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Fame. Some say it’s fleeting, while for others it seems to come right to them. In a world where reality shows dominate our TV ratings, fame seems to come almost instantaneous. But is it deserved? And more importantly, how do I get on one of these shows?
Since Reality TV debuted in the early 2000s, we’ve seen it mutate. Evolve even. It started with people surviving on an island and handing out roses. Then there was the lying and cheating for millions of dollars phase, all while eating cow testicles and swimming with snakes. Now, reality TV has evolved again. Most shows that can be found on TV are just following the lives of everyday people. Or, what we are lead to believe are everyday people. No more are we subjected to the trials and tribulations of a once popular pop singer and her husband or that of a retired rocker. Now we watch spoiled teenagers get unbelievable parties and former beach bums trying to make it as Interns.
Several years ago MTV took ahold of the reality genre and has shaken to the point of blurred reality. Shows like the Real World and Laguna Beach have paved the way for dozens of reality shows, some successful (The Hills, Dancelife), some not so successful (twentyfourseven). They all follow the same formula: young beautiful people struggling with whatever challenges lie ahead of them. Luckily for them there is usually a nice montage at the end of the show that ties everything up nicely for them.
There is no doubt that watching the life of Lauren Conrad on The Hills makes for good TV. Drama seems to follow her and her friends around no matter where they go, all with a catchy soundtrack always playing in the background.
It would be naive to watch these shows without thinking that there isn’t at least a little bit of manipulation on these shows by the producers. Scenes are obviously set up, cameras are placed and microphones have to be adjusted. But end of the end of the day, it is reality. We’ve all had the difficult to work with co-workers, been there for our friends when they make life-changing mistakes and struggle with anything else that has to do with growing up. But this is Reality TV and what every television producer ultimately wants is a star in the making!
Depending on how successful the reality show is, it can really propel anyone to superstardom. Would Elisabeth Hasselbeck have ended hosting The View if it wasn’t for Survivor? Jennifer Hudson would be watching the Oscars from her couch like the rest of us if it wasn’t for American Idol. Don’t even get me started on Rob and Amber.
So that leaves me with one question…How do I get my own reality show? Reality TV producers listen up! I have an interesting enough life here in Calgary. Finding an affordable apartment alone would have made for great fall sweeps. I have a great group of friends with equally interesting lives, and I’m sure most of them wouldn’t mind waking up with a camera in their face. I know I wouldn’t.
So as I wait for the producers to come a knocking, I’ll continue to watch my reality TV, dreaming and hoping that someday I could have my very own musical montage.
