katlady2 (9904)
• United States
9 Jan 08
Ok...you got me again! I watch reality shows about as much as my soap operas. LOL! I love Survivor, and am waiting impatiently for the start of the new one. I have just recently gotten into The Biggest Loser. I love watching the people discover how much strength they have inside to complete the workouts and the tasks required of them. The other shows that I'm into are Amazing Race, So You Think You Can Dance, and American Idol. I just love to watch people trying to make it as far as they can in their endeavors....not to mention the fact they are entertaining as all get out. LOL!
1 person likes this
@Katlady2 (9904)
• United States
10 Jan 08
Well...the saying goes that great minds think alike. So our minds must be absolutely AWESOME! LOL
1 person likes this
• Canada
9 Jan 08
Hi...always enjoyable hearing from you. Your views are very similar to mine as to why we watch the shows we do...in a nutshell you said it all; I just love to watch people trying to make it as far as they can in their endeavors...not to mention the fact that they are entertaining as all get out." That gets a big rounding 'Yes' from me! Thanks for that! Raia
1 person likes this
@jcj_111776 (3216)
• Philippines
12 Jan 08
From the many kinds of reality shows that have popped out today, somehow it lost its appeal to me. But back to the time when reality shows were just starting, my favorites were Survivor(the very first one), Amazing Race(the very first one, too) and Fear Factor. Back at that time, I made it sure that I watch all the episodes completely. And that I'm fully updated with what was happening. But these days, I don't watch them them anymore. Like the saying, The original will always be the best. And I guess, that's what happened for me. I faithfully watched these three reality shows back when they were still in the original seasons. Because they provided a sense of adventure for me. As if I'm with them, doing those one of a kind stunts or racing to catch the earliest flight to go to the next clue or waiting in so much tension waiting who will be the next voted out!
• Canada
1 Mar 08
Our experiences with those shows are opposite to yours. We didn't watch them in the beginning...but really enjoy them now. We continue to watch each new series...and are enjoying the newest survivor a lot. I still love the Amazing Race because it is like a mini-travel log as well. I am even more fascinated since becoming a member here...last season the race went to Croatia and I had just connected with Silvana who lives there...so there was a more personal kind of interest. We also went back to watch the Apprentice after going away from it for awhile. The All Stars one is proving to be quite entertaining. However, between Mylot, work and other interests we don't watch much television any more. Usually for a couple of hours in the evening to wind down. Anyway, good chatting...thanks for the PM's. Love to hear from you as time permits. Raia
• United States
26 Feb 08
LOL..I like watching American Idol and Rock of love 2..I used to watch Amazing Race and Survivor, but after awhile I simply got bored with the 2 shows. Maybe its just this season..I seem to skip a season or 2 and then get back into it again..JUST LIKE A SOAP OPERA!! LOL
• Canada
1 Mar 08
My girlfriend really likes both of the first two shows you mentioned...but I have never got into them. However, Amazing Race and Survivor are two faves that my hubby and I keep tuning into. We also started watching the Apprentice after tuning it out for a couple of seasons. This year the All Stars are making it quite interesting. Thanks for your comments and welcome to Mylot. Good to have you hear and hope you enjoy it! Raia
@brimia (6581)
• United States
10 Jan 08
I'm obsessed with the Bachelor because it's fun watching the women fight over the guy and make fools out of themselves, Real Housewives of Orange County because I like seeing "how the other half lives", The Hills for all the drama and Top Chef for the amazing dishes they prepare.
• Canada
28 Jan 08
Oh yes...The Bachelor...funny I don't watch it for the same reasons you do...women fighting over a guy and making fools of themselves. Does something to my feminist sensibilities! (chuckles) Raia
• United States
10 Jan 08
I use to watch shows such as The Real World, Road Rules, and did at one time watch Survivor. But that was back in the day before I got my first computer and learned about the internet..lol! The Real World and Road Rules I watched mainly for entertainment purposes. Or because there was nothing else on tv that I wanted to watch. Survivor I watched more for the learning aspect. True, I may never be in any situation as shown on Survivor, but one just never knows when something like that could come in handy. I don't much care that they compete for money, but hey it's gotta be entertaining to..lol!. These days though, it has to be something that falls into certain interest categories, or something I am really wanting to watch, before I turn on the television.
