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1->''"If reality TV has taught us anything, it's that you can't keep people with no shame down."''
2-->-- '''[[Creator/TinaFey Liz Lemon]]''', ''Series/ThirtyRock'', "Subway Hero"
3
4%% One quote is sufficient. Please place additional entries on the quotes tab.
5
6"Reality" television is a genre of television programming in which the exploits and (mis)fortunes of "real-life" people (as opposed to fictional characters played by actors) are followed. The native habitat of RealityTVTropes, if you will. There are three main types of reality TV:
7
8In the first, the viewer and the camera are passive observers following people going about their daily personal and professional activities. This style of filming is often referred to as "fly on the wall". The "plots" which are compiled for the program often resemble sitcoms or soap operas, hence the description "DocuSoap".
9
10Though there were earlier precedents on radio and television, the UrExample for this type of reality show was probably the Creator/{{PBS}} series ''An American Family''. Twelve parts were broadcast in the United States in 1973. The series dealt with a nuclear family going through a divorce. The parents had several children and one of them, Lance Loud, was openly gay; he occasionally wore lipstick and women's clothes and, in the second episode, took his mother to a drag show. Scholars sometimes mention that Lance came out of the closet on TV, but this is technically incorrect -- he was simply gay without announcement. His family confirmed that he had been out for some time. ''An American Family'' was controversial in its time and was excoriated by the press, particularly ''The New York Times'', which published a piece criticizing the series and especially Lance Loud. However, this didn't stop it from achieving UsefulNotes/{{ratings}} in the 10 million range, proving that there was an audience for reality TV as early as TheSeventies.
11
12In 1974, a [[TransAtlanticEquivalent counterpart programme]], ''The Family'', was made in the UK, following the working class Wilkins family of Reading. Australia saw ''Sylvania Waters'' in 1992, about the ''nouveau riche'' Baker-Donaher family of Sydney. Both attracted their share of controversy.
13
14In 1989, the fledgling Creator/{{Fox}} Network began airing ''Series/{{COPS|1989}}'' as the result of the 1988 UsefulNotes/TVStrikes (and probably the quickly-filling graveyard that was Fox's sitcom development at the time), which carries many of the hallmarks of modern documentary-style reality TV. ''COPS'' has been criticized for focusing on the trashier and more sensational elements of police work; if one image summarizes the legacy of ''COPS'', it would be a white male, possibly shirtless and probably drunk, being pinned down by the police after a short and ill-advised attempt to escape.
15
16Creator/{{MTV}}'s ''Series/TheRealWorld'' was one of the first reality programs to gain mainstream popularity, and is generally considered the forefather of reality shows as we know them today. A new subset of this type has recently emerged in which the daily lives of celebrities are portrayed, many of them Famous For Being Famous. Examples include ''The Anna Nicole Show'', ''Series/TheOsbournes'' and ''Series/KeepingUpWithTheKardashians''.
17
18----
19In the second type, hidden cameras are rolling when random passers-by encounter a staged situation. The reactions of the passers-by can be funny to watch, but also revealing to the truths about the human condition. In fact, this technique has been used to conduct legitimate scientific and psychological research. But that's not entertaining, so, back to television.
20
21Allen Funt, an American pioneer in reality entertainment, led the way in the development of this type of show. He created ''Candid Microphone'', which debuted on the Creator/{{ABC}} Radio Network in 1947, and the internationally-successful ''Candid Camera'', which first aired on television in 1953. He later produced a feature-length reality-film in 1968 entitled ''What Do You Say to a Naked Lady?''. The film was a hidden-camera study of sexuality and mores of the time. For example, in one staged situation, passers-by encountered an inter-racial couple.
22
23----
24In the third type, the so-called "reality game shows" (see RealityShow), participants are filmed intensively in an enclosed environment while competing to win a prize -- thus they are game shows and discussed more thoroughly in that article. The reality game show genre has become pervasive enough to be parodied by Creator/SpikeTV with ''Series/TheJoeSchmoShow''.
25
26One difference that makes these more like "reality television" than other game shows is that the viewing public and/or the contestants usually (but not always) play an active role in deciding the outcome. Usually this is by eliminating participants (disapproval voting, often one per week) or voting for the most popular choice to win (with either the least popular contestant being eliminated outright, or the bottom 2-3 contestants competing head-to-head to see who continues). Some popular reality-based game shows of this sort are ''Series/BigBrother'', ''Series/{{Survivor}}'', ''Series/TheAmazingRace'', and ''Series/AmericanIdol''. There is also a Spanish-language show taped for Latin American audiences, ''Protagonistas De La Musica'', filmed in Miami by Creator/{{Telemundo}} USA.
27
28Some of these game shows, such as ''Series/TheApprentice'' or ''Series/TheBiggestLoser'', also borrow from the first type of reality show by having the contestants live together and showing their interactions outside of the competition itself. Contestant voiceovers and confessionals are common. These shows are generally more personality-driven and are edited to create storylines with heroes, villains, and alliances, even when those friendships have no direct bearing on who stays and who goes.
