Give Reality TV A Chance Issue #41

By Zipporah Porton
Published: September 1st, 2009 | 11:35am

The invasion began in 1992, when MTV stuck seven strangers in an impossibly large Manhattan loft and watched them do everything from argue about peanut butter to brush their teeth. Now finishing its 22nd season, The Real World has been reduced to drunken, shower-sharing young people throwing up in choice vacation spots. If you’re going to watch “real” people live out their lives on camera, consult our rundown of which shows are worth watching and which give humans a bad name.

Worth It

MTV’s True Life documentary series follows two or three people per episode, each going through a similar ordeal. While there are a lot of misses (“I’m a Jersey Shore Girl”), the show typically tackles important, compelling topics: OCD, gay parents, crystal meth addiction — the issues facing today’s youth make for captivating television. Episodes currently filming include “I’m Having Major Surgery” and “I’m Looking for My Child.” Better stock up on tissues for that last one.

Better Than You Think

While Tyra Banks’ antics are often more ridiculous than her weave, America’s Next Top Model is about more than just modeling. Banks teaches the girls to respect themselves, and the finished photographs are often works of art. From plus-sized winner Whitney, to transgendered Isis, ANTM embraces beauty in all its forms. This fall, short girls get their chance with a full cast of ladies under 5-foot-7.

Real Talent

Shows like Project Runway and Top Chef give regular shmoes with actual talent a chance to highlight what they can do. Unlike shows that do a disservice to contestants by inviting the untrained American audience to vote, such as American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance, respected industry judges make all the decisions on PR and TC, ensuring that the right person takes home the prize in the end. TC will soon introduce Top Chef Junior, which will highlight the talents of teen chefs, and the new season of PR is currently running on Lifetime.

Avoid All Together

For every reality show with cultural merit, there are six more that are created to embarrass fame-seekers or washed-up celebrities. These shows should be avoided at all costs and include, but are not limited to: Anything on VH1 with “love” or “charm” in the title, shows with Paris Hilton, and shows featuring the wives of disgraced Illinois governors.

To read more hilarious comments about reality TV, visit z-thisisreality.blogspot.com.