AOL and SmartMoney had a feature article this past weekend about reality television, and how realistic (or not) they really are. It’s no surprise that a lot of scripting and planning goes into those “reality” shows. You didn’t know? Where have you been!!!!

Here’s a brief rundown of the 10 ways reality shows aren’t so realistic…

1. “Step aside, crime dramas. There’s a new sheriff in town.”

Reality television is ruling the airwaves, filling up about 20% of prime-time programming. Why? Partly due to the low cost of producing the shows… which is about 1/3 of the cost of a regular nighttime drama show. The bigger factor is the ratings, as reality TV is taking up more of the top slots in the ratings.

2. “The reality is, it’s fake.”

Truth be told, lots of the stuff on reality television is really somewhat scripted. Producers choose players who will fuel controversy and people on set have been known to push participants to pursue certain controversial story line. Former reality television stars also have experienced the phenomenon of producers stringing together sound-bytes which are out of order or out of context.

3. “Once you sign our release, we own you.”

Death, injury, embarrassment…. they’re all considered “too bad, so sad” once you sign your release.

4. “Our background check’s a joke.”

Background checks seem to be nothing more than a formality, and in fact, those with troubled pasts might provide more interesting content for the show. 

5. “Even our crew members don’t know what they’re in for.”

The crew on a reality show often has no idea what to expect. The rule is to keep cameras rolling at all times, no matter what is happening. You never know what you’ll catch on film.

6. “Ad execs are the new producers.”

Those brand-name products you see so strategically placed in reality shows? The space was sold by advertising executives.

7. “Go ahead and sue us — you’ll have a hard time winning.”

Reality shows can be dangerous but suing them is hard, even if you get hurt. See #3 above. You signed up for it.

8. “Reality TV? You mean celebrity TV.”

Reality television started out with unknowns, but celebrity participation is becoming bigger and bigger. (Especially for has-beens who want to revive their careers.)

9. “We steal a lot of our best ideas from Europe.”

Many of the popular U.S. reality shows started in Europe. Think Dancing With the Stars and Big Brother.

10. “Get used to it — we’re not going away anytime soon.”

Too much money is being made from reality television for it to go away. Even the bad shows get decent viewership. Ask reality TV junkies like me, the bad shows still offer some great entertainment value!