Not All Reality TV is Crap

by Samantha on November 13, 2009

I know, you’re probably staring quizzically at your computer screen wondering what I’m smoking, but bear with me. My mom loves reality TV. I have sat through hours of Survivor, Big Brother, The Amazing Race, the Next Food Network Star (I could go on, but I won’t) with quizzical looks of my own. Some of these shows really make  you wonder about our society. But finally, I found a reality TV show that I actually like, a show that I continue to watch on my own, even though I don’t live with my mom anymore. That show is the Biggest Loser. Stop shaking your heads, you reality TV haters, because even you can learn something from this one.

For those who don’t know, the Biggest Loser is a weight loss show. Fifteen or so overweight individuals are chosen to live on the Biggest Loser ranch and compete with one another to lose the most weight. They are placed on teams and participate in challenges that require both mental and physical strength, as well as endurance. Two trainers work with the contestants, teaching them about fitness and nutrition so they can lead healthier lives.

Not only have these people made the decision to change their lives, but they’re doing it on national TV. Every week, they sweat and struggle for all to see. They stand shirtless on a scale as their weight is displayed on TV screens across America. We watch them face the inner demons that drove them to seek comfort in food in the first place. These are some of the reasons why I watch this show. I truly admire the courage and drive of the contestants. So many of us can’t deal with these things in the privacy of our own homes, neighborhood gym, or even sitting on a shrinks’ couch.

One of my favorite contestants is Daniel, a fellow Gen Y and 20-year-old student from North Carolina, who once weighed more than 450 lbs. Unfortunately, he was eliminated in this week’s episode, but he has already lost more than 200 lbs and will continue losing weight at home. Maybe we should be following his example when pursuing goals of our own.

What’s more, the show does a lot of good, challenging viewers to lose weight along with the contestants, and providing a place for people to connect and share their stories. The show also supports a program called the Pound for Pound Challenge which benefits Feeding America.

Just as we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, I encourage you not to judge a TV show by its genre, or other people by their outward appearances. New and different can be scary, but it can also be exciting and challenging. Believe in yourself, set goals and work as hard as you can to achieve them. If you need some inspiration, just turn on your TV.

What do you think of reality TV shows? Honestly, who watches them? (Any fellow fans of the Biggest Loser?) Do you agree that there are valuable lessons to be learned from a show like this? Who or what inspires you to work towards your goals?

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Tagged as: Advice, Change, confidence, happiness, society

  • http://ryanstephensmarketing.com/blog/ ryanstephens

    Most are absolute garbage though I'm guilty of mixing in an episode of Real World/Road Rules Challenge periodically (it's still garbage mind you). Along with Biggest Loser (who could do a better job of showing the audience what they're eating and what they're routine looks like when they're not participating in challenges/working out), I also think Extreme Home Makeover can be quite the inspirational treat!

  • http://twitter.com/ChaChanna ChaChanna Simpson

    I admit that I am a reality TV junkie. You name it, I'm probably watching it (Parking Wars, Real Housewives, Tool Academy, For the Love of Ray J, etc.) and the only thing I am learning is that people will stop at nothing to make money.

    But, yes there are some of shows that can actually teach us something useful such as how to cook, best ways to lose weight, what not to wear, and how to decorate and flip a house. Unfortunately, the ones that keep my attention are the ones that have drama in the mix. I know, I need help.

    Great post!

  • http://www.lifeschocolates.com sameve

    Ryan: Agreed, most of these shows are garbage, but that doesn't mean that they're not fun to watch every once in a while. I think we all have our “guilty pleasure” shows that we watch, but there are a few shows that have more substance than they're usually given credit for having. Biggest Loser is one of them, in my opinion, and Extreme Home Makeover too. Thanks for commenting and revealing your reality TV watching habits :)

  • http://www.lifeschocolates.com sameve

    ChaChanna: Thanks for commenting! The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem, right? Haha. On a more serious note, your comments reveal exactly why I wrote this post. So many reality TV shows teach nothing but just how greedy and selfish and shallow people can be. I think that's why a lot of people dismiss the whole genre as crap. There are shows that teach valuable lessons like the ones you mention, but it's interesting that those don't hold your interest as much. Any idea why?

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  • bethoc

    Hello!
    I sadly LOVE reality tv. I haven't watched The Biggest Loser that much but I definitely will watch it when I come across it. I do think that much of what we hate about reality tv is the same thing that we love about it. We as a culture have come to dehumanize much of what is displayed on reality tv by putting peope in crazy situations (competing for the love of ray j, flava flave, etc.)
    But I do think that there is something to be said for the admiration that we also feel on shows like Extreme House Makeover or Biggest Loser. Brings out the empathy in all of us.

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    Channels you can’t get any other place in the U.S.A!
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  • http://www.lifeschocolates.com sameve

    Beth: I think you're right, we have a love/hate relationship with reality TV. As long as we don't get too consumed by the trashy shows, and remember to give credit to and appreciate the meaningful shows, I think we'll be okay :) Thanks for stopping by!

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  • http://ryanstephensmarketing.com/blog/ ryanstephens

    Most are absolute garbage though I'm guilty of mixing in an episode of Real World/Road Rules Challenge periodically (it's still garbage mind you). Along with Biggest Loser (who could do a better job of showing the audience what they're eating and what they're routine looks like when they're not participating in challenges/working out), I also think Extreme Home Makeover can be quite the inspirational treat!

  • http://twitter.com/ChaChanna ChaChanna Simpson

    I admit that I am a reality TV junkie. You name it, I'm probably watching it (Parking Wars, Real Housewives, Tool Academy, For the Love of Ray J, etc.) and the only thing I am learning is that people will stop at nothing to make money.

    But, yes there are some of shows that can actually teach us something useful such as how to cook, best ways to lose weight, what not to wear, and how to decorate and flip a house. Unfortunately, the ones that keep my attention are the ones that have drama in the mix. I know, I need help.

    Great post!

  • http://www.lifeschocolates.com sameve

    Ryan: Agreed, most of these shows are garbage, but that doesn't mean that they're not fun to watch every once in a while. I think we all have our “guilty pleasure” shows that we watch, but there are a few shows that have more substance than they're usually given credit for having. Biggest Loser is one of them, in my opinion, and Extreme Home Makeover too. Thanks for commenting and revealing your reality TV watching habits :)

  • http://www.lifeschocolates.com sameve

    ChaChanna: Thanks for commenting! The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem, right? Haha. On a more serious note, your comments reveal exactly why I wrote this post. So many reality TV shows teach nothing but just how greedy and selfish and shallow people can be. I think that's why a lot of people dismiss the whole genre as crap. There are shows that teach valuable lessons like the ones you mention, but it's interesting that those don't hold your interest as much. Any idea why?

  • http://25andtrying.com Beth Oppenheim

    Hello!
    I sadly LOVE reality tv. I haven't watched The Biggest Loser that much but I definitely will watch it when I come across it. I do think that much of what we hate about reality tv is the same thing that we love about it. We as a culture have come to dehumanize much of what is displayed on reality tv by putting peope in crazy situations (competing for the love of ray j, flava flave, etc.)
    But I do think that there is something to be said for the admiration that we also feel on shows like Extreme House Makeover or Biggest Loser. Brings out the empathy in all of us.

  • http://www.lifeschocolates.com sameve

    Beth: I think you're right, we have a love/hate relationship with reality TV. As long as we don't get too consumed by the trashy shows, and remember to give credit to and appreciate the meaningful shows, I think we'll be okay :) Thanks for stopping by!

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