Shows like Survivor, The Bachelor, The Osbournes, and American Idol delivered ratings — and pre-social media word-of-mouth buzz — that had previously been reserved for top-tier scripted fare.

Better yet, these series were insanely cheap to produce, and there was no need to worry about the creative well running dry.

Sitcoms and dramas eventually run out of storylines, but Jeff Probst and his ever-changing band of castaways have been spinning variations of the same narrative for 24 years, with no end in sight.

In other words, reality promised to be the gift that kept on giving, and every broadcast and cable exec wanted a piece of the pie.

As new subgenres continued to emerge, it seemed like there was a reality TV flavor to suit every palette.

Like a little bit of globe-trotting prestige to take some of the guilt out of your guilty pleasure? Check out The Amazing Race!

Looking to shut off your brain with a bit of celebrity-fueled escapism? Enjoy a helping of The Kardashians!

It looked as though the formula would never go stale because it could be endlessly adjusted to suit changing tastes.

And as a bonus, these shows were all strike-proof!

During last year’s dual writer and actors’ strikes, reality content predictably enjoyed a ratings surge.

In fact, there was a time when it looked as though the genre had entered a second golden age (the first being the period between 2000 and 2005, in which it first became a national obsession).

Spoiler alert: That turned out not to be the case.

The Beginning of the End For Reality TV?

In fact, if recent numbers are any indication, reality television is currently caught in an unprecedented tailspin.

According to a new report from Reuters, Hollywood has witnessed a 57 percent decline in reality TV production in 2024.

The situation is so dire that The Hollywood Reporter recently ran a piece declaring that the reality genere is “on life support.”

• Days of Our Lives’ Doug Sendoff Reminds Viewers How Good This Soap Used To Be…And Can Be Again
  by Jack Ori
• The Blue Bloods Family Dinners: A Labor Of Love for Viewers and the Cast; Tom Selleck and Donnie Wahlberg In Tears on The Talk
  by Jack Ori
• Dream or Delusion? How TV Shapes Our Vision of the American Dream
  by Lisa Babick
• Friday Night Lights Reboot Lands at Peacock (But It Will Never Recapture the Magic of the Original Series)
  by Tyler Johnson

The article featured testimony from producers and other reality professionals who are currently struggling to get by amid a shocking market contraction.

What are the reasons for this sudden decline in popularity? Well, it’s complicated …

Why Has the Tide Turned on TV’s Most Profitable Genre?

As is the case with every pop cultural trend, there are numerous theories, and the correct answer can probably be found in some combination of all of them.

For starters, there’s the inevitable post-strike market correction, as networks and production companies divert money back to the scripted series that were absent from out screens for so many months.

And then there’s the fact that the television industry as a whole is struggling.

In fact, many analysts have wondered if broadcast and cable networks will soon be a thing of the past, as streaming services continue their slow takeover.

But one undeniable factor in this surprising storyline is that reality shows simply aren’t grabbing the public’s attention they way they used to.

Again, there are many possible causes for this, and if anyone definitively knew how to fix the issue, we wouldn’t be having this discussion.

One factor seems to be the fact that Americans are more divided than ever.

Since we’re no longer watching the same shows, word of mouth doesn’t spread the way it once did, and cultural phenomena like the first season of Survivor are now very few and far between.

And then there’s the fact that the novelty has worn off.

• 15 Christmas Movie Villains That Might Just Be Misunderstood
  by Lisa Babick
• The Unhinged Christmas Wish List: Gifts Only TV Characters Would Ask For
  by Thomas Godwin
• 27 Christmas Movies to Watch When You Need a Break from Holiday Cheer
  by Lisa Babick
• Revenge Plots, Breakups, and Drama: The Best TV Shows for Spilling the Tea
  by Whitney Evans

Generally speaking, with few exceptions (i.e., Taylor Swift), people aren’t as interested in the private lives of celebrities as they used to be.

And the most successful reality franchises are getting a little long in the tooth.

It doesn’t help that the stakes aren’t as high as they used to be — nobody from The Bachelor stays married, and no one from American Idol gets famous.

But perhaps the biggest cultural cause of reality TV’s rapid decline is the fact that the feuds and vitriol that once made shows like Big Brother so popular are now part of our day-to-day lives.

Who needs to see two castmates screaming obscenities at one another when our social media feeds and presidential debates are twice as contentious?

