Am I the only one fed up with "reality TV?"
By shamsta19
@shamsta19 (3224)
United States
October 28, 2008 10:10pm CST
I mean am I the only one that thinks most of these programs are just mindless drivel? I can't go from Celebrity Fit Club to Survivor to Real Housewives Of Atlanta to Flavor Of Love to Hogan Knows Best toMy Super Sweet Sixteen to The Real World to I Wanna Work For Diddy to etc, etc.... I think this type of programming is poisoning our minds and just show that our educational values are not important. There was a time when we had some type of quality programming. And even if the show was ridiculous, at least it was original series and not just one reality series after the next.
I am not judging anyone, I, personally cannot stand these types television shows. They are stupid to say the least and have no real entertainment value. I am happy to see some of my favorite washed up actors make fools of themselves (and get paid) but I just can't care enough who loses more weight or who Flavor Flav's new $lut of the week is.
I know I am not the only one who feels this way. I know I am not the only one that remembers when VH1 used to play music videos. I know I cannot be the only one who feels like smashing his television and just phase TV out of life's equation in general.
Please tell me what you think about reality TV. The floor is open...
7 people like this
24 responses
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
29 Oct 08
Proud to say I've never watched a single one. If I want reality, I just turn off the tv.
1 person likes this
@shamsta19 (3224)
• United States
29 Oct 08
GREAT RESPONSE!!! I have to agree the reality is right outside our doors. And we are stuck in fantasy TV world. And all of our youth are looking up to New York and Flavor Flav ( I love Flavor Flav but for the music he made in the nineties not the television he's on now). Amazing. Our kids might grow up and want to be just like them!!!
@shamsta19 (3224)
• United States
29 Oct 08
Or at least like the characters they portray on television!!
@shamsta19 (3224)
• United States
29 Oct 08
And if you don't watch you can't be included in the matrix of new technology. how will you be cool if you don't look?
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
29 Oct 08
no, you are not the only one. i have just a hard time finding something on t i want to watch. i pay over $60 a month for cable to find some silly stuff like u are talking about. i think most of it is just ridiculous.
@shamsta19 (3224)
• United States
29 Oct 08
I know exactly what you mean. My digital cable runs up to a hundred a month. I have 999 channels and its still hard to find something on. And all the regular channels are focused on reality TV. the sad part is the ratings of these shows is astronomical, so why wouldn't all the networks want to cash in on this? It just makes for ridiculous programs and a lot of imagery not suitable for children as well.
1 person likes this
@shamsta19 (3224)
• United States
29 Oct 08
And greetings as well from South Carolina!
1 person likes this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
29 Oct 08
i agree. greetings from tennessee.
1 person likes this
@deebomb (15304)
• United States
29 Oct 08
We don't have cable or dish net work Just the 3 net works NBC, ABC, CBS so we don't get too many reality shows. I have watched the Amazing Race a time or 2 but not Surviver which is the only ones we get. There is usually something else that we prefer to watch. I have never even heard of the ones that you mentioned. I would get pretty tired of them too if we got that many.
1 person likes this
@shamsta19 (3224)
• United States
29 Oct 08
Consider yourself lucky. I really don't spend a lot of time watching TV but even the regular channels have Judge Judy, Judge Joe Brown, Divorce Court, Jerry Springer, Maury, Etc.... These are the same types of programs if you ask me. Reality daytime TV. Pseudo courtroom drama and ignorant people screaming and fighting on camera. Its a shame to see sometimes.
1 person likes this
@shamsta19 (3224)
• United States
30 Oct 08
I don't even know any of these shows and I don't have an idea what comes on television in the day time. I am hardly home to watch anyway.
@miamilady (4910)
• United States
1 Nov 08
First off, I can't help but notice, for someone who dislikes these shows, you sure do know the names of them all and you know what they're about. What's up with that??
Yes, they absolutely ARE mindless drivel. I happen to gravitate toward mindless drivel lately. I'm not sure why. Maybe "thinking" is overrated. I don't know...
Maybe it's good to know that there are people out there that are even more messed up than I am. Kind of like watching Gerry Springer type shows. (I haven't watched one of those in a while).
I prefer these types of shows to watching the news lately. Of course it's important to be informed, but there is so much violence in the news these days, I try not to keep too much of that on the television.
