Reality TV: We’re Running Out of Ideas
BLTv, a Variety blog, reports on a meeting of the Hollywood Radio and Television Society with a group of top reality-TV producers on Wednesday. During the meeting a key point emerged. Ten years into the lifespan of reality TV on U.S. television, producers may be out of ideas.
Citing such trends as bringing Who Wants to Be a Millionaire back to ABC’s primetime lineup and the recycling of old ideas (The Bachelor spawning The Bachelorette and now The Cougar), those in the meeting bemoaned the lack of fresh ideas.
You might say it’s a problem of biblical proportions. After all, the writer of Ecclesiastes said, “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” (1:8-10)
Maybe the problem isn’t a lack of ideas, but audience interest. With millions of people sharing their daily lives on social sites like Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, et al, maybe we have too much reality? Perhaps it’s time for some good old-fashioned escapist television.
Agree with your article. I have disliked those “Reality” shows from the beginning. I think it is pretty sad that so many people watch them “religiously”. They need to GET A LIFE!! of their own. Study their bible more. Then as you said,a little good old escapest TV or movies.
April 25th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
Was so glad that there is someone who believes in good old fashioned films. As For me I love Evergreen classics like BenHur, Ten Commandments, Spartacus and many such kind. By the way I have Scripted a life portrayal of King David but not like the ones that have already been done on him. The incidents that I have covered are quite different. Still looking for a producer who can finance it. Big Budget! My sript is registered with the Writers Guild of America at LA.
Would Love to hear from you.
Regards and Blessings.
Wyneeta Shaheen
May 3rd, 2009 at 7:47 am