Over the past few years, the number of reality shows has increased dramatically. In fact, some networks seem to air nothing but reality shows.
One particular example is Nat Geo Wild. It used to show various nature documentaries, such as America’s Greatest Animals, Untamed Americas, a Wild series (i.e. Wild Costa Rica, Wild France, Wild Botswana, Wild Thailand). The network also aired reality shows, such as The Incredible Doctor Pol, Safari Brothers, and Safari Live. But starting in 2021, Nat Geo Wild began phasing out its documentaries in favor of reality shows. I made several attempts to contact the network and ask them to bring back the documentaries.
Nat Geo Wild’s sister network the National Geographic Channel has followed suit, constantly airing reality shows such as To Catch a Smuggler. And here are some other examples:
Discovery Channel: I remember when it aired documentaries (history, nature, or crime). But then the network began airing reality shows like The Deadliest Catch and Naked and Afraid.
The Learning Channel: It used to show historical documentaries, but now prefers reality shows like Welcome to Plathville and 90 Day Fiancé. In addition, the network also shows reruns of The Jennifer Hudson Show and Modern Family. What’s up with that?
Bravo: formally a network showing movies, it now prefers to show The Real Housewives of Atlanta and Top Chef, as well as reruns of the Kelly Clarkson Show. How many people want to watch drama-filled reality shows or reruns of talk shows?
Animal Planet: Formerly known for its natural documentaries, it also went in the direction of airing reality shows, such as Alaskan Bush People and North Woods Law. The only reality show worth watching on that channel is Swamp Wars.
Some networks have increased the number of reality shows in their programming, but still manage to have documentaries. A&E aired Duck Dynasty and Duck Dynasty: The Revival (both of which are worth watching, in addition to Duck Family Treasure on Fox Business Channel), but I’m not crazy about the other reality shows as opposed to Biography. The History Channel used to be all documentaries (e.g. In Search of History, History’s Mysteries, the original Monsterquest), but shows Axe Men and American Pickers alongside the Food That Built America and History’s Greatest Mysteries. And the Smithsonian Channel will show Mighty Cruise Ships and Mighty Trains alongside Aerial America (and other Aerial places) and Air Disasters.
Needless to say, there is too much reality tv. The networks need to have variety when it comes to programming.
I should also point out that when a network decides to go in a different direction in regards to its programming, I would be leery.