In the same way that people who live in combat zones probably aren’t big on war movies, folks who are surrounded by constant hostility might not want to spend their evenings watching strangers throw tantrums.

And that could be a very bad thing for the aspiring Kardashians of the world.

What do you think, TV fanatics? Is reality TV on its way out? And if so, is that a bad thing?

Hit the comments section below to share your thoughts!

The post Are Americans Finally Getting Tired of Reality TV? appeared first on TV Fanatic.

The reality TV hit revealed unsurprising casting news Tuesday that Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and veteran host Ryan Seacrest will all return to help "discover America's next singing sensation for season seven on ABC."

Ever since premiering on ABC in 2018, the above four names have been a part of the show.

Seacrest has been with the show longer, serving as host during the show's FOX run. Next year, he will also take over for Pat Sajak on Wheel of Fortune.

American Idol ranked as the No. 1 program in the Sunday 8-10 p.m. time slot last season among Adults 18-49 and its time period for the fourth straight year in the demo.

In addition, the show was ABC's No. 1 program last season in both Total Viewers and Adults 18-49 and was the No. 1 most social reality series across all of television, year to date, with nearly 1 billion social video views.

Auditions are set to kick off Wednesday, August 2, with the return of Idol Across America, the live virtual nationwide search for the next superstar, which discovered last year's winner, Iam Tongi.

"Those auditioning will be given the opportunity to showcase their talents face-to-face with an American Idol producer, from anywhere in America, across any official audition date for a chance to proceed to the judge audition round of the competition," ABC teases. 

"Beginning with the First 700 event, where hopefuls can sign up to grab a VIP spot before anyone else, contenders will also be given the opportunity to audition under their genre for the first time in IAA history," the press release adds.

Below are the audition dates.

August 2 – First 700 VIP Event

August 4– Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina

August 7 – Florida, Michigan, Virginia, West Virginia

August 9 – Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas

August 11 – Open Call: Singer-Songwriters

August 14 – Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Washington

August 16 – Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi

August 18 — Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Maine, New Hampshire

August 21 – Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming

August 23 – Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania

August 25 – Open Call: Country & Rock

August 28 – Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin

August 30 – The South: Open Call Pt. 1

September 6 – Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, Washington D.C., Rhode Island, Vermont, Massachusetts

September 8 – Open Call: Pop, R&B & Soul

33 Shamefully Addictive Reality Shows We Can’t Stop Watching!

Open List

The post American Idol Sets Judges and Host for Season 22 appeared first on TV Fanatic.

According to The Daily Mail, the "California Girls" singer is considering her options after the public perception of her changed this season.

While nothing has been confirmed, the report states that Perry is not thrilled about her portrayal this season and feels like producers are to blame.

Allegedly, her breaking point was when the show's live audience booed her.

"Katy feels like [the producers] threw her under the bus," the source dished.

"She feels like her comments could have been removed."

"Katy became aware of the harsh criticism. Getting booed really upset her. She was trying to stay in her lane, do her job and go home," the source added.

"She went into it thinking she was going to foster young talent. For her good intentions to be misinterpreted it was not what she wanted."

"She has accomplished so much in her career and is now being looked at as a nasty reality show judge," the tipster continued of the wild casting news.

"Katy's wanted out for some time now, but this season was way too much for her to handle."

Perry courted controversy early in March when she was accused of "mom shaming" contestant Sarah Beth Liebe.

When the 25-year-old revealed that she had three kids, Perry made a big song and dance of it and pretended to collapse on the judge's table.

"If Katy lays on the table, I think I'm going to pass out," Liebe said.

"Honey, you've been laying on the table too much," the "Teenage Dream" singer responded.

While it was clearly a joke, Liebe wasn't impressed with the comments.

"There was a joke that was made that's gotten a lot of attention, and I've gotten a lot of people reaching out to me asking how I'm feeling," Liebe said.

American Idol has been renewed by ABC for the 2023-24 season.

No details about casting for the next season have been revealed, but we should get some clarity in the coming months if auditions get underway.

As always, we'll keep you updated on all the latest TV news.

What are your thoughts on the report?

33 Shamefully Addictive Reality Shows We Can’t Stop Watching!

Open List

Do you think Perry will leave the show?

Hit the comments.

The post Katy Perry Wants to Quit American Idol, Bombshell Report Alleges appeared first on TV Fanatic.