29
30Given that producers can control the format of the show, as well as manipulate the outcome of some of them, it is questionable how "real" reality television actually is. However, a legacy of the [[GameShow Quiz Show]] [[GenreKiller Scandals]] of the late [[TheFifties Fifties]] means that many of these programs have to run under the same rules and regulations as regular old 'host and contestant' game shows, so unless a program is completely fictionalized like ''Joe Schmo'', the producers can't meddle too much unless they want to be dragged before the courts.
31
32For discussion of reality TV, see also RealityShow, RealityTvTropes. Two major Hollywood films, ''Film/TheTrumanShow'' and ''Film/EdTV'', are based on the protagonist's life within a reality show. For fictional shows that go beyond the bounds of what a TV station would really be allowed to do, see ImmoralRealityShow.
33
34----
35!!Examples
36
37[[foldercontrol]]
38
39[[folder:Documentary style]]
40(Some of the shows in this section are arguably true documentaries, in which the producers make a good-faith effort to document their actual subject, not interfering with the events just to make a better story.)
41[[index]]
42* ''Series/SixteenAndPregnant'' (2009)
43* ''30 Days'' (2005)
44* ''Series/AceOfCakes'' (2006)
45* ''Airline'' (UK; ITV's imitation of ''Airport'')
46* ''Airline'' (US; 2004 on A&E Network)
47* ''Airport'' (UK; BBC show that made Jeremy Spake famous)
48* ''Series/AlaskaStateTroopers'' (2009) (National Geographic)
49* ''Series/AmericaUnearthed'' (2012; H2)
50* ''American Casino'' (2004)
51* ''Series/AmericanChopper'' (2003) (Discovery Channel)
52* ''An American Family'' (1973)
53* ''Series/AmericanGuns'' (2011) (Discovery Channel)
54* ''American Hot Rod'' (2004)
55* ''Series/AuctionKings''
56* ''Series/AmericanNinjaWarrior''
57* ''Series/AmericanPickers'' (2010) (History Channel)
58* ''Series/AmericanRestoration'' (2010~) (History Channel)
59* ''Series/AntiquesRoadTrip'' (2010) (BBC). Also includes ''Celebrity Antiques Road Trip'' (2011).
60* ''Series/AuctionHunters'' (2010)
61* ''Series/AxMen'' (2008) (History Channel)
62* ''Series/BadGirlsClub'' (2006) (Oxygen)
63* ''Series/BeautyAndTheGeek'' (2005) (Creator/TheWB, Creator/TheCW)
64* ''Series/{{Becoming}}''
65* ''Below Deck'' (2013) (Bravo)
66* ''Below Deck Mediterranean'' (2016) (Bravo)
67* ''Series/BeringSeaGold'': (2012) (Discovery Channel)
68* ''Series/BigRichTexas'' (2011) (Style Network)
69* ''Series/BillyTheExterminator'' (2009) (Discovery Channel)
70* ''Series/BombPatrolAfghanistan'' (2011) (G4 Network)
71* ''Series/BondiVet'' (Australia: 2009–2016, Network Ten; 2019–, Nine Network). Aired in the States as ''Dr. Chris: Pet Vet''.
72* ''Botched'' (2014) (E!)
73* ''Series/CakeBoss'' (2009)
74* ''[[Series/TheButcher2019 The Butcher]]'' (2019)
75* ''The Casino'' (2004)
76* ''Series/CatfishTheTVShow'' (2012)
77* ''Cirque du Soleil: Fire Within'' (2002)
78* ''Series/TheColony'' (2009) (Discovery Channel)
79* ''Series/CrissAngelBelieve'' (2013) (Spike)
80* ''Series/CrissAngelMindfreak'' (2005) (A&E)
81* ''Series/DallasDivasAndDaughters'' (2009) (Style Network)
82* ''Series/DanceMoms'' (2011) (Lifetime)
83* ''Series/DeadliestCatch'' (2005) (Discovery Channel)
84* ''Film/DemiLovatoStayStrong'' (2012)
85* ''Series/DestinationTruth'' (2007)
86* ''[[Series/DestinationFear2019 Destination Fear]]'' (2019-2023)
87* ''Series/DirtyJobs'' (2003) (Discovery Channel)
88* ''Series/DogBorstal'' (2006)
89* ''Series/DontDriveHere'' (2013) (Discovery Channel Canada)
90* ''Series/DontTellMyMother''
91* ''Series/DrPimplePopper'' (2018–, TLC)
92* ''Series/DualSurvival'' (Discovery Channel)
93* ''Series/DuckDynasty'' (A&E)
94* ''Emergency Vets'' (1998–2002, Animal Planet)
95* ''Escape to River Cottage'' (1999) (UK)
96* ''Series/EscapeToTheChateau'' (2016) (Channel Four)
97* ‘’Series/EscapeToTheChateauDIY’’ (2018) (Channel Four)
98* ''Series/ExOnTheBeach'' (2014-)
99* ''Series/ExpeditionUnknown'' (2015-)
100* ''Series/FatalAttractions2010''
101* ''The Family'' (1974) (UK)
102* ''Family Plots'' (2004) (US; A&E Network show about a mortuary in San Diego)
103* ''[[Series/MTVsFear Fear]]'' (2000-2002)
104* ''Series/FightQuest'' (2007-2008) (Creator/DiscoveryChannel)
105* ''Series/FireIsland'' (2017)
106* ''Flip It Like Disick'' (2019) (E!)
