From The New York Times: "Networks Plan Flood of Reality Shows for Summer"
The four big networks are preparing to unleash at least two dozen reality shows from June to September, dwarfing the number currently on their schedules and more than doubling the number they broadcast last summer. [emphasis mine]
I can understand the appeal of reality shows to the networks, and I guess I can understand the voyeuristic appeal to the American public, but isn't this a pretty dicey proposition for the networks? I've heard plenty of mumured disgust at the spate of reality shows—I've murmured myself—and it seems like this phenomenon was a refreshing breath of air from the tired, repetitive formula show. Of course, formula is what the media does best so they're naturally looking to formula-ize the reality TV show. Makes you wonder what'll come after this? Perhaps scripted sitcoms?
