The Triumph of Reality TV: The Revolution in American Television

This book provides an up-to-date account of how reality TV has developed why it has become the most popular genre on television today and how the explosion in reality TV signals new developments in American media culture.The reasons behind reality TVs continued popularity go beyond the sensationalism and low production cost of these programs: there is much more to the genres continued success than just escapism or guilty pleasure TV. The Triumph of Reality TV: The Revolution in American Television identifies and explores five key media trends reality TV has used to continually draw in viewers and ensure success. These media trends include innovations in storytelling making emotional appeals to viewers and applying content from television to other media such as films music albums webisodes online games and smart phone apps. Author Leigh H. Edwards also analyzes how reality TV shows target themes of social conflict such as changing ideas of the American family and address common anxieties and tensions in American society such as gender race class and economic struggle. A wide variety of reality shows―including American Idol Celebrity Rehab Jackass Runs House Survivor and The Hills―are profiled. An appealing read for students scholars and general readers alike this book provides fascinating insights into the complexities of a seemingly simplistic form of mass entertainment.