Reality television is a genre of programming in which "real life" people are followed in a situation, game, life style, etc. This style of programming has had a huge impact in the media and our culture for decades and continues to develop today. According to the Reality TV World's website, there are around 1,000 reality television programs and has grown to the point of having reality television networks such as TruTV. Our society has adapted to reality television and allows audiences to live vicariously through the shows and as a way of escape from their reality. On the other hand, it is also a method people use to relate their lives to something that is familiar to them. This ideology can cause a great deal of stereotyping. Because of reality television, there is a lot of socioeconomic statuses and certain demographics that are both stigmatized and ostracized. Not only are social groups highlighted in reality television, but the content of these show are not entirely real. .
Allen Funt created the reality programming while he was serving in the Army Signal Corps during World War II. After the war, he experimented with portable radio devices and also wrote for Lady Eleanor Roosevelt's radio show "Sweetheart Soap." Funt's strong suit was making funny shows and scripts. He created comical skits, what was known as "the stupidest show on radio", for the show "Funny Money Man." In 1946, his show "Candid Microphone", where he made fun of ordinary people, was aired on the ABC Radio Network. This radio show was broadcasted on television in 1953 which became better known as "Candid Camera." It was a show that reflected good-humored practical jokes pulled on people when they least expected it. The catchphrase for the show was "Smile, you're on Candid Camera." This was the first form of reality television. In the 1970's, the first documentary-style reality television show was "An American Family" that aired on the Public Broadcasting service.