107* ''[[Series/TheFranchise The Franchise: A Season with the San Francisco Giants]]'' (2011)
108* ''Fraternity Life'' (2003)
109* ''Series/GeordieShore'' (2011) (MTV)
110* ''Series/GoldRush'' (2010) (Discovery Channel)
111* ''Series/GhostAdventures'' (2008)
112* ''Series/GhostHunters'' (2004)
113* ''Series/GuysGroceryGames'' (2013-) (Food Network)
114* ''Series/HardcorePawn'' (2010-)
115* ''Heavy'' (2011)
116* ''Series/HereComesHoneyBooBoo'' (2012)
117* ''Series/HolmesOnHomes'' (2001)
118* ''Series/IceRoadTruckers'' (2007) (History Channel)
119* ''Series/ImACelebrityGetMeOutOfHere'' (2002-)
120* ''The Incredible Dr. Pol'' (2011–, Nat Geo Wild)
121* ''Series/{{Intervention}}'' (2005)
122* ''Series/ItsMeOrTheDog'' (2005)
123* ''Series/{{Jackass}}''
124* ''Series/JerseyShore'' (2009)
125* ''Series/JonAndKatePlusEight'' (2008)
126* ''Series/JunkRaiders'' (2009)[[/index]]
127* ''Lagos Airport'' (UK; Channel 4's take on Airport focusing on the third world conditions in and around UsefulNotes/{{Nigeria}}'s main airport)[[index]]
128* ''Series/LagunaBeach'' (2004)
129* ''Series/LittlePeopleBigWorld'' (2005–, TLC)
130* ''The Littlest Groom'' (2004)
131* ''Series/ManVsWild'' (2006) (Discovery Channel)
132* ''Series/ManWomanWild'' (2010) (Discovery Channel)
133* ''Married To Medicine'' (2013) (Bravo)
134* ''Married To Medicine: Houston'' (2016) (Bravo)
135* ''Married To Medicine: Los Angeles'' (2019) (Bravo)
136* ''Series/MillionaireMatchmaker'' (2008)
137* ''Series/MountainMonsters'' (2013)
138* ''Series/MyCatFromHell'' (2011)
139* ''Series/MySuperSweetSixteen'' (2005)
140* ''Series/NHL247'' (2010)
141* ''Series/NineteenKidsAndCounting'' (2008-)
142* ''Series/ThePaper'' (2008) (MTV)
143* ''Series/PawnStars'' (2009-) (History Channel)
144* ''Series/PawnStarsUK (2013-) (History Channel UK)
145* ''Series/PitBoss'' (2010)
146* ''Series/PitBullsAndParolees'' (2010)
147* ''Series/PoliceCameraAction'' (with shades of the Law enforcement category below, and making local stars out of the officers featured in the show. Sort of like ''Series/TheOnlyWayIsEssex'' [[AC:with BlackComedy and FairCop and {{Car Chase}}s and PoliceProcedural]]!
148* ''Series/PorterRidge'' (2013) (Discovery Channel)
149* ''Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal'' (2008) (A&E)
150* ''Rachael Rocks'' (2004)
151* ''Series/RattlesnakeRepublic'' (2011) (Animal Planet)
152* ''Series/TheDudesons'' (2006)
153* ''Series/TheRealHousewives'' (2006)
154** ''Series/TheRealHousewivesOfAtlanta'' (2008)
155** ''Series/TheRealHousewivesOfBeverlyHills'' (2010)
156** ''Series/TheRealHousewivesOfPotomac'' (2016)
157* ''Real People'' (1979)
158* ''Series/TheRealWorld'' (1992) (E!)
