Read This Books and Get Into the Surprising Early Days of Reality TV

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Kendra Winchester, a Contributing Editor at Book Riot who covers audiobooks and disability literature, is also the Founder of Read Appalachia, which celebrates Appalachian literature. Previously, she co-founded and was the Executive Director of Reading Women, a podcast that gained an international following during its six-season run. In her free time, she writes on her Substack, Winchester Ave, and shares photos of her Corgis on Instagram and Twitter @kdwinchester.

A few years back, I came to terms with the fact that although I enjoy movies, my true passion lies in television. I appreciate the intricate storylines that a season can develop. There is something captivating about the peculiar charm and consistency of procedural shows. Don’t even get me started on my love for well-crafted mini-series. And let’s not overlook the fascinating social experiments that reality TV offers.

Enter the Sun! The Invention of Reality TV by Emily Nussbaum

From the moment I first tuned in to Survivor as a teenager, I was captivated. Witnessing this unique competition unfold before my eyes held me spellbound and never let go. Reality TV has been a constant in my life ever since. My family would gather to watch Who Wants to be a Millionaire? and The Weakest Link. On lazy afternoons, I’d tune in to Trading Spaces and While You Were Out. Following emergency surgery in college, I avidly watched The Bachelorette. And during the pandemic, I binged through every episode of Top Chef.

Emily Nussbaum, a writer and television critic, traces the roots of reality TV back to the early days of radio when hosts would play pranks on unsuspecting individuals. I had limited knowledge about the origins of reality TV, and Nussbaum delves into it, highlighting key figures behind the scenes who played pivotal roles in shaping the foundation of today’s reality TV landscape.

After shedding light on the roots of reality TV, Nussbaum explores how the genre has progressed over time. Starting from game shows in the early days of television, reality TV transitioned to groundbreaking programs like The Real World, Cops, and Survivor. Often, early participants were unprepared for the fame that would follow. Furthermore, producers and editors had significant control over the narratives surrounding the cast. Whether for better or worse, these shows heralded a new era and revolutionized television.

Today, reality TV is a well-established genre, no longer viewed as a passing trend. Additionally, participants in popular shows are now more aware of the challenges fame can bring. Yet, Nussbaum points out that even today, workers’ rights for the cast and crew of reality TV shows remain limited. Shows such as Love Is Blind are striving to address this issue, advocating for improved working conditions and greater autonomy over their roles on the show.

If you’re a devoted reality TV enthusiast like me, delving into the history of the genre with Cue the Sun! is a must-do experience.