Exactly 15 years ago, a show called Survivor premiered. And it changed the face of television.
Airing this strange new competition series, called a "reality show," was considered such a risk that CBS scheduled it to air in the summer, formerly the dead zone of the television season. Then something amazing happened: Everyone started watching. During the finale, a staggering 50 million people tuned it to see Richard Hatch win $1 million after living for weeks on an island with strangers.
Jeff Probst hosts the TV show Survivor.
The extreme success of Survivor officially ushered in the era of reality television, and nothing has ever really been the same. Sure, The Real World was chugging steadily along on MTV since the '90s; but that was a cable show with a niche audience. When Survivor was a monster hit, it opened the floodgates. Everyone, particularly broadcast networks, wanted a piece of the success and massive fortune they sensed was around the corner.
Now, hundreds of reality shows are produced every year for every channel. Exactly 15 years later, here's a look back at which genres made the biggest impact.
Talent Competition
American Idol judge Simon Cowell.
The groundbreakers:American Idol, Project Runway, America's Next Top Model
The flops:Celebrity Boxing, Pussycat Dolls Present, Rising Star
The "did they really air that?":Legally Blonde the Musical: The Search for Elle Woods
A classic genre dating all the way back to Star Search, but not just singing anymore. Among the other types of skills desired by competition shows over the years: skating, dancing, interior design, clothing design, hair styling, cheerleading, food truck-owning. Of all the genres, this one has exploded the most.
Competing for Prizes
Host Phil Keoghan in the New Zealand leg of The Amazing Race.
The groundbreakers:Survivor, Big Brother, The Amazing Race
The flops:I Want to Be a Hilton, America's Most Smartest Model, Kid Nation
The "did they really air that?":Are You Hot? The Search for America's Sexiest People
You don't necessarily need talent to live on an island or in a group house for three months and walk away with tons of cash, but you do need to have some sort of strategy. Right? That question has kept millions of viewers coming back to these social experiments for 15 years.
Dating/Love
The Bachelorettes in The Bachelor NZ.
The groundbreakers:The Bachelor, Temptation Island, Millionaire Matchmaker
The flops:Mr. Personality, More to Love, A Shot of Love With Tila Tequila
The "did they really air that?":Dating in the Dark
Well, let's call it "dating" or "love." After all, does anyone really find a happily-ever-after on these shows? Hey, The Bachelor franchise is running at a 17 percent success rate at the moment - after 29 seasons combined with The Bachelorette, five couples are still together.
Family
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. Photo / AP
The groundbreakers:The Osbournes, Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Duck Dynasty
The flops:Britney & Kevin: Chaotic, Living Lohan, The Hasselhoffs
The "did they really air that?":Rob & Amber: Against the Odds
"Crazy family" does not necessarily equal good reality show: That lesson has been proved time and time again. However, if your wacky brood can connect with a greater TV audience, congratulations - you're about to be unbelievably wealthy.
Autobiographical
The groundbreakers:The Anna Nicole Show, Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List, Being Bobby Brown
The flops:Hey Paula, Kirstie Alley's Big Life, Shannen Says
The "did they really air that?":Tommy Lee Goes to College
It's a timeless strategy: Have an image problem? Get your own reality show! (Or "docu-series" if you're feeling fancy.) Unfortunately, only a small percentage of these attempts to restore reputations actually serve the original purpose: More often than not, they're a fascinating study in narcissism and utter cluelessness.
Ridiculous People
Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton star in The Simple Life.
The groundbreakers:The Simple Life, The Real Housewives of Orange County, Laguna Beach, Jersey Shore
The flops:NYC Prep, Princesses: Long Island, Nashville
The "did they really air that?":Amish in the City
Step 1: Get a bunch of absurd or volatile people together. Step 2: Give them alcohol. Step 3: Give them a crazy assignment (road trip across the country) or just follow them around in their natural habitat. Insanity will surely ensue, along with ratings.
Life Improvement
The cast of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.
The groundbreakers:Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Extreme Makeover: Home EditionThe Biggest Loser
The flops:Charm School, Shedding for the Wedding, Tool Academy
The "did they really air that?":The Swan
Generally the only reality show genre where you're likely to cry at the end - in a good way, and not weeping for humanity. Of all the types of shows, these are likely to last the longest.
Random Businesses/Careers
The groundbreakers:Deadliest Catch, Say Yes to the Dress, Pawn Stars
The flops:Kell on Earth, Chicagolicious, My Big Friggin' Wedding
"Let's follow a bunch of tow trucks with cameras and see what happens!" A lame-sounding pitch sure, but actually ... pretty fascinating once you watch. Same goes for storage locker auctions; salons; wedding dress stores; ice road trucking; and other ordinary businesses that lead to a fascinating study in humanity.
Hidden Camera/Trickery
Ashton Kutcher pulls the wool over Justin Timberlake's eyes in the first episode of Punk*d.
The groundbreakers:Joe Millionaire, Punk'd, Undercover Boss
The flops:My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiance, The Joe Schmo Show, Howie Do It
The "did they really air that?":I Wanna Marry Harry
Candid Camera first aired in 1948, so embarrassing people on TV is nothing new - but producers will always have way too many ideas about how to humiliate people in different and exciting ways.