159* ''The Restaurant'' (2003)
160* ''Series/RichKidsOfBeverlyHills'' (2014)
161* ''Series/SayYesToTheDress'' (2007)
162* ''Selling Sunset'' (2019) (Netflix)
163* ''Shahs of Sunset'' (2012) (Bravo)
164* ''Series/ShippingWars'' (2012) (A&E)
165* ''Series/SonsOfGuns'' (2011) (Discovery Channel)
166* ''Sorority Life'' (2002)
167* ''Starting Over'' (2003)
168* ''Series/StormChasers'' (2007) (Discovery Channel)
169* ''Series/StorageWars'' (2010)
170** ''Series/StorageWarsTexas'' (2011)
171** ''Series/StorageWarsNewYork'' (2013)
172** ''Series/StorageWarsCanada'' (2014)
173* ''Series/{{Supervet}}'' (2014)
174* ''Series/{{Survivorman}}'' (2004) (Discovery Channel)
175* ''Series/SwampPeople'' (2010) (History Channel)
176* ''Sylvania Waters'' (1992) (Australia)
177* ''{{Series/Tanked}}'' (2011) (Animal Planet)
178* ''Series/TeenMom'' (MTV)
179* ''That's Incredible!'' (1980)
180* ''Series/ToddlersAndTiaras'' (2009)
181* ''Series/TotalDivas'' (2013)
182* ''Treasure Hunters'' (2006)
183* ''Series/TrueLife'' (1998)
184* ''[=U8TV:=] The Lofters'' (2001) (Canada)
185* ''Series/VanderpumpRules''
186* ''Series/VivaLaBam''
187* ''Series/{{Wildboyz}}''
188* ''Yummy Mummies'' (2017) (Australia)
189[[/folder]]
190
191[[folder:Historical re-creation]]
192* ''The 1900 House'' (1999) (UK; living in historical conditions. Also shown on PBS)
193* ''The 1940s House'' (2001) (UK)
194* ''Colonial House'' (2004) (US; PBS show set in the American frontier of 1628)
195* ''Frontier House'' (2002) (US; PBS show set in the American frontier of 1883)
196* ''Klondike: The Quest for Gold'' (2003) (Canada)
197* ''Le Moyen 1903'' (2003) (Switzerland/TSR)
198* ''Pioneer Quest: A Year in the Real West'' (2000) (Canada)
199* ''Quest for the Bay'' (2002) (Canada)
200* ''Regency House Party'' (2004) (UK)
201* ''The Edwardian Country House'' aka ''Series/ManorHouse'' (2002)
202* ''The Ship'' (2002) (UK)
203* ''Warrior Challenge'' (2004) (US)
204* ''Series/TexasRanchHouse'' (2006) (US)
205* ''That'll Teach 'Em'' (2003-2006) (UK; set in a 1950s school) and it's remake ''Il Collegio'' (2017-) (Italy)
206[[/folder]]
207
208[[folder:Dating]]
209* ''Series/NinetyDayFiance'' (2014-)
210* ''The 5th Wheel'' (2001)
211* ''Average'' (2003)
212* ''Series/TheBachelor''[[note]]Also covers ''The Bachelorette'' (2003)[[/note]] (2002)
213* ''Bachelorettes in Alaska'' (2002)
214* ''Blind Date'' (UK) (1985)
215* ''Blind Date'' (US) (1999)
216* ''Boy Meets Boy'' (2003)
217* ''Cupid'' (2003)
218* ''Series/Daisy of Love'' (2009)
219* ''[=ElimiDATE=]'' (2002)
220* ''Series/{{Excused}}'' (2011)
221* ''EX-treme Dating'' (2002)
222* ''Series/FindingPrinceCharming'' (2016)
223* ''Series/FlavorOfLove'' (2006)
224* ''For Love or Money'' (2003)
225* ''For the Love of Ray J'' (2009)
226* ''Series/ILoveNewYork'' (2007)
227* ''Series/IWannaMarryHarry'' (2014)
228* ''Series/JoeMillionaire'' (2003) and ''The Next Joe Millionaire'' (later the same year)
229* ''Labor of Love'' (2020–, Fox)
230* ''Series/LoveIsland'' (2005-2006, 2015-)
231* ''Love Island'' (2019) (CBS, American version of the above)
232* ''Series/LoveIsBlind (Netflix, 2020-)
233* ''Series/MarriedAtFirstSight'' (2014)
234* ''Married by America'' (2003)
235* ''Megan Wants a Millionaire'' (2009)
236* ''Series/MilfManor'' (2023)
237* ''Millionaire'' (2003)
238* ''Mr. Personality'' (2003)
239* ''My Antonio'' (2009)
240* ''My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiancé'' (2004)
241* ''Outback Jack'' (2004)
242* ''Playing It Straight'' (2004)
243* ''Real Chance of Love'' (2008)
244* ''Series/RockOfLove'' (2007)
245* ''Seducing Cindy'' (2010)
246* ''Streetmate'' (UK)
247* ''Temptation Island'' (2001)
