list of reality tv shows, reality tv popularityI think reality tv popularity has always existed. When you think about the beginning of TV shows in the 1940's, the list of reality tv shows even then was quite large. A few of the best shows were, Allen Funt's Candid Camera, Ted Mack Original Amateur Hour, and Arthur Godfrey's talent show. These shows were popular for many years and people watched every week to see who would win or who the camera would catch off guard. One of my favorite shows on Candid Camera was  watching a man's expression when he looked under the hood of the car he had just driven and could not find the motor.
The list of reality tv shows certainly has grown over the years. More and more people enjoy watching and have vicarious experiences through the people on the shows. I wish I could take part in some of the shows that I watch.
Some of the best reality shows are about person's improving themselves and I think it also provides incentive for the people watching to do the same thing.