Of course they're entertaining and acting. That's a big part of D&D for me. I make decisions that I think will be fun and entertaining for the other players all the time. As DM entertaining the players is kind of why I'm there.
But everything I've read said that the game is not scripted, the players respond in the moment as they think their PC would, etc.. Calling it a reality TV show? That's insulting to their ability to act in character; most reality shows are heavily scripted and edited. Either the entire cast is lying (possible I suppose) or they're telling the truth and they're just playing the game. Being very entertaining and charismatic while they do it, but playing the game nonetheless. Is there target more than just the other players? I assume. Are they doing what they do to entertain the others involved in the game just like I do? Yep.
You're missing the point.
First, the majority of reality television isn't "scripted" in that sense. It is heavily edited (of course). They do try to "juice it up" (by putting people in situations that will cause conflict, and by giving them alcohol, and so on).
But the biggest factor is that the people on reality television shows know that they are being filmed, and more importantly, are familiar enough with prior shows to know that if they want to "break out," they need to make some drama. As for being insulting to Critical Role? You're kidding, right? Reality TV might be looked down upon by you, but it's incredibly popular and lucrative.
This is the problem when people try to rationally try to discuss Critical Role. I didn't say it was "scripted." There's a lot of things that aren't scripted. Reality TV. Curb Your Enthusiasm is mostly improv. And so on.
Instead, I said it's not a home game. Because it's not. It's an entertainment product. They are not trying to entertain each other (not mostly). They are trying to create a product that will entertain the audience. They know that they are being filmed. When Mercer does hours of prep work (which he has acknowledged), he is always aware that story beats need to be engaging to ... an audience. Because his livelihood depends on it! When the performers (and they are SKILLED PERFORMERS) make decisions, they are aware that those decisions and the performance are being viewed by millions.
It's a product. It's a good product. There's nothing wrong or unsavory about that. But it's an entertainment product nonetheless.
Edit- to be honest, I think it's far more insulting to the skills of the performers to say that this is just "a regular home game." Because it's not. This isn't your home game. No offense, but you're flattering yourself. You. Can't. Do. What. They. Do.