Your opinion of reality shows

[rwyatt365]

Reality shows; love 'em, or hate 'em.

IMHO reality shows rank slightly above watching slime mold (on second thought, significantly below watching slime mold). People that produce these shows should be forced to watch every episode, of every season of Survivor, in the Big Brother House, wearing Donald Trump's toupee while being fed food prepared by the Top Chef cooks in Hell's Kitchen delivered in the winning car from Pinks (pant, pant…).

If I want real drama all I have to do is listen to the "baby mama drama" that floats throughout my own family. If I want to see self-serving, obnoxious, arrogant career-junkies I can see that every weekday at work. If I want to see bad food being poorly prepared I can go to the Coney Island on the corner.

When I turn on TV the LAST thing that I want to see is reality (maybe that's why the SciFi penchant – but that's another thread). Plus, all of these shows have exactly the same format! There is no variation from the formula whatsoever, and that drives me up a wall! If I hear that "…please pack your bags and leave [dramatic music, crying, sympathetic hugs, candid comments]" again, I'm going to go postal! (not really, but it sure sounds good ;-P ).

Comments, rants?fixed spelling in title

[Rei]

It really depends what type it is.

I mean.. the whole Jessica Simpletonson etc ones are frustrating as hell.
On the other hand, things like America's Next Top Model, Project Runway, Ultimate Makeover Home Edition... those are okay. The first two mainly because I get to judge the people in the show ;D

Really can't say I hate them... but I don't love them either.

[Guido]

I hate most of them, so that's where my vote went. There a couple though that I'll watch bits and pieces of. Mostly for the social interaction stuff, cause I find that interesting. Of course, when people start being retarded it usually prompts a channel change.

[Firelie]

Depends on what type of reality show you're talking about. I like the makeover shows, American Idol (sometimes) and So You Think You Can Dance, but I hate things like Survivor and Big Brother, and basically any of those shows where people get at each other's throats.

[Tarrick]

I wouldn't say that American Idol and shows like that are Reality, but more rather competition shows. "reality" shows try and show us how people act if they are put in the situations presented. I'm sorry, but real "Survivor" is nothing like the show. You have no guarantees of surviving, you don't have the reassuring "human" contact with a camera crew there. And you most certainly wouldn't "vote" people off. People, I would hope, would know that they need to stick together of they want to live.

[Firelie]

Okay, nevermind then. In that case, I guess I hate reality shows.

[qwerty]

as much as I like watching people in real life I can't stand the idiots on tv. Why in hell would you go on a tv show and embarrass yourself in front of the general population?

[Firelie]

as much as I like watching people in real life I can't stand the idiots on tv. Why in hell would you go on a tv show and embarrass yourself in front of the general population?

Money, greediness, and a lack of pride.

[anul]

I really enjoy reality shows. I never watched them or gave them a chance. Then about a year ago my wife introduced me to VH1 celebrity reality TV. I must say while I was hesitant at first I did eventually come around to loving them. I don't love all reality TV, just competitions and celebrity's involved does help as well.

It's very fun to watch and try to figure out everyones personality type. Then to watch chaos ensue from clashing personality types. Such as two ENTJ women go head to head, priceless. Some people may say that if they want reality they'll go out and get it. I on the other hand can not go out and watch 20 women fight over a washed up singer such as Flavor Flav or Bret Michaels. Watching reality TV gives me all the thrills of real life drama without all of the baggage that comes with it.

[rwyatt365]

I really enjoy reality shows. I never watched them or gave them a chance. Then about a year ago my wife introduced me to VH1 celebrity reality TV. I must say while I was hesitant at first I did eventually come around to loving them. I don't love all reality TV, just competitions and celebrity's involved does help as well.

It's very fun to watch and try to figure out everyones personality type. Then to watch chaos ensue from clashing personality types. Such as two ENTJ women go head to head, priceless. Some people may say that if they want reality they'll go out and get it. I on the other hand can not go out and watch 20 women fight over a washed up singer such as Flavor Flav or Bret Michaels. Watching reality TV gives me all the thrills of real life drama without all of the baggage that comes with it.



I guess turning it into a pseudo-intellectual exercise (guessing the personality types) would soften the blow somewhat. But in the end I agree with Firelie, the root cause is money, greed and a lack of pride.