• Canada
28 Jan 08
We are in a similar place to you in regard to how selective we are with what we watch and disconnected our satellite. David does some downloading of favorite programs and reality shows...but the rest of the time the tube is off. Too busy with our life to spend a lot of time there these days. Raia Sorry I am late in catching up here. I was going through my unresolved discussions and was shocked at how many responses I missed. Oh well we all do what we can. Raia
@Aussies2007 (5336)
• Australia
9 Jan 08
When I was watching television (which I have not for the past two years)... I thought reality shows were as bad as soap operas. I only watched Australia and America Idol. And while I enjoyed the shows... I was disgusted with the voting. That did spoil it for me. I think the voting should be left to the judges. The stupid ignorant public has no business judging people. But of course... reality shows are all about making money from the voting ignorant stupid public.
• Canada
9 Jan 08
My goodness...stupid people seem to be high on your hit parade these days. Good that you don't watch as much television when you find so much of it...well...stupid! I do agree with you about the voting though..having talented people voted off because of the voting block...yep that is pretty dumb alright. Raia
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
10 Jan 08
I watch a lot of reality shoes like The Biggest Loser, American Idol, Next Top Model, Project Runway, and others that I can't remember off hand. It's a lot of fun watching others in real life go through the things they need to in order to win a competition and sorts.
• Canada
28 Jan 08
Yes, that is why we like them too. The dynamics can be MOST interesting alright! Raia
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
9 Jan 08
I must confess I hate reality shows! My daughter and granddaughter watch every single one, I swear, but I'm not into them. I like American Idol but I don't get into it too much until the end and Dancing With the Stars was OK, but that's not really a reality show I guess. I like dramas and comedies and news shows. Also talk shows like Jay Leno and Jon Stewart. Annie
1 person likes this
• Canada
9 Jan 08
Hi Annie...thanks for your addition. I guess Dancing With the Stars would still be a reality show. We like Jay Leno and Jon Steward too...good to watch things on the lighter side as we wind the day down. Raia
@OURDEW (4809)
• United States
12 Jan 08
I do enjoy reality shows and I get hooked on them. I watch American Idol, I never missed a season yet. I have even been to an American Idol concert. I watch The Biggest Looser. I am amazed how much they really loose and look forward to the end result. I watch Big Brother. I think that might be my favorite. I don't know how they can stay there being watched every second. I like Survivor too.
1 person likes this
• Canada
7 Feb 08
Yes, there are some that really grab our attention and hold it right through each sequel. Thanks for offering your favorites here. Enjoy!! Raia
@vicki2876 (5636)
• Canada
9 Jan 08
Hello Raia :) I used to watch those shows but rarely ever watch them now. I think that I got Realty Show overloaded and if I am sitting down to watch television now I would rather a drama or documentary. I did like Survivor probably the most out of those three shows. Never really liked the Amazing Race as I thought it was so high paced, well it is called race, but if I was to go to all these lovely places I wouldn't want to be rushing the whole time. LOL I think once they had celebrities starting to do their own realty shows and I saw bratty rich kids whine I thought enough for me. HEHE
1 person likes this
• Canada
9 Jan 08
Hi Vicki...how nice to see you here. We haven't chatted in ages. Hope all is well with you and yours. Thanks for adding your views to this topic. I appreciate where you are coming from with the glut on the television with an overload of reality shows. We pick and choose our series and keep it down to the three I mentioned. We are self-employed and television is not a huge part of our life...but we do enjoy it at the end of the day. Bratty rich rids...oh yes..that was a big 'UGH' factor for me too! Hope to chat more...you are valued here. Raia
@Uroborus (908)
• Canada
10 Jan 08
I don't watch "reality" shows at all. I did give them a chance, by watching a few episodes of several, but I just couldn't get into them. First of all, they seem as far from reality as possible. But the main reason I don't like them is that they are too much like soap operas (which I also don't like). The people on there seem to experience in one day the amount of melodrama that I can barely take in an entire year.
1 person likes this
• Canada
28 Jan 08
Hey...your comments about the melodrama is a good one! Come to think of it they do indeed experience in one day the amount of melodrama that most of us experience in a year or more. Good one and thanks for pointing that out! Raia