1 person likes this
@shamsta19 (3224)
• United States
1 Nov 08
Oh my God! I cannot get away from these shows. My mom, my younger brother and countless others I know are tuned in faithfully. There is only so much leaving the room one can do!! This is why I posted this topic to begin with because I was sick of what everyone around me was watching. Trust me, I haven't even named half of the shows on the TV now. I know a few names and they are all about the same thing, NOTHING!! Plus the fact every network just about has at least one reality series now so when my game goes off, guess what comes on. Let's not even get started on the commercials...
@shamsta19 (3224)
• United States
1 Nov 08
And there are those few that have caught my attention like Hell's Kitchen and I still liked Fear Factor.
@sharra1 (6340)
• Australia
30 Oct 08
I have always hated reality TV and refuse to watch it. If that is all that is on I will turn the TV off rather than watch it. What ever happened to acting and drama. There used to be some good TV shows on. I do not want to watch silly people making fools of themselves for money.
@shamsta19 (3224)
• United States
30 Oct 08
Well that I DO understand. The TV stations show them because people watch them! Even though there are many of us with the same opinion, I am sad to say we are a minority. I personally know people who love these types of shows and even I have watched one here or there. Sometimes we don't even realize we are watching ( I forgot Chef Ramsey and Hells Kitchen, I watch that too sometimes).
Anyway these shows are inexpensive to produce so I imagine the profit margin on one of these shows is astronomical! And the ratings are through the roof so everyone wants a reality show now. BET got a couple now and it won't be long before they fall victim to the same things as MTV and VH1.
1 person likes this
@shamsta19 (3224)
• United States
30 Oct 08
Does anyone like these shows here? I expected at least one person to disagree. I even responded to this http://www.mylot.com/w/discussions/1447405.aspx
@shamsta19 (3224)
• United States
29 Oct 08
And the reality they are portraying is usually really fake!
@pamweatherly (2)
• United States
29 Oct 08
Reality tv??? nothing real about those idiotic shows in the 1st place. how can anyone stand that fake garage that they pass off as tv??? i can not stand reality shows! YUCK!!
1 person likes this
@leopard2008 (23)
• China
30 Oct 08
that's just a kind of entertainment.i'd like to enjoy a sci-fi blockbuster film instead of watching it.however,oh,well,buddies,that's just my view.what's your take on that? could you together share it with everyone? LOL
@Savvynlady (3684)
• United States
14 Aug 09
To be honest, I never got quite caught up in much; except for some of Flavor of Love which I felt was a mess because he'd get the woman but it don't work out and in the end he ended up with another woman who had nothing to do with the show. then New York did her own spin off since Flav dumped her, and up to this point, I don't know what she's doing except waiting for another show to come her way. The best thing to come out was when Punk went to Jennifer Hudson and now they have a son. All of this about people's personal business folks selling themselves to the highest bidder is ridiculous. which is why I don't watch tv and don't have cable.
1 person likes this
@shamsta19 (3224)
• United States
15 Aug 09
And you know, I think if we all didnt watch tv we might all be a little smarter.... It aint such a bad thing to not have cable.
@Amberina (1541)
• United States
30 Oct 08
I don't like reality TV the last thing I watched was some reality show that had super stars that had to live out in the woods for a certain amount of time and who ever made it to the end won some money for a charity. I can't even remember what stars where in the show.
I really don't like the Big Brother thing they show every year, it's getting really old, I think they need to bring back the old shows and stop paying money for people to eat gross things some of those shows have left me permantely scared LOL. I remember one survivor show where they had to eat "pizza" but it was blood sauce and a bunch other stuff that makes me want to gag right now OH and another one they did that made me turn the channel before I DID puke was blood clots and really long worms it was their version of speghetti. YUCK!! I would never eat gross things like that for money.....I'm gonna go try to keep this candy bar down that I just ate........
Good post.
Good post.1 person likes this
@shamsta19 (3224)
• United States
30 Oct 08
I remember that episode of Fear Factor. The pizza sauce was blood, coagulated cheese or something. I actually liked that show but they got out of hand with the things they were eating. At least they won some money for it. But you get mt point regardless these programs are destroying regular television!! Soon there will be nothing on but mindless reality series about gay guys in tights and celebrity makeovers and Flavor Flavs son will have a midget dating service and chipmunks farting or whatever. I think I will just read a book.