I mean, c'mon - 20 attractive, young, willing young ladies professing their undying love for Flava Flav?!! :-? If he were Leroy Johnson walking down Woodward Avenue (or Rodeo Drive, or [fill in the blank]) with $20 to his name, none of those women would give him the time of day. The motivation for their professed ardor...a spot on national TV, the chance to win some money, the opportunity to say they screwed a "celebrity". None of which speaks to their intent to form a long-lasting, significant relationship.

So in addition to Firelie's list I would add "..., 15 minutes of fame".

[anul]

I guess turning it into a pseudo-intellectual exercise (guessing the personality types) would soften the blow somewhat. But in the end I agree with Firelie, the root cause is money, greed and a lack of pride.

I mean, c'mon - 20 attractive, young, willing young ladies professing their undying love for Flava Flav?!! :-? If he were Leroy Johnson walking down Woodward Avenue (or Rodeo Drive, or [fill in the blank]) with $20 to his name, none of those women would give him the time of day. The motivation for their professed ardor...a spot on national TV, the chance to win some money, the opportunity to say they screwed a "celebrity". None of which speaks to their intent to form a long-lasting, significant relationship.

So in addition to Firelie's list I would add "..., 15 minutes of fame".

I agree with everything you said, and that's part of the appeal of it. Flavor Flav looks like a homeless person. So foxy ladies fighting for his love and approval is ridiculous and hilarious. I remember in season two he took a girl who won the daily competition to his favorite restaurant KFC. Now I have nothing against Kentucky Fried Chicken, but to take a sexy lady there for a romantic date is hilarious.

The people on reality TV are all there for personal gain, and the contestants know that. I also seriously doubt Flavor Flav or Brett Michaels are looking for real love. They're looking to get some ass and TV exposure. Every celebrity or contestant on those shows are all there for their own gain. I doubt think lack of pride is part of reality TV, I think it's closer to lack of foresight.

Sure it's not 100% reality, but I think it's better that way. Since it's not all real it creates a comfortable barrier. I don't want to know Flavor Flavs real life. But I will watch crazy tramps try to win his heart.

[Spartan26]

Depends on what type of reality show you're talking about. *I like the makeover shows, American Idol (sometimes) and So You Think You Can Dance, but I hate things like Survivor and Big Brother, and basically any of those shows where people get at each other's throats.In the case of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, (Emmys), they're all the same. *American Idol, Survivor and Amazing Race tend to all be nominated for Best Reality Program. *Amazing Race of course is the only one that wins. *Well, I think Idol won a technical award this past year.

There's no real rush to officially make a distiction. *Those whack jobs on Big Brother or karoake stars on American Idol don't have to be paid a dime because they're considered amature contestants not talent. *There's gonna be some changes for American Idol contestants next year I believe. *Once they knock the performers down to the final 12, then they'll have to start paying them some sort of minimum as arranged by AFTRA. *I don't know if Idol is paying the contestants now, I believe they do get some kind of weekly stipend. *(Not sure why 6K is popping in my head but I'll try to find out for sure because that doesn't seem right). *But technically they really don't have to. *Simon may be an ass but I don't believe he's that evil.

Now if some rules change, which could come about as some contestants from Average Joes are suing NBC/Universal, you may see some shows try to subdivide themselves from the pack but right now there's safety in numbers and if I can get my show to be considered like some show over there that don't have to pay actor or writer residuals or minimum salary then I'm gonna say it's just like that.

[bikerscars]

reality shows seem like a waste of time to me

give me survivorman, dirty jobs, animal/nature/science shows, even the occasional cooking show, weather channel, freespeechtv, linktv, etc.

[StJimmy]

i hate reality shows.

besides movies, nat geo, tlc, disc, history, and adult swim on CN are pretty much it. then again our cable service sucks.

[biased]

Instead of living our own lives let's go home, sit down on the couch, and watch someone elses.

Reality shows :thumbsup:

[Ian]

Mindless pap.

Low budget, zero entertainment value. Axe the lot.

[jeffersonian]

While I'm no fan of reality television, things I read seem to suggest the popularity of reality television is on the decline. Thus, our condemnation of reality tv my just be that we're tired of it.

Did we ever like reality tv? Would we ever admit it?