ABC has announced that Katy Perry and Lionel Richie will not be present on the reality series's Sunday, May 7 episode, and there's a very good reason.

Perry and Richie are both scheduled to attend the coronation of King Charles III.

The episode will still feature the pair in some capacity as they are set to appear live from Windsor Castle.

You probably have questions about who will join Luke Bryan to judge in their absence.

Thankfully, that news has already been revealed.

Ed Sheeran and Alanis Morissette will appear in the coveted judges' seats.

Morissette was already set to appear as a mentor in the episode.

The finalists are set to sing songs from both Sheeran and Moresette's song catalogs, which should make for a fun night.

Bryan addressed the decision to switch things up in Perry and Richie's absences.

"It's big time. It's big time," the country star told Entertainment Tonight.

"The people that we have filling in, contestants have used their songs many, many times. A lot more than mine!"

Perry has had a rough season on the show, with many of her decisions being widely criticized by viewers.

Twenty-five-year-old contestant Sarah Beth Liebe opened up about being a mother of three on the show earlier this season during her audition.

Perry stood up and walked behind the judge's table.

"If Katy lays on the table, I think I'm going to pass out," Liebe said, prompting the following response from Perry:

"Honey, you've been lying on the table too much."

Liebe later departed the competition and spoke out against the comment.

"I think that women supporting and uplifting other women is so cool, and I think that mom-shaming is super lame, and I think that it's hard enough to be a mom, and it's hard enough to be a woman," she said in a now-deleted clip.

The post American Idol: Katy Perry and Lionel Richie Temporarily Replaced as Judges appeared first on TV Fanatic.

Paige Anne returned during Monday's new episode of the ABC reality series.

Naturally, there were questions.

Did someone drop out? Host Ryan Seacrest confirmed what many expected.

"Recently, one of the Top 26 decided to bow out of the competition, so we turned to the judges' first alternate and gave her the life-changing news," Seacrest said during Monday's telecast.

Unfortunately, the show opted to keep that news under wraps until the hopeful in question revealed the news on social media.

It was Beckett Rex!

The son of A Clockwork Orange actor Malcolm McDowell revealed that the decision to leave the show was his own.

"I'm not going to say why I didn't decide to continue in the competition, but what I will say is that it was my choice," he captioned a photo.

"I am forever grateful to my American Idol family, and I will always look back at the experience with the utmost gratitude and fondness."

"Please go vote for my friends now as they continue on in the competition," he added.

The 19-year-old is the third person to depart the competition, following in the footsteps of Kaya Stewart and Sara Beth Liebe.

It's not uncommon for people to leave the competition, and we won't speculate about why Beckett departed.

We do know that Paige will continue in the competition in his place.

"I said goodbye to Idol and everything, then I got invited back — everything happens for a reason," Anne explained to this week's guest mentor Noah Cyrus.

What are your thoughts on the news?

Are you surprised?

33 Shamefully Addictive Reality Shows We Can’t Stop Watching!

Open List

Hit the comments below.

Catch the next episode of American Idol on Sunday at 8 p.m.

The post American Idol Shocker: Who Dropped Out? appeared first on TV Fanatic.

Spence passed away in October in a car accident at 23 years old.

Monee' auditioned on Sunday's season premiere after returning to the show and revealed to judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie that the pair "grew a very, very close friendship" and that she was "trying to cope" with his passing.

"He was actually supposed to be here with me today for my audition," Monee' shared on the show, adding that "it's just very hard to not have that support anymore, but I know that he would want me to be here and keep pushing."

Monee' sang "I'm Here" from "The Color Purple" and revealed that she and Spence picked the song together.

"That's how you sing through crying," Perry shared.

Perry added that while everybody's feeling the loss of Spence, the judges "feel connected together" because Monee' was authentic "just like he was."

Monee' advanced to the next round of the competition.

"Willie, thank you for not letting me give up. This is for you," she said.

Spence was a fan favorite during the 2021 series of the reality series and became the runner-up.

The series also shared a tribute montage to the late singer during the season premiere.

At the end of the episode, a title card with the text "In loving memory of Willie Spence 1999-2022."

American Idol previously shared a statement on Spence's passing via social media.

"We are devastated about the passing of our beloved American Idol family member, Willie Spence," the statement said.

"He was a true talent who lit up every room he entered and will be deeply missed. We send our condolences to his loved ones."