@revellanotvanella (4033)
• United States
1 Nov 08
Oh I've been watching the Real World back into the early 90s and continue to watch reality tv. I will watch most if I one show I like more is not on. Like I do not like watching Survivor, Big Brother, Flavor of Love but do like Amzing Race but actually my favorites are New York's goes to Hollywood, Real Housewives (loved the NY episodes! not so much the Orange County), TaxiCab Confessions and most of all Nanny 911--man, that show has saved me.
But I get what your saying because shows like KING OF THE HILL, South Park, and FAMILY GUY I cannot stand and think their retarded but you could definately say the SAME about my shows, lol. They just make me laugh because they get so ridiculous sometimes. I always wanted to be a socialite so I loved Real Housewives of NY and thanks for letting me know its back on since I have only been watching CNN the past three months.
1 person likes this
@shamsta19 (3224)
• United States
1 Nov 08
And after twenty five posts all in opposition to these shows we have one who likes them. You are the minority here and now I have to destroy you!!! Just kidding. I appreciate your honesty and even though I cannot get on your team here. You are not alone though because the ratings on these shows definently outweigh that of our precious King Of The Hill!!
At least you had the heart to stand up and say so. Thanks for posting. I was wondering when I'd get someone like yourself in here. And you sir can keep your reality shows.
At least you had the heart to stand up and say so. Thanks for posting. I was wondering when I'd get someone like yourself in here. And you sir can keep your reality shows.
@lvaldean (1612)
• United States
30 Oct 08
What reality?
Don't watch it never have and never will. Now ocassionally you can find me watching Lockup, don't know why I find this one fascinating. Well actually I do but that is a different story for a different day.
These days I scan all the news channels. When I am not watching news I seem to just watch either movies, stand up comedy, or reruns of Amazing Grace and Law & Order.
1 person likes this
@shamsta19 (3224)
• United States
30 Oct 08
I am locked onto the news and sports mostly. Live on CNN and Sportscenter. Its football season so I am tuning in Saturday thru Monday for Collegiate football and of course the NFL! What else is there to watch. I do watch other shows but I don't have to. I think I watch old sitcoms more than anything else. Martin, Seinfeld, Married With Children, The Simpsons. I like to laugh so if its funny I'd probably watch, so long as it's not "reality TV."
@AndrewFreyne (6281)
• United Kingdom
1 Nov 08
I've had enough of reality tv myself! I used to like watching the big brother shows but, I have become bored with that now as well! I like to escape when I watch the tv, I get this result when I watch films that I like, I can escape into other worlds and other times! The big brother shows were crazy! The housemates had to do all kinds of crazy tasks and humiliate themselves in the process. Reality shows are a thing of the past for me. I prefer Law and Order over reality tv! Andrew
1 person likes this
@shamsta19 (3224)
• United States
1 Nov 08
I've never watched Big Brother at all but I just got bored with the format of these shows in general. Just can't get excited about any of these much.
@kaui_808 (191)
• United States
30 Oct 08
Thank You! Finally, someone who can think!!!! I love it, you've just said everything I've been thinking about realitiy shows. Unfortunately, and I don't know about you, but I'm still guilty of watching one or two episodes. They're like train recks or car accidents you know you should be paying attention to the road but you can't help but slow down and stare. (btw I dislike those people too!! pay attention to the road!)
1 person likes this
@shamsta19 (3224)
• United States
30 Oct 08
You know I posted this discussion because I was beginning to think that I was the only one who felt this way! Everyone in my house are faithful viewers and I can't take it! My brother loves VH1!! It's absolute torture sometimes. I will speak up when I have had enough though and this happens quite often!! I had to show them I wasn't alone on this one so I do appreciate your response as well. Down with reality TV!!!
@shamsta19 (3224)
• United States
30 Oct 08
And they are not the only ones! Check this out:
http://www.mylot.com/w/discussions/1447405.aspx
@famousamous24 (1)
• United States
30 Oct 08
yes! i am fed up with realtiy shows because well, they have gottin old now12 but its the ratings that make them stay. the more people that watch the longer they stay and keep coming back!!! i really miss the good old day's when it was what the title meant " mtv " " vhi " it was music all day every day.. now were lucky if its a half hour a day for music video's.........i'ts rediculous.
1 person likes this
@shamsta19 (3224)
• United States
30 Oct 08
I haven't seen a music video on VH1 in years. They still play videos? I had wondered why they hadn't changed the name of the network yet. RH1 or something.
