the decline of reality TV

[Chun-tzu]

From Dark Horizons:

With a few weeks under its belt, it's time to look over how the ratings are doing for the Fall shows so far and what shows look to have a chance of surviving.

FOX
Murdoch's heavily reality-oriented network has lost around a third of its viewers across all timeslots. Reality shows are failing left right and center with "The Next Great Champ" getting dumped to cable, "The Complex: Malibu" pretty much coming last in its timeslot and all its other shows not going well. Many are expecting it'll wait til "American Idol" returns in January before it'll hit ratings peaks although it has a new drama or two starting next month.

I have to admit, I'm glad the reality trend is failing. That said, I still wouldn't want Fox to get their hands on any new shows I was interested in. They've lost too many good sci-fi shows before their time.

On the bright side, Lost is doing well in the ratings.

 

[Angel Tarragon]

I really don't give a flyin' toot about 'reality' shows. Give me a good scifi, fantasy or soap and I'm happy.

 

[Truth Seeker]

I really don't give a flyin' toot about 'reality' shows. Give me a good scifi, fantasy or soap and I'm happy.

Here, here...except for the soap part

 

[BrooklynKnight]

that explains the smell.

 

[ShadowX]

A major cause of this slide is that reality shows, if even possible, have degraded in quality. Survivor at least had some admirable qualities, these new shows have none.

 

[CrusaderX]

The Amazing Race is did very well for CBS over the summer, and is generally regarded as the best of the reality shows.

 

[Crothian]

Reality shows in decline??

Dances a jig

 

[Fast Learner]

They started out as declined as they could be. Now their ratings are declining, too. Thank goodness. I don't assume it's the "good taste of the American viewing public," but rather just "people getting tired of a fad."

 

[Hypersmurf]

I don't understand how reality shows' ratings can decline... it seems they're about all that's playing these days!

-Hyp.

 

[Andrew D. Gable]

The thing I have a problem with is most of them aren't reality.