[phoenix]

While I'm no fan of reality television, things I read seem to suggest the popularity of reality television is on the decline. Thus, our condemnation of reality tv my just be that we're tired of it.

Did we ever like reality tv? Would we ever admit it?

I have never watched reality TV. I've always had a reflexive dislike to anything that is 'popular.' So when Survivor first came on (thinking that was the first big one) and everyone was so into it, I refused to watch it out of principle. Over time I am very glad I made that decision. My life has been significantly enriched during the time I would otherwise have been trying to actually care about humans being mocked for the entertainment of others.

So, the answer for me is NOPE. Not my thing.

[generalowk]

Hate them, for many of the reasons cited above.

[thegnat]

*Hate* reality TV. Hated it when it started.

They can't even make up new crappy ideas anymore - it's all some sort of subset of reality show.

Unfortunately when I'm home for the summer - my parents watch it in the evenings and like me to sit beside them not talking to them much at all being the awesome introvert that I am (they already know what goes on in my life, they don't need to know any more useless stuff unless they want to hear about scientific stuff that I know they won't pay attention to).....

[Max T]

I find reality shows and their predecessors- soaps- to be dull. It's all about human relationships in confined spaces (e.g. in a street or just a house).

If we replaced the psychologists behind Big Brother with a bunch of INTJs- that would be interesting. "Your challenge this week is to build a bridge in the garden spanning 15 metres using only the materials you find in the house. Each contestant must walk across it and you have 2 hours remaining". ;D

The only reality competition (reality right?) I like is 'X Factor' (akin to American Idol)- it's a real 'tear jerker' when someone's hopes and dreams are realised by the judges. :'( Love it.

[toonia]

Reality shows are typically painful to watch.

Being a couch potato watching a group of people sitting around gossiping and having their little social issues, who also happen to be slouched upon their own couches, is the most excruciating expression of boredom I can imagine.

[MichaelH]

I'll admit I watched - and liked - the first season of "Survivor". It was fresh and new (to me), and that naked bear-man on camera didn't hurt. There was actually some question how it would play out. Especially at the beginning, it was interesting seeing different types of people adapting to the environment - or not. Ending up with two people I wasn't really thrilled with was an interesting ending, and I actually found it rather enlightening.

Sure, the wrap-up show was extra artificial and saccharine, but I'll admit I enjoyed the first season.

[Jezebel]

I'll admit I watched - and liked - the first season of "Survivor". It was fresh and new (to me), and that naked bear-man on camera didn't hurt. There was actually some question how it would play out. Especially at the beginning, it was interesting seeing different types of people adapting to the environment - or not. Ending up with two people I wasn't really thrilled with was an interesting ending, and I actually found it rather enlightening.
Oh, me too. I watched all the Survivor episodes from the first season and kind of lost interest after that. I've watched a few episodes of reality tv shows out of novelty and curiosity. Then after that it's down to the same predictable exaggerrated-because-it's-on-tv-and-gets-ratings social drama.

[Epicurus]

Everyone of those kind of series are always quite fun to watch just to see the social conspiracies and maybe to see some naked skin... However I always get frustrated because of those dumb kind of people, it would be more fun to see them get tortured.

[snoogit]

Define "reality" I mean, I guess if I had to say what reality shows I watch, its mostly non-fiction television. (If it's non-fiction, then it must be reality, eh?)

I don't define "Reality TV" in the way the networks define "Reality" Instead I guess I made my own definition, and disregard most normal "Reality" TV.

[Chainsaw Dundee]

If I watch them, I'll watch them with other people. It's entertaining to watch how riveted and engrossed people get by such stupid shit. :suspicious:

[deicruxified]

i hate reality tv... the thought of exposing your daily life on international tv freaks me out

[Bossy Mom]

I voted that I hate them, but my daughter (who wants to be a model), likes for me to watch "America's Next Top Model." I think it gives her insight on how NOT to behave when entering the profession. Those whiners drive me crazy. I also sometimes wonder how some of them made it - they show no emotion in their pictures.

I also used to like Dog the Bounty Hunter, but it became repetitive - as though they're capturing the same criminal every week.

Most of them are stupid and for pea-brains.

[cielo market]

If I don't like hearing about people's drama in real life, why would I let it invade my TV time??

