There is an inner voyeur in all of us, which makes us want to gossip, buy tabloids, access certain websites, peek into someone else’s room, read someone else’s diary, learn secrets, investigate someone’s background and other seemingly innocent and – some – legal behaviors. Of course, companies are always the first to take advantage of the public’s weaknesses, and an uncontrollable urge to know more and see more complies perfectly not only with journalism, but also with the most sought-after product – entertainment. It has led to a remarkable boost in the pornographic industry, for one, but also to the birth of a new, controversial, exciting, enticing new entertainment genre – reality television.
One of the first reality shows that took advantage of the people’s desire to see what other people do on a daily basis was Big Brother. The show’s structure was comprised of a number of people, usually 12, who didn’t know each other beforehand, who were locked in a house filled with cameras. They had periodical tasks and had to vote people out of the house on a regular basis. A similar format is shared by Survivor, but here people are thrown on a barren island or in a remote location, with the bare minimal, and they are left to fend for themselves. On Survivor, a tribe member is also voted out weekly.
Most reality shows involve competition between people, and the winner of these diverse tasks and challenges is awarded a prize. However, in order to reach the end and be declared the winner, you need two things. First of all, you need to excel at the object of the show – on Survivor, for instance, you have to know how to survive in the wild, how to swim, make a fire, be physically strong, fast, be able to endure pain and pressure and other such qualities. Moreover, one must also possess a sense of humor, be hard working, be consoling and generally socialize and – why not? – manipulate as much as you can to get yourself to the end. The prize is different depending on the competition. On Big Brother and Survivor, for instance, the prize is money – and lots of it.
However, other such competitions are basically talent shows gone national. American Idol is one of the most successful and long-lasting talent reality shows in existence in the United States – it is a spin off from another program, namely the British Pop Idol. The show organizes nationwide musical auditions, and virtually anyone can come and perform. They are judged by a panel of judges, namely Randy Jackson, a record producer and music manager, Paula Abdul, the famous pop-singer and choreographer, music manager and music executive Simon Cowell and, replacing sweetheart Nigel Lythgoe for the upcoming eighth season, songwriter Kara DioGuardi.
Both Simon Cowell and newcomer Kara DioGuardi are of the opinion that the males are the strongest this season. You will certainly have enough contestants to choose from, as this edition will feature 36 semifinalists. Also, there will be a “Wild Card” in the form of a returning contestant – and these are just the released surprises. Don’t forget to tune in tonight!
