Reality

Reality television in form and content provides the user with programming that seems to be both engaging as well as entertaining. Within the last few years, shows such as, ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire’, ‘Survivor’ and the still popular’ American Idol’ have created an extensive fan base that some argue have surpassed the ratings of popular sitcoms. So what does reality television offer its viewers? Is it even content that’s worth watching? While viewing reality shows we do not see the real picture but rather see a re-presentation of what the producers see as the real. Since the producers are the ones that set the storyboard for the shows pretense, the actors or rather participants have little or no say in the final outcome that’s broadcast. It’s often the more controversial outtakes that get televised in order to capture a mass audience in hopes for major advertisement sponsors. Most of these shows are built around the idea of cheap production and high profits rather than entertainment. Should the show be entertaining and drag in a mass audience, it’s a bonus. The reality of reality TV is nearly non-existent except for the fact that real people are featured. In a way, even the reality on these shows becomes magnified because many people will act differently around a camera than they normally would. This essay will critically analyze the show Punkd’ in relation to Silverstone’s chapter on Erotics in ‘Why Study The Media’ and how its producer Ashton Kutcher tends to fulfill our desires by delivering