This was the first reality TV show that revolutionised the world of reality programming. Before that, all we watched was scripted shows and news. ‘The Simple Life’ was a reality show that followed two ditzy heiresses as they worked the farm life in rural America.
At the time, we all knew Paris Hilton as one of the richest heiresses on the planet. She was always photographed in her skimpy outfits as her photos were plastered on tabloids next to scandalous headlines.
The early 2000s was the beginning of the transformation of the information age. Instead of waiting for magazines and tabloids to give us the scoops, we just had to tune in at a certain time to watch the scandals unfold on camera.
After Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie changed the way audiences received reality TV, the television roster changed. Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson allowed cameras to follow them around for a few months after exchanging vows. Their show, Newlyweds, might have started off on the right foot, but theirs can be considered the pioneer curse of reality television.
Since the beginning, the fame that came from reality TV caused some sort of problem with the cast. Couples would break up, friendships would be shattered or cast members would befall certain misfortunes. Paris and Nicole’s friendship was ruined before the final episode was aired. The two former besties did not speak for decades after their altercation. Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson’s marriage barely lasted two years.
Yet the demand for reality TV grew and the production grew with it. We watched many families scramble for their claim to fame by ‘acting out their ordinary lives’ on television. Some even went far and beyond to get a spot on TV. The rumour mill had always alleged that it was the sex tape between singer Ray J and Kim Kardashian that earned the family a spot on television. Kim took one for the family because if it wasn’t for reality television, can you imagine any of the Kardashians holding down a regular job?
While reality television is fun and dramatic for the rest of us, it has been proven over and over again that the curse goes hand in hand with the fame attached to the show. Several housewives from the Real Housewives franchise have been arrested for fraud and other criminal activities. Even more housewives have been divorced because of the strain their relationships faced due to the negative publicity their relationships received.
Just this week it was reported that the first Nigerian American housewife on the Real housewives of Potomac has been arrested for fraud. Wendy Osefo and her husband Eddie Osefo were indicted on multiple charges of fraud. Wendy entered the Real Housewives arena as a braggadocious educated professor with multiple degrees and a PhD. Rumour has it that the Osefos defrauded multiple insurance agencies claiming theft on luxury items after their home was invaded. The lengths people go to keep up appearances is astounding.
When viewers craved more drama, producers started curating scenes to make them more interesting. The producers are known to plant stories, expose secrets and bring out people who would blow up storylines just to get those ratings.
Every episode of ‘Love and Hip Hop’ is as filled with violence as it is with music. As the people blow up their careers, friendships and family, I will be seated comfortably on my couch, munching and sipping. I watch reality TV to numb my mind and free it of the pressures of everyday life.
As long as they continue to expose their misfortunes for entertainment, we will keep on watching.
