The term reality TV has grown to encompass several categories and subcategories. There are competition-based shows where contestants are systematically eliminated until only one stands to be awarded the final prize. Within this categories are contests where participants survive elimination by the ability to perform a certain task based on talent, looks, bravery or sheer stamina. Some of these winning contestants have capitalized on their victory to achieve enormous fame for their talents. Such is the case with Carrie Underwood who after winning American Idol went on to become recognized and respected in the music industry.
In contrast to competition-based reality programs in which contestants are placed in unusual situations and faced with unusual challenges are shows that depict the subject’s everyday life. The participants for these shows are filmed in their natural environment and faced only with the challenges of their day-to-day existence. One of the earliest examples of this genre featured Anna Nicole Smith who at the time was known mainly for her well-published lawsuit over her millionaire husband’s will. The reality program exposed Smith’s over the top lifestyle. Viewers witnessed both shocking and touching moments of a clearly troubled life and felt a connection with her.
Today there are dozens of reality shows chronicling real life experiences. MTV has spun celebrities from an oddball assortment at the Jersey Shore. Jersey housewives have also publicly aired their outrageous antics, as have housewives in Orange County, Atlanta, Miami and other locales.
For now the Kardashians are the reigning reality TV queens. The Kardashians can be found on E!, which has been filming the family for six years. The Kardashian sisters Kim, Kourtney and Khloe are pampered princesses with big wallets and giant attitudes. The Kardashians have parlayed the popularity of their reality show Keeping Up With The Kardashians into a financial empire that reportedly earned 65 million in the last year alone.