reality TV

Meaning

This term refers to a genre of television programming that documents unscripted, real-life situations, often starring ordinary people rather than professional actors. It is a neutral term, though conversations about it can carry a slightly humorous or critical tone, as some view it as dramatic or low-brow entertainment.

Examples

• She admits that watching reality TV is her ultimate guilty pleasure after a long workday.

  She admits that watching reality TV is her ultimate guilty pleasure after a long workday.

• Many famous influencers got their start by appearing on reality TV shows.

  Many famous influencers got their start by appearing on reality TV shows.

• I don't really enjoy reality TV because most of the drama feels staged.

  I don't really enjoy reality TV because most of the drama feels staged.

• They are currently casting contestants for a new reality TV show set on a tropical island.

  They are currently casting contestants for a new reality TV show set on a tropical island.

• Reality TV has completely changed the entertainment industry over the last two decades.

  Reality TV has completely changed the entertainment industry over the last two decades.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I watched a real television show yesterday.

  ✓ I watched a reality TV show yesterday.

  To refer to this specific genre, use the compound noun 'reality TV', not 'real television'.

• ✗ He loves watching realities TV.

  ✓ He loves watching reality TV.

  The word 'reality' acts as a noun adjunct here and must remain singular.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I don't watch much drama; I prefer competition-based ___.

  💡 Unscripted television programs featuring real people.

  Show answer

  reality TV

• Some people argue that ___ is bad for society, but others find it highly entertaining.

  💡 Television genre documenting real-life situations.

  Show answer

  reality TV