[L30]

Realitys offend me to the point that I feel shame to even watch tv. When the topic comes up, I usually state with pride that I DON'T watch tv, ever. In fact, the mere existence of these shows makes me feel shame for humankind. They remind me of how shallow most people are.
In other words, I hate them deeply.

[Ijz]

Depends, would you consider "American Chopper" a reality show?

At least reality shows are... well "real", I just can't stand bad acting...

[INTJoe]

For the most part they suck, but I Love New York and American Idol are must-watches for me.

Most of them blow, though.

[Aestheticbend]

I really cannot stand to watch any of them.

[DanAir]

I have watched "Survivor" several times just to prove my point:
The providers, builders and those who know about "things" always get the axe first.
Sound familiar?

[The Rose]

I don't like the premise of Survivor because it promotes "survival of the fittest" thinking. God doesn't want us to be that way. He wants us to go around helping each other, not stabbing each other in the back.

The only reality show I watch is American Idol, and I couldn't stand that one either for the first 4 years because every time I would surf by, Simon would be making someone cry. I don't like the way they embarrass people - like Sanjaya, and I don't like the way the best singer doesn't always win. But I am a singer and a songwriter and I love music shows, and because there is absolutely nothing better to watch, I watch it.

[DeepPurple]

It seems I am in the minority here but I enjoy reality tv. Top Chef, Amazing Race, Biggest Loser, Project Runway and WNTW are some of my favorite shows. I just started watching Survivor this season.

[Myrak]

Hate them, hate them, hate them.
I mean, they're trash and I wouldn't have that much of a problem with them if I wasn't subliminally forced to watch them everyday. Some other members of my family are addicted to shows like Big Brother, Australian Idol, Dancing with the Stars, et al and trash "journalism" like Today Tonight and A Current Affair (the Aussies will know what I'm talking about). It's freaking infuriating, and its even worse when they see some 'awesome' story on TT or ACA that I simply must see! (ohnoes, some dumbass got ripped off again!)

I mean, they complain about me spending too much time in my room, yet it's the only place I can really escape from these horrible television programs.

[Alpha Prime]

Reality shows; love 'em, or hate 'em.

...


There is no black or white, it's all shades of grey.

[rwyatt365]

There is no black or white, it's all shades of grey.
If so, then what conditions would move a reality show towards the "they're garbage" side, and what would move them towards the "they're the greatest thing since sliced bread" side? And which shows tend towards either of those shadings?

[Alpha Prime]

If so, then what conditions would move a reality show towards the "they're garbage" side, and what would move them towards the "they're the greatest thing since sliced bread" side? And which shows tend towards either of those shadings?

Clearly, this topic is highly subjective. I believe successful reality shows play well on strong common needs, such as money, sex, esteem, happyness, etc.

I enjoy "The Apprentice", where the skills, and intelligence of an individual is challenged through complex tasks, to win something valuable. I dislike shows like "Big Brother", or other shows that are focused on the lives of people/celebrities. I don't give a shit about who fucks who, or what marmalade celebrity X likes.

[Kaiser]

I find reality shows to be not more entertaining than watching a group of chimpanzees engaged in their daily activities, only not as touching.

[Bonnie]

If I need reality, I'll leave my house and go and find it. I don't need to pay £10 a month for a license to watch it on my TV. That's where unrealistic things belong.

[SpasTech]

I'm indifferent to them. They don't bother me because I don't watch them.

[IMnice]

They are not based on truth or any reality that matters

[Uberfuhrer]

Staged. They are all staged. And the contestants are forced at gunpoint to keep it a secret.

[mrkaizoku]

I guess it depends for me. I really like "The F Word" and "Kitchen Nightmares", but other than that I don't watch or want to watch reality TV. That is as long as shows like "Cops", "Forensic Files", and "Survivorman" don't count as 'reality' television.

[meanlittlechimp]

Nobody likes Top Chef or Project Runway? Those shows are far from mindless.

I don't even like fashion or eat at high end restaurants, but the creative process is pretty interesting in terms of how they come up with their creations.

[SeaCzar]

Reality TV my a$$. If you want reality, read the newspaper. These shows are for the needy, pathetic, vacuous, and vapid. No wonder that ratings are so high.

[interjerator]

I started to watch one, felt ill, and puked.

