USA Today is running an AP Story on the decreasing cost of reality shows, while more and more are being developed (hopefully AP won't send a take-down notice for quoting a paragraph):
Reality shows already were TV's low-budget alternative. Producing one on a broadcast network can cost about $950,000 per episode, vs. $1.7 million for a scripted drama, largely because reality shows don't use as many expensive actors and writers. And advertisers like how reality TV can give them inexpensive air time if they give the production free goods and services. Add it up and a network can eke out a profit, even if a reality show's audience is fairly small.
The article also talks about how currently among the broadcast networks there are 32 reality shows that have either been ordered, are already in production or are in the development phase. That compares to this time last year when there were only 21 such shows. The trend isn't particularly surprising (though I'm sure it will tick off plenty of our readers) and extends to cable as well, where there are 160 shows in one of those phases this year compared to 109 last year.
For those keeping score at home, that 192 such shows in one phase or the other compared to 130 last year. An increase of almost 48%!
As for the headline of this post, apparently having to shoot one of her shows in a lesser mansion than the year before, and not being allowed to have lots of international travel incorporated, is still good for Ms. Hilton's brand. Read the full story for more info.
great woderful news i hate reatily shows
Not all reality shows are bad, you really can’t compare Amazing Race, Survivor, Dancing with the Stars and yes, even American Idol with Flavor of Love, The Hills, I love Money, Tila Tequila, etc.
The Amazing Race, Survivor, Dancing with the Stars, America’s Next Top Model, The Bachelor, The Apprentice, Project Runway, Hell’s Kitchen and American Idol are the established decent reality shows right now. Interesting each of 5 major network has one.
Reality shows of MTV suck! and for Paris Hilton can’t she do something better.
cool says: “you really can’t compare Amazing Race, Survivor, Dancing with the Stars and yes, even American Idol with Flavor of Love, The Hills, I love Money, Tila Tequila, etc.”
yes I can compare them, cause everything you just mentioned sucks, and is killing TV. and the people who watch these crap shows are just as culpable as the jagoff execs. and advertisers in doing so.
CAV, do you have a problem with sports too? If people love football, and baseball, and the NCAAs, and the ultimate in reality television; Tiger Woods putting a whupping on his peers, do you have a beef with them, too? Or is that OK with you since the networks spend a lot of money for the rights to air that content?
Robert, I’m a sports fan, so, no I don’t really have a problem with sports, sports have always been there though. This post stated that there is an increase of almost 48% of reality shows on or in the works. The more people watch them, the more they are going to keep producing them. I want to be entertained and I find them to be a lousy form of entertainment. Its like, no matter how many people watch the NBA or NFL, which by the way, does huge ratings because of gambling, no matter how many people watch it its not like theyer going to cancel 24 or LOST or CSI so they can show that extreme trampoline basketball or arena football In their place. But where is the next 24 or LOST or CSI going to come from or get a shot, if all they are looking for is the next American Idol, or Dancing with the stars, or Survivor. I mean for God sake last year they actually had on Deal or no Deal like 2 or 3 nights a week at one point and people were watching it. although mabey that was strike related, but people were still watching it, thats what pisses me off. Its not only that there are more and more of these reality/competition/game shows, Its that they are getting worse and worse too. Back when it was just the Real World or just Who wants to be a Millionaire or even way back when it was battle of the network stars, I didnt mind, but after the last 10 years, I dont want to see it any more, I want to be entertained by professional actors, not paris hilton. I want shows written by professional writers, not some jabronie talking about forming alliances cause thats how the game is played, and not some fruit cake telling Paula Abdul how much he loves her and thinks Simon is dead wrong about him.
My problem with unscripted shows (and the idea that they’re getting cheaper) is a Union problem.
Then the WGA finally breaks Fremantle, and they will, you’ll see some changes.
http://thetruthaboutfremantle.com