248* ''Who Wants to Marry a Multi-Millionaire?'' (2000)
249* ''Would Like To Meet'' (UK)
250[[/folder]]
251
252[[folder:Law Enforcement/Military]]
253* ''Series/AlaskaStateTroopers'' (2009–2015, with reruns to the present; National Geographic Channel)
254* ''American Fighter Pilot'' (2002)
255* ''Series/BaitCar''
256* ''Series/BombPatrolAfghanistan'' (2011) (G4 Network)
257* ''Boot Camp''
258* ''Series/BorderSecurity'' (2012)
259* ''Combat Missions'' (2001)
260* ''Series/{{COPS|1989}}'' (1989)
261* ''Series/DogTheBountyHunter'' (2004)
262* ''Series/LivePD''
263* ''Series/ParkingWars'' (2008)
264* ''Real Stories of the Highway Patrol'' (1994)
265* ''Speeders'' (2007)
266* ''Series/UKBorderForce'' (2008)
267[[/folder]]
268
269[[folder:Makeover]]
270* ''A Makeover Story'' (US)
271* ''Series/BarRescue''
272* ''Series/BeautyAndTheGeek'' (US)
273* ''Changing Rooms'' (UK) = ''Trading Spaces'' (US) (2000)
274* ''Series/EscapeToTheChateau'' (2016) (Channel Four)
275* ''Series/ExtremeMaleBeauty'' (2009)
276* ''Extreme Makeover'' (2002)
277* ''Series/GordonRamsays24HoursToHellAndBack''
278* ''Series/HotelHell'' (2012)
279* ''Series/HotelImpossible''
280* ''Series/HowCleanIsYourHouse?'' (2003) (2004) (UK)
281* ''Series/HungryInvestors''
282* ''Island of Bryan'' (2019–present, Canada; airs in the US as ''Renovation Island'')
283* ''Life Laundry'' (2002) (UK; house clearance)
284* ''Series/{{Love It or List It}}'' (2008–present, Canada)
285* ''Series/KitchenNightmares''
286* ''Knock First'' (2003)
287* ''Series/MonsterGarage'' (2002) (US)
288* ''MTV's MADE''
289* ''Series/OnTheRoadWithAustinAndSantino''
290* ''{{Series/Overhaulin}}'' (2004-2008, 2012-) (US) [[note]] Also counts as a Hidden Camera show. [[/note]]
291* ''Series/PropertyBrothers'' (2011–present, Canada)
292* ''Series/QueenOfTheUniverse''
293* ''Series/QueerEye'' (2003)
294* ''Series/QueerEye2018'' (2018 revival of the above)
295* ''Series/RestaurantImpossible'' (2011)
296* ''Revenge Body with Khloé Kardashian'' (2017) (E!)
297* ''Restoration'' (2003) (UK)
298* ''Series/RuPaulsDragU''
299* ''Series/SnogMarryAvoid'' (UK)
300* ''Series/TheBlock'' (2003-04, 2010-) (Australia)
301* ''The Swan'' (2004) (US)
302* ''Series/TabathaTakesOver'' (2008) (US)
303* ''Trading Spaces: Home Free''
304* ''Series/WhatNotToWear'' (US)
305[[/folder]]
306
307[[folder:Life Change]]
308* ''Series/BullyBeatdown'' (2010) (US)
309* ''Series/CleanHouse'' (2003) (US)
310* ''Faking It'' (2001) (UK; remade in US in 2003)
311* ''Holiday Swap'' (2003) (UK)
312* ''Series/HotelHell'' (2012) (US)
313* ''Series/ItTakesAThief2005'' (2005-7) (US)
314* ''Series/ItsMeOrTheDog'' (2007) (UK) (2008) (US)
315* ''Series/LosingItWithJillian'' (2010) (US)
316* ''Masters And Servants'' (2003) (UK)
317* ''Nanny 911'' (2004) (US)
318* ''Series/{{Supernanny}}'' (2004) (UK) (2005) (US)
319* ''Series/TilDebtDoUsPart'' (2005) (Canada)
320* ''Trading Spouses'' (2004) (US)
321* ''Series/WifeSwap'' (2002) (2003) (UK)
322[[/folder]]
323
324[[folder:Docusoaps starring celebrities]]
325* ''Series/AlaskaYMario'' (2011)
326* ''Breaking Bonaduce'' (2005)
327* ''Series/BritneyAndKevinChaotic'' (2006)
328* ''Brooke Knows Best'' (2008)
329* ''Series/GeneSimmonsFamilyJewels'' (2006)
330* ''Hogan Knows Best'' (2005)
331* ''Series/HouseOfCarters'' (2006)
332* ''Series/IceLovesCoco'' (2011-2012)
333* ''Series/KeepingUpWithTheKardashians'' (2007-present)
334* ''Series/KourtneyAndKhloeTakeMiami'' (2008)
335* ''Series/LivingLohan'' (2008)
336* ''My Fair Brady'' (2005)
337* ''[[Series/NewlywedsNickAndJessica Newlyweds]]'' (2003)
338* ''New York goes to Hollywood'' (2008)
339* ''Rich Girls'' (2003)
340* ''Scott Baio is 45 and Single'' (2007)