[Cytastic]

I turned off my cable in November. I didn't think I'd last more than a few weeks without turning it back on, but it's been 4 months and I don't miss it. At all.

[BlueTopaz]

I avoid them like the plague because I will get sucked into watching them, sort of like watching a train wreck. I do believe they are staged, at least to some degree. I feel like it's a waste of my life to watch theirs.
And Uberfuhrer, your avatar totally rocks my socks.

[lordrrr]

I love Survivor, but other than that I hate reality shows.

[Lucid]

I love Survivor, but other than that I hate reality shows.

Your INTJ card has been revoked. You can turn it in, along with your scientific calculator and your attitude of intellectual superiority at the front security office. Across the street you can pick up your standard issue ESFP gear, whatever that may entail. (I'm guessing tissues and a cellphone with a LOT of free minutes)

:p

[aok]

I'd much rather watch a reality show than a sitcom any day (which I NEVER find funny anyway)-----even if it is less reality than that w/out cameras and other factors...

[lancelot]

Reality shows play upon the insecurities of the TV. audience.

[ThaiGreenTea]

Good waste of time! (I like it.)

[Elfrun]

I hate ‘reality’ shows so much that even a thread talking about how much people hate them is offensive to me.

Who resurrected this vial thread... :suspicious:

[ssrprotege]

I find them very stupid...I don't even bother to watch them.

[Homini Lupus]

The day the "big brother" won a prize as the best scientific program of italian tv and mr. Cecchi Pavone (who made a simple but real scientific divulgation show) went nuts I agreed with him. Problem is that they still make the big brother (at least I think) and they no more do the scientific programme ("the time machine"). If this summer they no more make "superquark" (the oldest and best of italian TV) it's real time to throw the television out of the window... but this way they would have won since their objective is to force us to buy pay-tv (and still pay taxes fro public tv).

[sriv]

ROFL

This poll is completely one-sided. Hayta's win.

[zief]

I hate most reality shows.

The only one i like is Solitary, where people are put in rooms with white walls alone and have to do stuff like spin around the longest or stand on a bed of nails the longest.

[Minerva]

Waste of time. I am aware of too much drama in real life. Why use my time to see more of it?

[jesse]

Stupidity and mediocrity sells extremely well and the spectators keep coming back year after year. Making a complete ass of yourself in public is an excellent rating getter these days.

Heck, I remember when these so-called reality tv shows started to pick up steam some years ago.. I thought it would be a passing phenomenon. Too bad the format ain't going anywhere.

It is disturbing that sometimes the only topic being addressed is what happened in some yet-another-miserable-reality-tv-show as if it were a life and death matter. The icing on the cake is when someone denies they are addicted then immediately talk about a reality show. Brilliant...just brilliant.

In short, reality tv = :nono:

[Beery Swine]

I think "reality" TV is the quintessence of evil.

[bladeserver]

I will hand in my credentials before I answer this and i will quietly move over to some touchy feely section of the universe.


I recognize they are staged but there is just enough underlying reality to make them quite interesting. As I frequently misunderstand peoples actions and motivations I find it a useful lab experiment. Of course I may be learning the completley wrong answers but, hey, it beats actually going out and having real drama ;)


Blade

[bricklayer]

I hate them all. As a matter of fact, I hate all television for the most part, although I do watch Supernatural every Thursday.

[SShack]

I like reality competitions where the participants have to actually express some sort of skill to win, like "Top Chef," or "Project: Runway." I'm watching "So You Think You Can Dance" right now. I don't watch shows like "Survivor" or "Big Brother."

[Lemmiwinks]

Q: Haven't you been called the father of reality television?

A: Yes I have, and I apologize for that.

Chuck Barris, 2007


That said, Chuck's show, The Gong Show, was just about the most entertaining thing I ever saw on television.

clip #1 - judge Jaye P. Morgan flashes the audience: To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

clip #2 - a Salt Lake columnist calls the Gong Show a piece of garbage, so Barris dedicates an entire show to the columnist. The last act in this clip, dedicated specifically to the critic, has to be seen to be believed: To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

clip #3 - the infamous "Have you got a nickel?", starring two 17 year old girls, which got the Gong Show thrown off the air: To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Sadly, none of the reality shows of today has the Gong Show's combination of brilliance and sickness. They bore me.

[Moriarty]

Another vote for hate 'em. Gag.

