In fact it is a poor source of entertainment. The participants in these shows are not randomly chosen. The writers and producers have a certain quota to meet pertaining to the type of people that participate in these shows. For example in the "hit series" Survivor, many skillful and learned people (former navy SEAL, police officer, teacher etc.) were chosen to face off against people of lesser status (truck driver, construction worker). This program though, was not a challenge of wits, but rather of brawn. Choosing these specific people was not necessary, and did not add to the realism. The show Survivor appears to have been made shabbily and realistically in an attempt to cash in on advertising money. Although the show generated millions of dollars in revenue, only the writers, producers and eventually the winner of the show saw any of this money. The conflicts between contestants shown on this survivor program seemed rather exaggerated. The only reasoning for this is for the networks to capture more viewers, who would tune in for these exciting moments. What contestants say about one another on camera should not be taken lightly, for they are mere grudges. Camera crews, through tricky "in your face" photography promote spiteful feelings and embellish these grudges. On another note one can look at the series COPS, where a cameraman rides with an on-duty police officer, and films the action the officer responds to. Everyone has seen at least one episode of this show and found themselves intrigued by the adventure and danger an average police officer encounters on the job. Who is to say that these "reality television" shows aren't really the brainchild of a writer or producer who brings the job of a police officer to life. When one sits down in front of the television to watch a movie such as Saving Private Ryan, one knows what he is watching is a made-up story line. One continues to watch for the sheer enjoyment of the entertainment in the living room.
