If you trace the history of reality television show, you might be interested to know that there have been various unscripted and live TV shows that goes back to the 40’s. Among these is Candid Camera which debuted in the year 1948. It is often considered as the first reality television show where individuals were exposed unwittingly to silly situations by the host Allen Funt.
Game shows and competition shows were also considered as reality TV, including the live airing of Miss America Pageant and Oscar Awards. Many historians do not consider lengthy news stories or documentaries as reality TV, but still these greatly evoked the interest of many people.
Another example of early reality TV is the program COPS, which premiered in the year 1989. It showcased police officers in various cities making arrests and dealing with criminals. It is the longest running reality TV programs and celebrated its 19th anniversary in 2008. Reality boom happened in the year 2000 with American Idol and Survivor. The idea of mixing reality TV with competitive elements came in the form of the Swedish program, Expedition: Robinson, which aired in 1997. Several countries also created the same programs but the most famous is Burnett’s variation of the Swedish show that premiered in the year 2000.