Reality TV is a genre of television that documents real-life drama and experiences for the screen.
67% of the top 100 prime-time telecasts for viewers aged 12 to 34 are reality shows, according to Worldmetrics.org
In 2020, the revenue brought in by US reality TV shows was about US$10.2 billion ($16.97 billion).
OPINION
As reality shows offer us a glimpse of real people’s lives, we reverse the attention to ourselves and ask: what do our watching preferences say about us?
Ever heard of schadenfreude? It means the enjoyment we get from watching other people’s misfortune and it’s the veryfoundation of our reality TV obsession.
But while schadenfreude may play a big part in our weekly tune-ins, we remain engulfed in the beloved format for the real-life lessons we can learn from it. Betrayal, scandal and drama are communicated through a lens that mixes entertainment and enlightenment in one sitting - and says a lot about the watcher, too.
Whether dating shows are your cup of tea or you’re a real estate buff, here’s a completely biased guide to what your favourite series says about you.
Family is everything and you’d do anything for them. But while blood is thicker than water, your friends are the family you choose and always come first. You are the “mum” of the group, the cheerleader in the stands and the emergency contact in all your friends’ phonebooks. You are dependable, motivating and will always make sure the girls are okay on a night out. You may own an inordinate amount of Lululemon, with the Frank Green bottle to match, hot-girl walks are your cardio and you are always down for a phone call debrief.
Go-to drink: Always a glass of bubbles (or a martini, Kris style)
You’re a social butterfly but have a penchant for drama. You love going out, grabbing dinner and going on weekend getaways, so long as there’s an ex in attendance or your arch-enemy is in the vicinity. You’re always wearing the latest trend, eating at the coolest restaurants and no doubt have a thriving TikTok account - the spotlight is your favourite place to be. But while you may be a little bit of a gossip, you’d rather die than mug off your pals. You’re fiercely loyal and people know not to cross you or your loved ones.
You’re mysterious, intriguing and love listening to true crime podcasts. You’re extremely independent, love doing things your way and always leave people guessing - why would you want to put all your cards on the table? You’re a big bookworm and can’t bare the social media sphere, which sees you delete your apps frequently and go on social media cleanses every month. You may seem innocent and vanilla on the outside but you probably have a mysterious side.
You’re a self-acclaimed globetrotter rarely in the country and always up for a spontaneous adventure. Living out of a backpack is your forte and you love jetting off on a whim. You have a journal filled with crazy experiences. But travelling isn’t just about the places you go, it’s about the people you meet. You love making new friends.
Everybody knows you are the life of the party. You never say no to a night on the town, and the dancefloor is your preferred setting. You are a self-acclaimed expert drink maker and love a DMC (deep meaningful chat) in the girls’ bathroom. When you’re not dancing the night away, you’re bringing your optimistic flair and creative ideas to the office - and love a workplace romance. The words “work hard, play harder” are your creed, you have a vibrant energy that can’t be matched and you live every day like it’s your last.
You are a hopeless romantic - everything you do is for love - but sometimes your heart can get you into hot water. You often find yourself falling for people you shouldn’t and may have no doubt had a crush on your best friend’s boyfriend at some point. On the weekend you’re either curled up on the couch watching a rom-com or going on dates with your charming suitors. Your love language is gift-giving and you love romanticising everything you do - from walks to the park to solo coffee pickups.
Ambition is your second name - you’re always on that grind and working towards success. People may say you’re money orientated, but that’s not true; you like nice things and you work hard for them. You drink your coffee black, you love a good power suit and you have an obsessive relationship with your Sharesies account. Getting into the property market is your main prerogative and, until you get there, you’re putting your head down and your money where your mouth is.
You’re quirky, fun and like to take the road less travelled - why would you want to go where everybody else has been? You’re not one to do things by the rules and love an underdog story. But while you’re a bit of an oddball, you’re a pretty tough cookie and stick things out no matter how hard they get. You love a socks and sandals combo, a two-for-one deal and sip and paint night, and when it comes to relationships, you always have the wildest meeting stories.
Go-to drink: A Bloody Mary
Star sign: Libra or Cancer
You can watch Married At First Sight on ThreeNow
Married at First Sight New Zealand. Photo / Warner Bros. Discovery. Illustration / NZ Herald
