MTV: Reality Killed The Music Stars

There was a time when MTV original shows like The Real World was innovative. 5 strangers from different, sometimes conflicting, backgrounds share living quarters with cameras rolling and mikes attached 24/7. The sociological ramifications of this televised experiment could have revolutionized television as a healing, educational medium while at the same time providing entertainment for people of all ages. The Youth could relate. The Old could understand the Youth. Success could have spawned copycat cable and network shows that held a mirror to the viewing public and addressed issues that usually went ignored. Think of the recent elections and the spark of dialogue stemming from the vote to overturn the ban on gay marriage, or the first African-American President and its affect on race relations? Sadly it seemed MTV was strong on the idea, but weak on the execution. The Real World, which is in its 21st season, has grown stale and the lame attempts to generate more viewers, though ratings for the show did go up 18% from previous season’s first episode, seemed to finish rather sluggishly, even with a cast that featured a trans-gender young woman and an Iraq War Veteran. Even the latest installment of the uber-adrenaline The Inferno II, Real World/Road Rules Challenge follows the same pattern of focusing on the same petty squabbles instead of the overall scope of competing on foreign soil and learning. It seems the group of familiar “reality stars,” some of whom are approaching 40 now, just don’t get it in terms of life’s lessons. Either that or producers of these shows believe that the audience loves drama and will artificially create one for ratings. Perhaps the producers are right. But after so many years, the formula becomes unbearably repetitive. Yes, C.J. is an asshole, and he has problems which leads him into fights and getting kicked out of the show. Here’s a question, why continually invite him back? Because people love train wrecks. It’s not his fault. The Producers of these types of shows love to exploit the insecurities and problems of their cast. There is nothing juicier than a Narcissist with a drinking problem or a tragic past. That’s great TV. But it’s also a step backwards from the educational aspect of what the Real World was supposed to be about. Think of Pedro Zamora from the San Francisco Cast from 1994.

Here’s an idea. The “M” in “MTV” stands for Music. How about playing music videos from fresh, unsigned artists? That’s pretty innovative. Layoff the faux-reality shows like “The Hills” and “The City” with its ridiculous disclaimer at the start of every episode proclaiming that what was captured so pristinely on video was indeed real. Not even the most ardent follower of these shows believes in its authenticity. Really, like they totally don’t, OMG!