341* ''Scott Baio is 46 and Pregnant'' (2008)
342* ''Strange Love'' (2005)
343* ''The Anna Nicole Show'' (2002)
344* ''The Hasselhoffs'' (2010)
345* ''Series/TheOsbournes'' (2002)
346* ''Seducing Cindy'' (2010)
347* ''The Simple Life'' (2003)
348* ''The Simple Life 2'' (2004)
349* ''Series/TheSurrealLife'' (2003)
350[[/folder]]
351
352[[folder:Hidden camera]]
353* ''Series/AmericasFunniestHomeVideos'' (1990)
354* ''Series/AmericasFunniestPeople'' (1990)
355* ''Boiling Point'' (US) MTV
356* ''Series/CandidCamera'' (1948)
357* ''Series/TheCarbonaroEffect'' (2014)
358* ''Series/ImpracticalJokers'' (2011)
359* ''The Jamie Kennedy Experiment'' (2002)
360* ''Series/JustForLaughsGags'' (2001)
361* ''Series/MysteryDiners'' (2012)
362* ''Series/{{Punkd}}'' (2003)
363* ''Series/RestaurantStakeout'' (2012)
364* ''Series/ScareTactics2003'' (2003)
365* ''Trigger Happy TV'' (2002) (UK; launched comedian Dom Joly)
366* ''Series/TVsBloopersAndPracticalJokes'' (1984)
367* ''Series/UndercoverBoss'' (2010)
368* ''Series/WhatWouldYouDo'' (2009)
369* ''Who Gets the Last Laugh?'' (US; 2013 - present)
370[[/folder]]
371
372[[folder:Reality game shows]]
373* ''13: Fear Is Real'' (2009)
374* ''Series/SeventyTwoHours'' (2013)
375* ''Series/TheAmazingRace'' (2001)
376* ''America's Most Smartest Model'' (2007)
377* ''Back To Reality'' (2004) (UK)
378* ''Series/BeautyAndTheGeek'' (2005)
379* ''The Benefactor'' (2004)
380* ''Series/BigBrother'' (2000 - present)
381* ''Series/TheBiggestLoser'' (2004 - present)
382* ''Boot Camp''
383* ''Series/CanadasWorstDriver'' (2005 - Present), except the contestants ''don't'' want to win the trophy. ''Series/CanadasWorstHandyman'' is similar, except that there is no elimination.
384* ''Series/{{Capture}}''
385* ''Celebrity Fit Club'' (2005)
386* ''Series/TheChallenge'' (1998 - present)
387* ''Series/CharmSchool'' (2007)
388* ''Series/Chase2008''
389* ''Series/DanceYourAssOff'' (2009)
390* ''Dog Eat Dog'' (2003)
391* ''Series/{{Endurance}}'' (2002 - 2008)
392* ''Series/EstateOfPanic'' (2008)
393* ''Expedition Impossible'' (2011)
394* ''WebVideo/EscapeTheNight'' (2016)
395* ''Forever Eden'' (2004)
396* ''Series/FearFactor'' (2001)
397* ''WesternAnimation/FetchWithRuffRuffman'' (2006 - 2010)
398* ''Series/FullMetalJousting''
399* ''Series/GameShowDongVang''
400* ''Series/{{The Genius}}''
401* ''The Great Escape'' (2012)
402* ''High School Reunion '' (2008)
403* ''Series/{{Hunted}}'' (2017)
404* ''Series/ILoveMoney'' (2008)
405* ''Series/ImACelebrityGetMeOutOfHere'' (2002) (UK)
406* ''Series/ISurvivedAJapaneseGameShow'' (2008)
407* ''Series/ISurvivedAZombieApocalypse'' (2015) (UK)
408* ''Series/KidNation'' (2007)
409* ''Series/KillerCamp'' (2019)
410* ''Series/KingOfTheNerds''
411* ''Koh Lanta'' (since 2002) ([=TF1=], France)
412* ''Series/LastCarStanding'' (2013) (Canada)
413* ''Series/LipSyncBattle'' (2015-19)
414* ''Mad Mad House'' (2004)
415* ''Series/MakingIt'' (2018)
416* ''Series/{{Mantracker}}''
417* ''Series/MasterChef''
418** ''Series/MasterchefAustralia''
419* ''Model Flat'' (Fashion TV, 2002)
420* ''Series/TheMole'' (2001)
421* ''Series/TheMurderGame'' (2003) (UK version of ''Murder in Small Town X'')
422* ''Series/MurderInSmallTownX'' (2001)
423* ''Series/NowGetOutOfThat'' (1981) (UK)
424* ''Opposite Worlds'' (2014)
425* ''Series/TheQuest'' (2014)
426* ''Paradise Hotel'' (2003, revived 2019)
427* ''Series/PanicButton'' (2013) (Canada)
428* ''Pirate Master'' (2007)
429* ''Series/{{Queendom}}'' (2019) (Mnet)
430* ''The Real Gilligan's Island'' (2004)
431* ''Series/RetroGameMaster'' (2003)
432* ''Series/RiseAndFall'' (2023, UK)
433* ''Series/RoadRules'' (1995)
434* ''Series/ScaredyCamp'' (2002)