[SShack]

Oh, I neglected to mention that I worked in post-production for six months for a reality show company (I was trying to break into television writing -- wasn't going to happen). Some observations from my experiences:

• The situations on reality shows are manipulated, which should be pretty obvious to a viewer with a brain, but the outcomes really aren't as much as people think. But reality participants, being SFs for the most part, tend to behave in predictable fashion, so it's a matter of pulling the right lever.
• Participants are actually generally worse than they're edited on the show, not better, like they claim to the entertainment press after the fact. And yes, they're all hoping to make it big in Hollywood with the reality show appearance as a springboard. It's quite funny and sad.
• Casting does try to get different "types" to participate on the show but all bets are off once you actually get people together. One show I worked on cast a young woman they thought would be the "girl next door" type and one that was completely self-deluded and arrogant about her own abilities. But after they were put on the show, the girl next door started acting really strange and ended up becoming the show's "villain," while the deluded woman turned out to be very friendly and nice to the others (her self-delusion caused her to think of herself as a "mother figure") and everybody liked her. So the story editors actually abandoned the story concepts they thought would happen and edited the show to match the new behavior.
• Yes, the interviewers behind the scenes totally try to get participants to say nasty things about each other. It's funny to watch the ones who pick up on it argue with the interviewers and refuse to do it.
• Occasionally there are actually people on the show who are sincere about their participation and don't have any larger agenda. It's kind of painful to watch them behind the scenes -- it's like the cute girl who goes to Hollywood to be a model and ends up in a nudie magazine. One guy was completely shocked at how three other people on the show were essentially using him to create a controversy to get more air time.
• The people in production are just as amazed at the vapidity and stupidity at the participants as you are, and they mock them openly just as much. There's not a lot you can say about the quality of a reality show and its participants that the folks behind the scenes don't already know. The people behind "The Bachelor" know perfectly well there's never going to be any real fairy-tale ending and these folks are all buffoons.

I can't really give any more details than that, but I may be able to answer a question or two. The confidentiality agreement I signed prohibits me from say very much about the actual happenings behind any show or risk a million-dollar lawsuit. I doubt that will happen because the shows I worked out sank without a trace after airing, but still.

[azelismia]

I have to admit a soft spot for the amazing race and shows that have come and gone of that ilk. I've sat and watched an ep here nad there of other genres of reality shows. I find them funny in a morbid sort of way (as long as I've had a drink or two first to kill a few braincells) I wouldn't want to make them my main stay of viewing habits though. I wish they'd make one like the amazing race with hard puzzles to work out. that would be good viewing imho.

[antisocial one]

TV programs in my country delete any kind of intelligence in spectator.
So I avoid tv totally.

[MintOreo]

I really only like reality "competition" shows like project runway and so on. Even then I usually watch the start to see what the challenge is then watch the last 15 or 20min to see the results. (just to skip the drama in between)

[pallasathena]

I love reality shows. They are my entertainment guilty pleasure. My favorites are Top Chef, Project Runway, Housewives of New York and Orange County, Workout, Hell's Kitchen, and The Pickup Artist. I hate Flavor of Love and Rock of Love. But I did enjoy I Love New York. It's good to watch these shows to see how the non-INTJ's live. There are a lot of screwed up people out there.

[ChrisM]

What?! My opinion of reality is showing?


Sorry.. couldn't resist.


Yes.. I voted no. I think my own reality is enough for me. Pretty much all I like is Man vs. Wild with Bear Grylls. Biting into an alive fish and it's guts oozing out is what I call prime time.

[IFearAManOf1Book]

"Reality shows" shouldn't even really be considered a portrayal of reality. Since when are people shipwrecked on islands left to compete with another team for resources? And if another career-dead wanna-be has another "be my true love by competing for my attention" show I will scream. I love the irony when there are multiple seasons of those types of shows. What do you mean, the first one wasn't your one-true-love? The whole "millions of people watching your every move" thing wasn't a turn on?

[Pirate1650]

The way the original Survivor was hyped I thought it was going to actually be a Survival game on an island with them stealing food, throwing rocks and eating each other. Turns out they just voted each other off and had little events, since then I've been disapointed and never watched any of them except for American Chopper because they have funny interactions. If MXC is considered reality TV then I also love that show.