The Decline of Reality Television: Is 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' Destined to be Memorable?
Introduction
The age of reality television began with promises of authenticity and candid moments that would attract audiences worldwide. However, as the years passed, the nature of what constitutes a hit show has dramatically shifted. 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians,' one of the longest-running and most controversial reality TV series, has come under scrutiny for its impact on pop culture and the entertainment industry. This article explores the endurance of the Kardashians' success in reality TV, the criticism it faces, and whether such shows are truly beneficial for society.
The Rise and Controversy Surrounding 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians'
'Keeping Up with the Kardashians,' which debuted in 2007, has become an integral part of popular culture. The show offers a glimpse into the lives of the Kardashian-Jenner family, high-profile celebrity members who share personal insights and secrets related to their families and relationships.
However, the show has faced substantial criticism, particularly from those who are tired of the mindless and shallow content. A user, for instance, shared their perspective, stating, “Noooooooo! Please stop making these shows! Omg, Jersey Shore too. Please stop making this mindless stupid people trash shows!” Such sentiments reflect a broader dissatisfaction among audiences who find the content to be uninspiring and lacking substance.
One key criticism targets DJ Pauly D, a prominent figure in the show's early years. As a user describes, he is perceived as 'absolutely the worst DJ' with poor musical tastes and technical skills. This criticism encapsulates the broader issue: reality TV often relies on sensationalism and generic entertainment, which may not resonate with all viewers.
The End of an Era?
Despite its long-standing success, some argue that 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' may be winding down. The user expresses, “The end of that supposed ‘Reality TV Show’ is an absolute load of bollocks full of excessively melodramatic reactions and nonsensical conversations that provide no value to any sane individual, whatever your age.”
Another user points out, “Hopefully as soon as possible, is an awful show.” These sentiments reflect a growing sentiment that the show is outdated and no longer meets today's standards of quality entertainment.
Ratings and Popularity vs. Authenticity
While the show has reached a massive audience and enjoyed high ratings, its authenticity and impact on society are questionable. Kim Kardashian West's 2007 Instagram post exemplifies the show's often-seen criticism: "I don't keep up with them; I don't like them; they're arrogant; they flaunt their money, and they're sickening."
The Kardashian family's lifestyle is often contrasted with the struggles of ordinary people. Users doubt the relevance of watching wealthy celebrities who seem to have everything, stating, “When people struggle and have to live a hard life, you don't see them on TV. But the ones that've got money and can flaunt their sale, that's what's wrong with the world today. Selling drugs trying to get rich in a hurry to be like people like them.”
Is 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' in the Same Category as 'I Love Lucy'?
Some argue that 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' is a cultural phenomenon similar to classic sitcoms, albeit in a different era. One user humorously suggests that it is the television equivalent of 'I Love Lucy' in this generation, 'Not in the same class at all, but it is what people want to watch. Not all people, but the ratings prove that quite a few people enjoy watching them.'
However, others prefer to watch reruns of classic shows that offer deeper storytelling and quality content. This highlights the challenge reality TV faces in providing something more than just sensationalism.
As reality TV continues to evolve, questions about its place in contemporary entertainment persist. Will shows like 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' be remembered as a cultural artifact or discarded as obsolete entertainment?
Conclusion
The question of whether 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' will be remembered as a milestone in reality TV or as a fleeting, shallow show is one that many will answer based on personal preferences. While the show undoubtedly reached a global audience, its impact on entertainment and society cannot be understated. As reality TV continues to dominate the entertainment landscape, it will be fascinating to see how these shows are perceived in the future.