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Candid Camera begins
Allen Flunt brings his popular radio show, “Candid Microphone” to TV as “Candid Camera.” This is the first reality television program -
The Dating Game begins
the “Dating Game” began airing bringing a new twist to the reality television genre with love and dating. This inspired multiple genres of reality television including dating and game reality shows like "Wheel of Fortune" and " Jeapordy" -
"An American Family" airs
PBS aired a 12 part docu series chronicling the lives of an American family named the Louds. It was called “An American Family '' and 10 million tuned in to watch. This was the first real reality television show that followed people's daily lives. -
"That's Incredible" begins airing
“That's Incredible" begins airing on Television, showcasing people's talents. This inspired many shows like "America's Got Talent" -
"Cops" begins airing
"Cops” begins airing on Fox, which follows real police activity, the show is still on today. -
"The Real World"
“The Real World” begins airing on MTV, where young people are chosen to live in a new city together while being filmed. This show is considered the first real reality television show and has inspired countless other shows. It also showcased Pedro Zamora, an openly gay cast member battling AIDs. It opened the conversation and showed how horrible the disease was. -
"Survivor" begins airing
“Survivor” airs, which shows a group of strangers trying to survive on an island where the must provide themselves with basic necessities and complete challenges. -
"Big Brother"
“Big Brother” airs which is a reality competition show. People live in a house together while being constantly filmed, completing challenges, and creating alliances. -
"Fear Factor" begins premiering
“Fear Factor” premiered, which faces people with their greatest fears, like heights or spiders, for prizes. -
"American Idol"
“American Idol”premieres which showcases people singing in competitions to win a record deal. This inspired many other shows like “The X Factor” and “The Voice" -
"The Bachelor" begins
The Bachelor” Premieres which showcases many women fighting for the chance at love with one man. This inspired a franchise that includes the Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise. it also inspired countless other reality dating shows like “Love is Blind” and “Too Hot to Handle” -
"Dancing with the Stars"
“Dancing with the Stars" airs which shows celebrities paired with professional dancers in a dance competition. This inspired other celebrity reality shows like "The Masked Singer" -
"Keeping Up with The Kardashians" begins premiering
Keeping Up with the Kardashians” begins airing, catapulting the family and especially Kim Kardashian into fame. The show followed the family as Kim began to navigate fame and the family followed.Now they're one of the most famous families in the world filled with billionaires and business owners. -
"Rupaul's Drag Race"
“RuPauls Drag Race” began airing, which is a competition based show featuring various drag queens. This show opened the door for inclusivity from the world for people to express themselves and is still on today. -
"Jersey Shore"
“Jersey Shore” began premiering on MTV, it was an instant hit and launched the cast into stardom. It followed the young cast around Seaside Heights and went on to have many spin offs including “Jersey Shore; Family Vacation” which is still airing new episodes today. -
"The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills"
“The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” begins airing, one of many of Bravo's housewife series that follows women from a city and their drama and life. The franchise has branched out all over the country as well as acquiring popular spin offs like “Vanderpump Rules”