May Willie Spence rest in peace.

Watch Kya Monee's emotional tribute below, and catch new episodes of the series on Sundays at 8 p.m., only on ABC.

The post American Idol: Kya Monee’ Pays Tribute to Willie Spence on Season 21 Premiere appeared first on TV Fanatic.

He was 31.

TMZ broke the news, revealing that Harris died Sunday after he was rushed to the Walker Baptist Medical Center in Jasper, Alabama.

CPR efforts were unsuccessful.

Jessica Meuse, a fellow American Idol alum, paid tribute to Harris on Instagram.

"Your talent and smile will be missed, and the world is definitely a darker and eerily quieter place without you in it," she wrote in the tribute.

"When you go through something like Idol together, it brings everyone involved together like a big, weird, dysfunctional family," Meuse added.

"I'm grateful that our paths crossed and that I can say you were (and always will be) a part of mine."

"There are a lot of things I realize I will never understand — you leaving us so soon is one of those things."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jessica Meuse (@jessmeuse)

"Rest easy, friend. See you on the other side," the tribute concluded.

Harris appeared on American Idol Season 13, when it aired on FOX.

He sang for judges Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez, and Harry Connick Jr during his audition.

That wasn't the first time he tried to audition for the reality series.

Harris revealed in 2014 to The Hollywood Reporter that he didn't make it past the first round in 2010.

"I was always on the internet, trying to find a break, looking for which producers I could send my stuff to," he told the outlet.

"I searched for American Idol and I saw they were doing the bus tour and they were going to be 30 minutes down the road from me," he added.

"I said, 'You know what? I'm going to give it another chance."

"I've gotten so much better, my voice has matured and my playing has gotten so much better."

Harris shared on his Facebook page that new music was "coming soon."

The post C.J. Harris, American Idol Alum, Dead at 31 appeared first on TV Fanatic.

Willie Spence, best known for his appearance on American Idol, has died.

He was 23 years old.

Spence passed away on October 11 due to injuries he sustained in a car accident.

Spence passed away “in an automobile accident in Tennessee,” Douglas Now reported on Tuesday.

“We have no further details at this time. We extend our condolences to Willie’s family, friends, and fans. He was an extraordinary talent and a ray of light to millions across the world.

“He will be missed.”

Willie was the runner-up on America's Got Talent Season 19.

Katherine McPhee, who got her start on American Idol, took to social media to pay tribute to Willie.

“I received very tragic news tonight. Sweet @williespenceofficial passed away in a car accident. Only 23 years old.”

“Life is so unfair and nothing is ever promised," the Smash alum added.

"God rest your soul Willie. It was a pleasure to sing with you and to know you.”

American Idol shared a statement via social media.

"We are devastated about the passing of our beloved American Idol family member, Willie Spence. He was a true talent who lit up every room he entered and will be deeply missed. We send our condolences to his loved ones," the show shared.

Spence was a dominant force on the ABC reality series, drawing lots of praise for his performances throughout the season.

"You just have the magic, buddy," Luke Bryan told him after one performance.

Throughout the season Spence said that he wanted his voice to "reach the world."

He also had aspirations of winning a Grammy one day.

“It’s gonna take hard work, but I feel like I can do it.”

Randall Emmett, a movie producer who has appeared on Vanderpump Rules, paid tribute to Spence via Instagram.

“My heart is broken and my prayers go out to his family,” he wrote over.

“I was lucky to have him sing for me live at my home and other events, I will miss you my friend. I know you touched so many of us. I’m heart broken.”

May Willie Spence rest in peace.

33 Shamefully Addictive Reality Shows We Can’t Stop Watching!

Open List

The post Willie Spence, American Idol Star, Dead at 23 appeared first on TV Fanatic.

Even with a hiatus as the show moved from Fox to ABC, the series has become a mainstay on TV.

The long-running reality series is preparing for some stability as we head into the next season.

Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, and veteran host Ryan Seacrest will all be back "to help discover America’s next singing sensation for a sixth season on ABC when it returns in spring 2023," according to a press release from ABC.

American Idol ranked as the No. 1 program in the Sunday 8-10 p.m. time slot last season among Adults 18-49.

The series won its time period for the third straight year in Adults 18-49 and was ABC’s No. 1 program last season in total viewers.

