All-reality TV, all the time
The television executive who helped create the E! Entertainment cable network is planning to launch an all-reality TV cable channel as well, according to a published report Monday.
So, what happens to this station when the world gets over the “Reality TV” fad? Comedy channels are good because comedy doesn’t go out of style. Music channels are good because as music tastes change, the channel can change along with them. Making a Reality TV network would be like making an all improv comedy channel. It’s just too specific, too limiting.
Who was I talking to about this? I knew this would happen! I predicted this! TV executives are so predictable!
And as I pointed out to you the other day, Darren, there are only two forms of entertainment on TV today that existed when television first began broadcasting: talent competitions and wrestling. Reality TV has always existed – it’s only in the last few years that it’s become so overwhelming. I’m sure the current “boom” will pass, but there’s enough reality TV stockpiled to supply a cable channel forever.
I think Spike’s point was not that they’d run out of material but that people would get tired of it and not watch.
Anyway, I’m happy to report that “The Real Cancun”, MTV’s reality movie, only came in at #10 at the box office this past weekend. I thought for sure it would be #1. Maybe there is some hope, after all….