435* ''Shattered'' (2004) (UK)
436* ''Series/{{Solitary}}'' (2006)
437* ''Series/SupermarketStakeout'' (2019)
438* ''Series/{{Survivor}}'' (2000)
439** ''Series/AustralianSurvivor''
440** ''Series/SurvivorSouthAfrica''
441* ''Series/TheTester'' (2010)
442* ''There Goes The Neighborhood'' (2009)
443* ''Series/TokyoEncounter'' (2010)
444* ''Series/TopShot'' (2010) (Creator/TheHistoryChannel)
445* ''Series/TotalBlackout'' (2012)
446* ''Series/ToughAsNails'' (2020)
447* ''The Traitors'' (international versions of Dutch series ''De Verraders'')
448** ''Series/TheTraitorsUK'' (2022-) (Creator/TheBBC, British version)
449** ''Series/TheTraitorsAustralia'' (Network 10, Australian version)
450** ''Series/TheTraitorsUS'' (Creator/{{Peacock}}, US version)
451* ''[[Series/Whodunnit2013 Whodunnit?]]'' (2013)
452* ''Series/WhoWantsToBeASuperhero'' (2006)
453* ''Series/WieIsDeMol'' (1999-present)
454* ''Wrestling/WWEToughEnough'' (2001)
455[[/folder]]
456
457[[folder:Spoofs]]
458* ''WebAnimation/AluminumChef'' (2003)
459* ''Series/DeadSet'' (2008)
460* ''WesternAnimation/DrawnTogether'' (2004)
461* ''Film/EdTV'' (movie) 1999
462* ''Series/IAmNotInfected'' (web series) (2008)
463* ''Series/TheJoeSchmoShow'' (2003)
464* ''Joe Schmo 2'' (2004)
465* ''The Joe Schmo Show: The Full Bounty'' (2013)
466* ''WebAnimation/JudgeGranny'' (2001)
467* ''WesternAnimation/LifesAZoo'' (2008)
468* ''Series/TheRealHusbandsOfHollywood'' (2013)
469* ''Real Life'' (movie) (1979)
470* ''Film/Series7TheContenders'' (movie) (2001)
471* ''WebVideo/SexHouse'' (2012)
472* ''Series/{{Siberia}}'' (2013)
473* ''Film/ShockTreatment'' (1980) involves a mental hospital that's also, somehow, a gameshow... and (like VideoGame/SmashTV) serves as a parody of Reality TV that predates the genre by decades.
474* ''VideoGame/SmashTV'' (1990) has been described as "parodying Reality TV since before it existed".
475* ''Superstar USA'' (2004)
476* ''WebAnimation/TearFactor'' (2003)
477* ''WebAnimation/ToonMarooned'' (2001)
478* ''Film/TheTrumanShow'' (movie) (1998)
479* ''WesternAnimation/TotalDrama'' (2007)
480* ''WesternAnimation/TotalDramaPresentsTheRidonculousRace'' (2015)
481* ''[[Series/UnREAL2015 UnREAL]]'' (2015)
482* ''It's A Madhouse!'' in "Going to Series" (short story by Creator/KimNewman) (2000)
483* ''Animal Farm'' in the ''Series/JonathanCreek'' episode "Gorgon's Wood" (2004)
484[[/folder]]
485
486[[folder:Talent Searches]]
487* ''Series/ThirtySecondsToFame'' (2002)
488* ''Series/AmericanIdol'' (2002)
489* ''American Juniors'' (2003)
490* ''Series/AmericasGotTalent'' (2006)
491* ''Series/AmericasNextTopModel'' (2003)
492* ''Series/TheApprentice'' (2004)
493* ''The Assistant'' (2004)
494* ''Australian Idol'' (2003)
495* ''Series/TheBigBrunch'' (2022)
496* ''Series/BringTheFunny'' (2019)
497* ''Series/BritainsGotTalent'' (2007)
498* ''Can You Be A Porn Star?'' (2004)
499* ''Series/CanadianIdol'' (2003)
500* ''Series/{{Chopped}}'' (2009)
501* ''The Contender'' (2004)
502* ''Series/CupcakeWars'' (2010)
503* ''Series/CutthroatKitchen'' (2013)
504* ''Series/DanceMoms'' (2011)
505* ''Series/DragonsDen'' (2005) (UK, remade for the US as ''Shark Tank'')
506* ''Series/DragRaceGermany'' (2023) (DE)
507* ''Series/DragRaceMexico'' (2023) (MX)
508* ''Series/DragRacePhilippines'' (2022) (PH)
509* ''Series/{{Dragula}}'' (2016)
510* ''Dream Job'' (2004)
511* ''[[Series/{{FaceOff}} Face Off]]'' (2011)
512* ''Fame Academy'' (2002)(2003) (UK)
513* ''Series/ForgedInFire''
514* ''WebVideo/FuturoExPorta'' (2021)
515* ''Series/TheGleeProject'' (2011)
516* ''Series/GlowUp'' (2019-present)
517* ''Got to Dance'' (UK, remade for the US as ''Live to Dance'')