Auditions kick off Wednesday, Aug. 3, with the return of “Idol Across America,” the live virtual nationwide search for the next superstar.

Auditions take place across all 50 states plus Washington, D.C, and start with the annual First 500 event, where hopefuls can sign up to grab a VIP spot before anyone else.

Idol Across America offers hopefuls the opportunity to showcase their talents face-to-face with an American Idol producer, from anywhere in America, across any official audition date for a chance to proceed to the judge audition round of the competition.

“Idol Across America” auditions will be held as follows (subject to change):

– ‘First 500’ VIP Event (Aug. 3)

– Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina (Aug. 5)

– Florida, Michigan, Virginia, West Virginia (Aug. 8)

– Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas (Aug. 10)

– Connecticut, New Jersey, New York (Aug. 12)

– Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi ( Aug. 15)

– Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee (Aug. 17)

– Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Washington (Aug. 19)

– Open Call: Nationwide (Aug. 22)

– Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin (Aug. 24)

– Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming (Aug. 26)

– Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C. (Aug. 29)

– Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont (Aug. 31)

Renewal Scorecard: Which Shows Didn’t Survive the Bloodiest Season in Years?!

Open List

The post American Idol: Judges & Host Confirmed for Season 21! appeared first on TV Fanatic.

ABC went live coast-to-coast to allow the final three (Leah Marlene, Huntergirl, and Noah Thompson) the opportunity to make a plea for America's vote.

Thanks to the excessive three-hour runtime, the episode was overstuffed, but hey, at least we got some great musical performances along the way.

Even after all these years, the former FOX reality series still knows how to deliver show-stopping performances, thanks to the wide array of talent the producers reel in to take part.

Leah Marlene kicked off the show in thrilling fashion with a rendition of Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA," a performance that garnered the 20-year-old much praise from the judges.

"What big boots you have stepped into," Lionel Richie said, clearly impressed by the immense talent on the show this year.

Katy Perry declared Marlene to be "the whole package," which is a major positive in the music industry.

"You've won, period, end of story, to me," Perry added.

Marlene also got to perform "Flowers," an orignal song she recently released.

It was a raw and emotional performance that culminated in the crowd chanting "Leah."

That's a big seal of approval, right?

"The crowd will not lie to you," Richie shared. "Props to your songwriter side.”

"I’m so blessed to be here, a part of this show that is truly making a difference and changing lives," Perry said of the performance and the song.

"That song is so beautiful and is going to change other people’s lives."

Luke Bryan agreed with his fellow judges that the song was great.

"What a ride you must be on," he said.

"I’m so happy for you, and you have every right to have these emotions right now."

As for Huntergirl, she kicked things off with "Dancing in the Dark," and as expected, it was another powerhouse performance.

"You’re comfortable. This is your stage," Perry said.

"You did that and more. I don’t think you’re a star. I think you’re a supernova."

"You now own the stage," Richie said.

"You now are responsible for your own career, and my dear, you have a career."

"Music is a lot of people’s therapy," Katy added. "And sometimes it’s our own therapy."

Noah, the third of the three finalists, kicked things off with "I'm on Fire."

Noah was solid during his first audition, but he's blossomed into a star throughout his time on the show.

"It’s a long way from that first audition, buddy," Luke said.

"You have what is now your stage persona," he said.

"That is called an artist. You have now graduated to that wonderful stage of your life."

Thompson followed that performance up with "One Day Tonight," his original song.

"I’m just gonna keep my tissue in the palm of my hand," Perry said following the performance.

"Do not stop dreaming. There is a plan for you and your life."

Just before the halfway mark of the show, Ryan Seacrest revealed that Marlene had finished in third place, leaving Huntergirl and Thompson to perform one last time for the America's Vote.

Thompson went with Rihanna's "Stay," while Huntergirl went with Rascal Flatts' "Riot," the song she sang in her first audition.

At the end of the episode, we learned that 16 million votes had been cast and that Thompson won the show.

"My heart is beating out of my chest," said the understated singer. "This is crazy."

The series featured A+ talent this season, and we're sure all of the finalists will go on to have great careers.

What are your thoughts on Thompson's win?

33 Shamefully Addictive Reality Shows We Can’t Stop Watching!

Open List

Hit the comments.

ABC recently renewed American idol for Season 21, but it's unclear which judges will return.

The post American Idol Crowns Season 20 Winner appeared first on TV Fanatic.