The Reality of Reality

Reviewed by:
Paul Ulane

Drama queens and wanna-be stars have taken over television. But the longer this reality claptrap continues, the more its subjects are coming to the realization that they’re being used—just like real TV stars! The Reality of Reality is a five-night miniseries that jumps behind the cameras to explore exactly how to manufacture something real. Evidently, there’s more to compelling television than just chewing bull testicles or giving Emmanuel Lewis a crash pad. Producers lie to their stars, relocate sets, reshoot scenes until they get the right take, and manipulate dialogue. It’s like being taken behind the scenes of a magic act—once you see how it’s done, it’s not so interesting…meanwhile, someone still has to eat bull testicles. And while the manipulations are interesting, if not eye-opening, it’s equally enjoyable witnessing reality TV participants’ shock at their misrepresentation on-screen. Legal settlements and network bullying ensue—as do the laughs. If only all of our lives could be this real.