reality shows

Televised drama documentaries

Reality shows are television programs featuring unscripted situations with ordinary people rather than actors following a script.

The genre encompasses competition shows, dating shows, documentary-style programs following daily life, and shows about unusual occupations or lifestyles.

Despite the name, heavy editing and producer manipulation mean the "reality" is often constructed: I got sucked into a reality show about wedding dress shopping.

Opposites
scripted vs. unscripted content

reality showssitcoms

Humorous television series

dramas · soap operas · miniseries · theatrical films · narrative fiction

authenticity of depicted events

reality showsdocumentaries

Films depicting real events

investigative journalism · docuseries · hard news

cultural prestige and artistic merit

reality showsart house cinema

Venue for noncommercial films

literary adaptations

Family

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Familiarity
Top 50,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G