@Simoneetah (420)
• Canada
29 Oct 08
I often wonder when this phase will end. I have a few that I watch (dancing shows) but this is because I love dancing and reminise when that used to be me. A few days ago I was flipping through and saw Bobby Brown bawling I couldn't stop laughing. Which celebrity is going to re-live their 15 min?
1 person likes this
@shamsta19 (3224)
• United States
29 Oct 08
Oh no I forgot about Bobby! I hate to see him like that. He and Whitney have taken a fall and they shouldn't be exploited (or exploit themselves) like that.
@di1159 (1580)
• United States
29 Oct 08
Reality TV was fine and dandy when it first started, however I guess the old adage "too much of a good thing.." applies here. I'm sick of it, and I feel most of it is staged and not reality at all. I will admit though I did watch the Anna Nicole show when it was on, since it was just too ridiculous to be false. Oh well, I think if I hook up a video recorder to my belt, I'd probably have a pretty good show myself!
1 person likes this
@shamsta19 (3224)
• United States
29 Oct 08
That's just it. I bet millions of us have way more exciting lives than some of these airhead celebs and the super rich. How bout a show about struggling single moms in urban areas? Homeless reality TV. Something that may help someone. I like the show where they give people a new house but I know there is a catch. I mean teach us something, help someone, feed the staving or something. At least make the nonsense have a purpose.
@Barbietre (1438)
• United States
29 Oct 08
There is not one of them worth my time. And as for reality, sure not my reality. They just put this junk on because it is cheap to produce and brainless. Even game shows would be better. But how about some great drama shows? St. Elsewhere was great just to name one.
1 person likes this
@shamsta19 (3224)
• United States
29 Oct 08
Something anything. Come up with a new show worth watching. You are right about these shows being cheap to produce. no writers, no scripts. Just point and shoot. Get some idiots to dance in front of the camera and we got a new show. Yay!!
@lanlan011 (701)
• United States
29 Oct 08
Reality tv sucks. I don't even waste my time watching it. It's a waste of tv time and a waste of my time. I have better things to do than watch "reality" tv when most of it is scripted. The only thing I care to watch is Making the Band 4 and I dont watch it on a regular basis(i think the season is over now). There are a few on Bravo channel that i watch seldomly. I dont have time to watch tv as much as I used to, but when I don I prefer to stick to cartoons and sitcoms.
1 person likes this
@shamsta19 (3224)
• United States
29 Oct 08
And as this seems to be popular opinion here, why do MILLIONS of people watch this crap?
@psspurgeon1 (1109)
• United States
29 Oct 08
I personally think it is a complete waste of time to follow people around with a camera to broadcast their everyday life for all to see. I don't think it really has a point. Not saying I hate them all, there are 2 that I like, but 99% of it is just completely beligerant.
1 person likes this
@shamsta19 (3224)
• United States
29 Oct 08
I mean Snoop had a reality show. I kind of felt it because in some warped way it was portraying the Black family but how much of these shows are the families playing up to the camera? I mean how "real" can you keep it when you know the camera is on you? If it was real reality TV, there'd be hidden cameras but then who knows what we'd witness then? I don't think anyone would want 100% of there life on the screen, and so how real is the Reality we are watching.
The thing about the family reality shows that bite are the fact that all of them are just carbon copies of The Osbournes anyway. I mean make up something new already.
@Serendipityxxi (38)
• Trinidad And Tobago
29 Oct 08
You are absolutely not alone I HATE reality tv and the rate at which the shows are multiplying is just FRIGHTENING! I mean if all these people are watching this crap then what does that say about the rest of the world? I watch and I just get so MAD! These people are so hysterical and everything is the end of the world to them or they HAVE to win and so make complete fools out of themselves for WHAT? 15 minutes of fame? That's crap! If I want reality I'll catch it while I'm out there living! When I get home and turn on the tv I want to be entertained not horrified at the crass attention seekers who will do anything if a camera's on them or for a few bucks and I'm sorry but Flava Flav doesn't have enough money to pay me to have a conversation with him far less become his next you know what. I'm shocked Vh1 and MTV can keep their station names because they certainly no longer air what they stand for anymore! The state of the world today is frightening if all anyone wants to see is this crap!
1 person likes this
@shamsta19 (3224)
• United States
29 Oct 08
I love Flavor Flav, because he was a member of one of the most controversial rap groups of all time. I lose respect for him every time I see him with that viking helmet on now. I kinda makes me rethink everything he has done in the past.. Though Flav was just the groups hype man...
The point remains though, reality television is the fakest stuff on TV!