518* ''Series/HellsKitchen'' (UK, remade for US TV in 2005)
519* ''Series/LastComicStanding'' (2003, revived in 2014)
520* ''Series/{{Legendary}}'' (2020-)
521* ''Series/LegoMasters'' (2020-present)
522* ''Series/LizzosWatchOutForTheBigGrrrls''
523* ''Series/MakeMePrimeMinister'' (2022) (Channel 4)
524* ''Series/MakingTheBand'' (2001)
525* ''Making the Band 2'' (2002)
526* ''Series/MyKitchenRules'' (2010-present)
527* ''Series/NailedIt'' (2018)
528* ''Next Action Star'' (2004)
529* ''Series/TheNextFoodNetworkStar'' (2005-present)
530* ''The Next Iron Chef'' (2007, 2009) (a spin-off of ''Series/IronChef'')
531* ''Series/OnTheRoadWithAustinAndSantino''
532* ''Performing As...'' (2003)
533* ''Pop Idol'' (2001)
534* ''Popstars'' (2000) (UK; launched bands Hear'Say and Liberty X)
535* ''Popstars: The Rivals'' (2002) (UK; launched Music/GirlsAloud)
536* ''Series/Produce101''
537* ''Series/Produce101China''
538* ''Series/ProjectRunway'' (2004)
539* ''Series/ThePussycatDollsPresent'' (2007)
540* ''Series/RisingStar'' (2014)
541* ''Series/RuPaulsDragRace'' (2009)
542* ''Series/RuPaulsDragRaceUK'' (2019)
543* ''Series/RuPaulsDragRaceUKVsTheWorld'' (2022)
544* ''Series/{{Scream Queens|2008}}'' (2008)
545* ''Series/TheSingOff'' (US) (2009-present)
546* ''Series/SkinWars'' (2014-present)
547* ''Series/SoYouThinkYouCanDance'' (2005)
548* ''Series/StarSearch'' (1980s, plus a revival in 2003)
549* ''WebVideo/StripSearch'' (2013)
550* ''Series/SuperstarK'' (2009)
551* ''Ted Macks Original Amateur Hour'' (US) (1948-1970)
552* ''Series/TheWinnerIs''' (2013)
553* ''Series/TopChef'' (2006)
554* ''Series/TheVoice'' (2011, 2012)
555* ''Series/WorstCooksInAmerica'' (2010-present)
556* ''Series/TheXFactor'' (2004)
557* ''Series/YouthWithYouSeason2''
558* ''Work of Art: The Next Great Artist'' (2010)
559[[/folder]]
560
561[[folder:Fantasies Fulfilled]]
562* ''Series/ExtremeMakeoverHomeEdition'' (US, 2003–2012, 2020–present)
563* ''Series/FixerUpper'' (US, 2013–2018)
564* ''Jim'll Fix It'' (UK, 1975-1994)
565* ''My Super Sweet 16'' (2005)
566* ''Series/PimpMyRide'' (US)
567* ''Series/PrankPatrol'' (Canada, remade in Australia and the UK)
568* ''Series/SayIDo'' (2020)
569* ''The Swan'' (2004)
570* ''Thrill of a Lifetime'' (1982-88 and 2002)
571[[/folder]]
572
573[[folder:Survival]]
574(Some of the shows in this section are arguably true documentaries, in which the producers make a good-faith effort to document their actual subject, not interfering with the events just to make a better story. Though some situations do seem staged or scripted. Individual episodes are deliberately set up.)
575* ''Series/DualSurvival'' (Discovery Channel)
576* ''Series/ManVsWild'' (2006) (Discovery Channel)
577* ''Series/ManWomanWild'' (2010) (Discovery Channel)
578* ''Series/NakedAndAfraid'' (2013) (Discovery Channel)
579* ''Series/NakedAndAfraidXL'' (2015) (Discovery Channel)
580* ''Series/{{Survivorman}}'' (2004) (Discovery Channel)
581[[/folder]]
582
583[[folder:Others]]
584* ''Series/TheGreatChristmasLightFight'' (2013-present) (Creator/{{ABC}})
585* ''Series/HighSchoolReunion''
586* ''Series/KennyVsSpenny'' (2003-2010) (Creator/{{CBC}}, then [[ChannelHop Showcase]])
587* ''Series/MaximumExposure'' (2000-2002)
588* ''Series/MythBusters'' (Discovery Channel)
589* ''Series/MythBusters2017'' (Science)
590* ''Series/ThePeoplesCouch'' (2014-? Bravo)
591* ''Series/TopGuns'' (History 2)
592* ''Series/TrueBeauty2009''
593* ''Series/{{Oddities}}'' (Discovery Channel)
594* ''Series/MadeInChelsea'' (2011- present) (E4)
595* ''Series/WhiteRabbitProject'' (Creator/{{Netflix}} exclusive)
596[[/folder]]
597
598[[/index]]

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