The history of reality television can be traced back to the early days of mass media, when people were fascinated by the idea of capturing real-life events and sharing them with a wider audience. In this article, we will explore the original reality TV shows that started it all and how they have evolved over time.
The Early Years (1950s-1960s)
One of the earliest examples of reality television is the documentary “Nature Boy,” which aired on CBS in 1954. This show followed the adventures of G. K. LaRue as he traveled the world and encountered various wild animals and natural wonders.
Another early reality TV show was “The American Way,” which debuted in 1962. This show featured ordinary Americans going about their daily lives, with a focus on their jobs, families, and hobbies. It was hosted by actor James Stewart and became a popular program for several years.
The 1970s: The Rise of Reality Competitions
In the 1970s, reality television began to shift its focus towards competitions and challenges. One of the most iconic shows from this era was “The Dating Game,” which first aired in 1965 but gained widespread popularity in the 1970s. This show featured single men and women competing for dates with other contestants, with the hosts playing matchmaker.
Another popular competition-based reality show from this time was “The New Price is Right,” which debuted in 1963 but also became a hit in the 1970s. Hosted by Bob Barker, this show featured contestants competing to win prizes by correctly guessing prices and solving puzzles.
The 1980s: The Reality Show Boom
The 1980s saw a boom in reality television, with new shows focusing on everything from celebrities to everyday people. One of the most popular shows from this time was “Celebrity Big Brother,” which first aired in the UK in 1980 and later debuted in the United States in 1987. This show featured famous celebrities living together in a house for several weeks, with viewers watching their interactions and behavior.
Another iconic reality show from the 1980s was “The Real World,” which first aired in 1986. This show followed seven young people as they moved into an apartment together in New York City, exploring themes of friendship, relationships, and personal growth.
The 1990s: The Golden Age of Reality TV
The 1990s are often considered the golden age of reality television, with numerous innovative and popular shows emerging during this time. One of the most iconic shows from this era was “Survivor,” which first aired in 1997. This show featured contestants competing for survival on a remote island, with the ultimate goal of becoming the “Sole Survivor.”
Another popular reality show from the 1990s was “The Apprentice,” which debuted in 2004 and featured Donald Trump as the host. This show followed contestants as they competed for a job as Trump’s apprentice, with the winner receiving a job offer at one of his companies.
Summary
The history of reality television is a fascinating journey, from early documentaries to modern-day competitions and challenges. The original reality TV shows that started it all have evolved over time, with new innovations and ideas emerging in each decade. Today, reality television continues to be a popular and influential genre, with millions of viewers tuning in every week to watch the latest dramas and competitions unfold.
