ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses on reality shows that made their first appearance on television were highly critical of the amateur production quality of the new genre. The look of reality shows is hardly an accident or the result of incompetent production staffs. Production elements include editing, color, lighting, shape, movement, angle, and music. Though reality television is not quite a new phenomenon, with its official introduction in 1973 with the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) documentary television series An American Family, the emergence of digital technology has increased the frequency with which these programs emerge on prime-time television. The one pattern that exists throughout the chapter is that production techniques do exist and are used frequently to increase the watch-ability, and in turn the popularity, of reality television. Production techniques may not be the sole reason for the public's attraction to reality TV, but without them shows would not be a part of the reality boom of the new millennium.
