What exactly is it that draws us to Reality TV? Is it the fake death-defying stunts? Or maybe it’s the constant backstage niceties that almost always end in fistfights. Backstage catfights and cutthroat competition are certainly vulgar thrills, things you don’t want to admit you like, but actually secretly adore. And who can really avoid it? It’s all so much fun. Thanks to the wonders of satellite television, there is a reality show for everyone, regardless of taste. Even better, most are available in HD. Here’s a sample of what’s there.
The first series of reality shows tests your mettle. These are skills that require physical dexterity and mental cunning. If you are victorious, the prize is usually worth the trials and tribulations.
Survivor – In this show, contestants are stranded on a deserted island and divided into tribes that compete against each other in a variety of endurance tests. Through phasing out, we end up with a lone survivor going home with $1 million. When it first aired in 2000, the show sparked a revolution in reality TV. The public went crazy for all things reality.
The Amazing Race – Takes up the Survivor mantle but puts an international spin on it. The contestants must travel the world and compete against each other for a series of prizes. To survive, you must be able to navigate unfamiliar terrain and complete daunting tasks. You can watch Amazing Race in HD via satellite TV.
Next we have the riddles. These shows test your mental acumen.
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire: This show has been replicated all over the world. In fact, it was, along with Survivor, the catalyst for the reality TV craze. Contestants must choose the correct answer to trivia questions ranging from sports and politics to geography and pop culture. If they get the answer correct, they get a cash prize. They can choose to walk away with a certain amount of money or they can choose to go all the way for a million dollars.
Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader?: In this reality show, you have to measure your wits against that of a fifth grader. Contestants must answer elementary school level questions to win cash prizes. In addition, they can choose to receive help from a real fifth grader; however, their help can be misleading and it is up to the contestant to discern the truth.
The next two shows are basically talent shows.
American Idol – This show pits contestants from all over the big US of A against each other in a singing contest. The public votes for the winner after a series of eliminations.
America’s Got Talent: The task of this program is to find America’s next great talent. Here you have a bunch of weirdos. Talents range from the pretty standard to the pretty wild and wacky.
Finally, we have the love contests. These shows can turn dramatic as emotions and greed take control.
The Bachelor: The Montage: We have a single rich bachelor and a group of 25 girls fight over him, trying to win his heart. Through a series of dates, the girls are eliminated. At the end there is one lucky girl.
Rock of Love: With the lead singer of the band Poison, Bret Michaels, Rock struggles to find a girlfriend for the celebrity.
Of course, this is just a sample of what is out there. Check out their listings to find even more reality shows.