Reality TV Binge Watcher

My family and I are big-time reality show watchers. It’s a great way to change up the entertainment factor from the mainstream of sitcoms, cop shows, medical shows, and drama.

Our first reality TV show that became our family show to watch was and still is “Survivor” on CBS. The kids, now young adults, call Jeff Probst the host, Uncle Jeff! They grew up watching every season.

When “Survivor” first aired, it was much for reality, demanding and challenging. Through the years, production has made it soft.

Gone are the days of watching the contests eat awful insects, have physical fights, and have less food and shelter. Today feels more scripted and easier. They have way too many puzzle challenges. It gets boring to watch.

I would have loved to play the mental aspect of the game, but physically, I forgot it. I would drown the minute the contestants are told to jump off the boat to swim to the rowboat in the first 5 minutes of the show!

I would have been great at the backstabbing, tripping people up, telling them one thing, and doing another. Being the youngest of 4 siblings, I lived on our “Survivor” reality show. So I am good!

Now, if I could go on “The Amazing Race,” that would be one of the reality shows my husband and I would do!

Unfortunately, due to chronic nerve pain, fear of flying, and dependence on my dogs, I can’t go on that reality show. But, I am totally content following along with the contestants as they travel the world to do challenges that tourists would not get to see or do.

What I think “The Amazing Race” gives is the best of both worlds. If you get to the end, great, you win a million dollars, but if you don’t, you take away a lifetime of experiences that money can’t buy.

However, if I went on “The Amazing Race” and had to shave my head in one task, which did happen one year, FORGET IT! I draw the line to anything that involves shaving, piercing, or tattooing. Yes, I am a prude and proud of it!

Another reality show I watch with my husband is “The Great British Bake Off.” We go to bed every night, watching the contestants wiping up decadent, scrumptious desserts. Come on, what a great way to fall asleep!

Sadly, I can’t bake like that. I am a box of cake baker. In a magical world, it would be so fun to bake the unique creations contestants do on that show. It’s a feel-good reality show that never disappoints. If I could bake, hands down, I would go on that! At least to meet Paul Hollywood!

When it comes to watching other reality shows, I will not watch anything of extreme violence, scary, or gory. My entertainment watching is for fun and laughs.

Although we just finished “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test” season 1 and 2, that is fascinating now.

Watching celebrities try to go through Special Forces training is funny and shocking. To see which celebrity has it in them to try to make it to the end is just enjoyable to watch. I hope it’s not scripted, which would kill the fun for me.

I don’t have the guts or genuine interest to be a reality contestant. I am a couch potato and a great daydreamer. So, I will watch these contestants struggle and judge their performances, believe that I could do it better, and be very happy with my version of playing from the comforts of my home.

My current rating system of these shows:

“The Amazing Race”- 5 Stars

“Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test”- 5 Stars

“The Great British Bake Off” - 5 Stars

“Survivor”- 2 ½ Stars

My wish for the entertainment world is for them to keep coming up with fun and unique reality TV because they will always have a view in me to try it!

This was originally posted on Medium.