American Reality TV DVDs

TLC and A & E cable networks feature documentary-style shows such as COPS and Dog. Renovation shows began in 1979 with This Old House and continue today with various versions of Home Edition. Self-improvement shows have exploded on the scene with The Biggest Loser, Extreme Makeover, The Nanny, and Wife Swap.

Competition is one of the most popular categories of reality TV, which includes the current top two--American Idol and Dancing with the Stars. In the early 2000’s, dating competition shows dominated the medium. Still, Bachelor/Bachelorette remains popular. At the moment competition reality is particularly popular with Project Runway, American’s Top Model, Apprentice, So You Think You Can Dance, and Nashville Star. Encouraging contestants to do outrageous things started with Fear Factor and currently includes Wipeout and So I Survived a Japanese Game Show.