Reality Television: History, Shows, Impact & Future Explained

Reality Television is an important segment of television networks. In this article, we have given all relevant details like the history of reality television, along with details of some popular reality television shows.

The concept of Reality Television is that it depicts unscripted real-life situations. In reality television, ordinary people are invited rather than professional actors.

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Reality television is becoming more interesting because of the uncertainty it brings to the viewers. It includes a short interview segment with the participating members & cast, who share their experiences with the show and their real-life experiences.

Reality Television became a distinct genre in the early 1990s; the competition-based reality shows gained much popularity in this category. In these shows, contestants are eliminated either by the judges' decision or based on popularity among the viewers.

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History of Reality Television

The show that became popular for the first time out of India was 'The Real World', followed by shows like 'Survivor', 'Idols', and 'The Big Brother', all of which became very popular and converted into a global brand. The format of these shows was copied by many countries. 'The Real World' show is one of the longest-running reality shows in history. It was praised for highlighting some critical issues of youth like sex, religion, politics, etc., but later it was criticised for irresponsible behaviour.

In India, it started with the Bournvita Quiz Contest, hosted by Derek O Brien in 1972; it became the first reality show that aired on Zee and Indian Television. It was telecast live on television, but later it was taken off the air and shifted to a radio show.

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Singing-Based Reality TV Shows

The following famous reality show on Indian Television was "Sansui Antakshari", which started in 1993 on ZEE TV. This Annu Kapoor-hosted show became a household name within a few years of going on air, and the viewership of this show increased drastically.

Then came one of the blockbuster shows on Indian Television named "SA RE GA MA PA", which aired in 1995, and the show was hosted by Bollywood's famous singer, Sonu Nigam.

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The concept of the "SA RE GA MA PA" show was competition-based, in which many singing participants contested for the title of Best Singer. This show, too, was loved by all the viewers, and many similar reality TV shows were launched in the same pattern.

In 2004, Sony Entertainment Television came up with the "Indian Idol" show, inspired by a famous show in the United States of America, "American Idol".

Dance-Based Reality TV Shows

Boogie Woogie, India's first dance-based reality TV show, was launched by Sony Entertainment Television (SET India) in 1996; this show was a blessing for the channel as it became an instant hit.

Dance India Dance, nicknamed DID, is also one of India's famous dance-based reality shows, which gained popularity.

Quiz-Based Reality TV Shows

As we entered the 21st century, Star Plus launched one of India's most favourite and most-watched reality TV shows named Kaun Banega Crorepati, hosted by Amitabh Bachchan.

The Bigg Boss show is also one of the successful TV shows, inspired by a foreign TV show named "Big Brother".

Reality TV shows are often criticised for being scripted and pre-planned. However, despite these criticisms, the reality TV industry is still growing exponentially and is continuously entertaining millions of viewers.

Reality television can be divided into several broad categories, each with its unique appeal.

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Psychological and Social Impact

Reality TV can have a deep psychological impact on participants and viewers alike. For participants, the sudden exposure to fame, stress of competition, and intense scrutiny can lead to emotional fatigue.

For viewers, reality TV can both inspire and mislead. While some shows promote talent and resilience, others may reinforce stereotypes or unrealistic standards.

Criticisms and Controversies

Despite its popularity, reality television is no stranger to controversy. Common criticisms include scripted drama and emotional exploitation.

Some shows have also been criticised for encouraging toxic behavior, insensitivity, or glamorizing conflict.

Cultural Influence and Mass Appeal

Reality TV has influenced pop culture tremendously. Many celebrities today started from reality platforms and went on to become stars.

Shows also mirror social concerns and values, becoming powerful tools of awareness and conversation.

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The Role of Technology in Reality TV

Technology has changed how we consume and interact with reality TV. Voting apps, social media trends, and OTT platforms make engagement easier than ever.

Platforms like Hotstar, Voot, and SonyLIV have revolutionized viewer access to shows anytime, anywhere.

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The Future of Reality Television:

As media consumption habits evolve, the future of reality television lies in interactivity, personalization, and regional representation.

We’re likely to see more diverse, skill-based, and socially impactful reality formats in the years to come.

The Role of Creative Expression in Reality Television

One of the most powerful elements behind the success of reality television is storytelling. Every contestant, whether a singer, dancer, or quiz participant, brings a story - a unique background, motivation, and emotional journey. Viewers connect not just to talent but to these real-life narratives that unfold on screen. This highlights the immense value of creative expression, which is also the foundation of PlanetSpark’s Creative Writing Course for kids.

Reality TV thrives on moments that move people - heartwarming performances, gripping rivalries, or emotional confessions. All of these are forms of storytelling. And just like a powerful reality show captures attention with a strong narrative arc, children, too, can learn to craft compelling stories through structured creative writing.

PlanetSpark teaches young learners how to express imagination clearly, build engaging plots, and develop characters that speak to readers.

With storytelling at the core of communication -whether for competitions, speeches, or stage performances - creative writing empowers children to voice their thoughts confidently and meaningfully. It sharpens their ability to organize ideas, understand tone, and convey emotion- all of which are essential on any platform, including reality shows.

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PlanetSpark’s Creative Writing program is designed to unlock a child’s inner storyteller. It's not about teaching rigid formats, but about helping them think creatively, write fearlessly, and communicate effectively.

Here’s what makes the course truly impactful:

• Personalized 1:1 Learning: Every child receives individual attention from expert mentors who guide them at their own pace.
• Imaginative Exercises: From writing fantasy stories to opinion pieces and narratives, learners explore a wide range of genres.
• Interactive Workshops: Classes are filled with live discussions, peer reviews, and fun activities that make writing a joy.
• Focus on Confidence Building: Beyond writing, students learn to present their work, defend their ideas, and become articulate communicators.

Whether your child is aspiring to participate in a reality TV show, join a debate team, or simply become more expressive in their academics, creative writing is the bridge to strong, confident communication.

Real-World Benefits for Aspiring Performers

Children who can think clearly and narrate confidently are at a huge advantage in today’s performance-driven world. From giving auditions to facing interviews or even producing content for social media, writing and storytelling remain critical life skills.

With PlanetSpark:

• Kids learn to structure thoughts logically, just like a well-edited reality show.
• They grow comfortable with expression, whether on paper or stage.
• They develop a personal voice that resonates with others, just like a reality show contestant who wins hearts.

In short, the Creative Writing Course at PlanetSpark is not just about writing - it’s about building character, voice, and communication strength.

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• Unlock their creativity with engaging writing prompts and expert guidance.
• Boost their communication skills, useful for every field - from academics to entertainment.
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• Try a free demo class and watch their story begin.

FAQs 

Q1. What is reality television?
Ans: Reality television is a genre of TV programming that showcases unscripted real-life situations, often involving ordinary people rather than professional actors. These shows can be competitive, documentary-style, or socially experimental.

Q2. Which was the first reality TV show in India?
Ans: The first reality TV show in India was the Bournvita Quiz Contest, hosted by Derek O’Brien. It started in 1972 and later transitioned from television to radio.

Q3. Are reality shows scripted or real?
Ans: While reality shows claim to be unscripted, many are heavily edited or partially scripted to increase entertainment value. Some segments, especially confrontations or plot twists, may be pre-planned.

Q4. How can PlanetSpark help children prepare for performance-based platforms like reality TV?
Ans: PlanetSpark’s courses build core communication skills, including public speaking, storytelling, voice modulation, and confidence, essential for children aiming to perform, present, or participate in stage or screen events.