A Healthy Dose of Reality

These days, it seems that many people complain about the glut of reality programming that has infiltrated our television airwaves. The truth of the matter is reality shows have been with us since the caveman days-- or at least since the inception of the RCA floor model.

Back in the 1940's and 50's, reality TV came to us in the form of the game show. Programs like "Truth or Consequences", "What's My Line" and "I've Got a Secret" were riding high. In the late 1950's a very real scandal involving television quiz shows threatened to bring the TV game show down, but instead it kept the public wanting more.

Talk shows, another form of reality TV, have been around forever as well. Jack Paar and Steve Allen paved the way for other talk fests starring Johnny Carson, Dinah Shore, Merv Griffin-- even Oprah Winfrey. Early talk shows gave us a glimpse into the very real lives of very famous guests.

In the 1970's, PBS debuted what many consider to be the first reality television show. A documentary with a twist, "An American Family" was a voyeuristic glimpse into he daily lives of a regular family, The Louds. The show was considered groundbreaking at the time. However, other reality fare was still making it to the airwaves. Game shows, not just limited to the quiz show format, were more rampant than ever. Shows like "The Price is Right", "Match Game" and "Password" were popular daytime programs. "Battle of the Network Stars' came to us periodically as a showcase for the athletic talents of famous TV stars of the time. Considered must-see TV, (where else could you see Gabe Kaplan compete against Tony Randall), these competitions were as real as the ones we see on challenge shows today. There were just no bugs involved. Or cow brains.

In 1981, Lady's Diana Spencer's wedding to Prince Charles was broadcast world wide. Touted as "The Royal Wedding" it was watched by millions. So why all the fuss over Trista and Ryan's wedding a few years ago? After all, everyone likes to be an uninvited spectator at a good wedding.