Is It Really Reality if It's Partially Scripted?

When you really stop and think about it, would you consider reality tv reality? Most shows are scripted and by now, it's just a matter of how much is real and how much is fake.

When watching a show on MTV recently, I got to see this scripting first hand. Two of the characters had an altercation and some punches were thrown. When the cast members were speaking about the incident later, they said that they were told to fight. To me, it seems sad that something that is supposed to be real and natural would be scripted.

If there is just one suggestion of something the cast members should do, the show is no longer "reality" but an actual tv show.

I remember when people found out that Jerry Springer was somewhat scripted. People were upset, and felt that they had been lied to. Now, reality scripted shows seem to be the norm. One example is the most recent season of The Bachelor, when Jason Mesnick rejected Molly Malaney in the finale show and six weeks later got back with her. Many fans balked and questioned the decision.

And such shows as American Idol and Dancing with the Stars have had their fair share of viewers questioning the scripting. Chris Daughtry was voted off even though he was a fan favorite. When Apple co-creator Steve Wozniak accused the show's producers of "fixing the show," he was put in the bottom two.

It seems apparent that there really is no such thing as "reality TV." All of it is mostly scripted and though producers would like to say that their shows are the genuine article, scripting would suggest otherwise.