Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
challenging
informative
medium-paced
dark
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
A thoughtfully researched and insightful history of reality television and it's major players. Just like great shows of the genre, I enjoyed both the superficial behind-the-scenes drama shared about landmark shows and the way a history of reality TV is also an anthropological study. The genre is both a fascinating mirror to and influence on our culture, entertainment, and politics. The audiobook is well-read and was an entertaining and informative listen.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Sexual assault
informative
reflective
fast-paced
funny
informative
fast-paced
Especially enjoyed learning about the '70s reality show An American Family with Lance Loud. This book doesn't get deep into the psychosocial drivers of reality TV, but offers a great overview of its evolution, highlighting major shifts in the zeitgeist. I was hoping for more on particular shows I hate-watched (America's Next Top Model, The Swan, The Girls Next Door and The Simple Life), but there have just been SO MANY that I accept the necessity of really only focusing on those that ushered in new styles or eras. These include, of course, Survivor and The Real World, but also a few I didn't realize were so innovative, including The Newlyweds and Project Runway. Importantly, Nussbaum ends forebodingly, on The Apprentice. The audiobook was enormously entertaining, occasionally vexing or sad, and at times surprisingly poignant.
informative
medium-paced
informative
medium-paced
informative
medium-paced
A compelling and engaging read about the history of reality TV. Each chapter focused on a different show and really went in depth on the creation, production, and impact of different types of shows over the years.
4.5 stars! Extremely thoughtful and well-researched. A half point is docked because I felt it ended abruptly and there were a few more topics I wish she covered.
Even if you weren't of the time/didn't see some (or any) of the shows discussed, this is such a well-done book that you can't put it down (or stop listening, in my audio case). Compassionate, in-depth, and interesting.
(Although I skipped the last chapter, because...I can't.)
(Although I skipped the last chapter, because...I can't.)