The scripted nature of television, when framed as reality TV, creates a paradoxical viewing experience. For those who know a show is scripted, there needs to be a theatrical suspension of disbelief, and those people will inherently react to it in a different way.

When we're aware a show is scripted, it's even possible to ignore that and get swept up in it as if it's either 100% real life, or just gripping fiction.

Does reality TV need to be scripted because real life is too unpredictable and boring? Do we try and force ourselves to believe fiction or scripted 'reality' tv storylines for that reason?

(Hyper) Reality Television