Ever since the first reality shows, "Survivor" and "Big Brother" played over the airwaves they have attracted large numbers of viewers of all ages and from all walks of life. There has been much speculation as to what it is about reality television that draws such a large audience. As Reiss and Wiltz point out, two of the most favored opinions were: 1) that people were trying to keep up with popular shows so that they could be social at work and be part of the discussion and 2) that those who enjoyed reality television must be less intelligent, or enjoy intellectual activities less, than others who do not enjoy watching reality television (349). Both of these assumptions were proved false. This paper will argue that what attracts viewers to reality shows is the vicarious thrill experienced when these viewers watch everyday people such as themselves acting out contrived scenarios in a competitive setting. In fact, these viewers would like to receive the same amount of attention as those on television, whether it is negative or positive.
The term "vicarious" is particularly apt here as it means that an incident is "felt or undergone as if one were taking part in the experience or feelings of another," or as if one were in reality going through the same experience as the person that they are living vicariously through (Your Dictionary www.yourdictionary.com). In this case, the audience is living vicariously through the reality show participants. As Reiss and Wiltz point out, it is the audience's "secret thrill . . . that perhaps next time, the new celebrities might be them" (350). This is a novelty akin to that experienced by fans of famous musicians and sports figures. If the spectators come close enough for eye-contact, then it is if real words were exchanged. This is like "being close to greatness" and having it rub off, so that maybe they too will become famous. Indeed, several past reality show participants have been ...