In Reality...

Have you noticed that some of the best comedic writing that is seen on TV has been coming from ad men doing insurance commercials? Some of those segments are really funny. Of course one of the real problems with commercials is that they get kind of stale after the third or fourth play.

I do want you to know that I haven’t been influenced enough to change insurance companies; I just need a laugh now and then and many of the sitcoms really lack true comedic value. You can get an idea what the funny topic of the season will be and most every sitcom will try to put their spin on it but it is usually the first show that gets the most mileage out of it and also certainly the most laughs.

The cost of producing shows has been staggering so many networks have tried their luck at the reality series since they don’t have to pay the stars of those shows like they do Hollywood actors. The only problem I have with these reality shows is that a lot of them are scripted and edited to get the maximum ‘reality’ leading to more viewership.

To be honest I should clarify that there are some reality shows that I have been known to watch. I’m talking about sports programming. Every sport has the elements that we want to see like drama, comedy, anger, elation the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. I stole that last part from ABC Wide world of Sports but it still sounds good.

Where can you witness true quick emotions than from a live broadcast of a sporting event? Whether the game is baseball, basketball, football, tennis, boxing or even golf there are those moments we can enjoy and remember for all of the emotions and excitement that may play a big part in the final outcome of the contest.

I’m sure one could debate what we witness on a news broadcast is true reality and I would say sure if it is a live broadcast because there can be so much editing that goes into taped segments that could add to or subtract from the real emotions of the event.

Live sports has the ability to capture the excitement in real time. And it really doesn’t matter the age group of the participants of the game being played, we can see the same types of feelings from Little Leaguers and Big Leaguers. Many of those Big Leaguers learned those feelings as Little Leaguers.

I have seen kids play pee wee basketball, baseball and soccer and it is interesting how kids relate to a loss or victory and I would argue that losing is more difficult for them to accept than winning is for them celebrate.

Some parents have gone so far as to not keep score in some games so there are no winners or losers – just competitors. The only problem is that kids know how to keep score in their heads therefore using math skills that are honed during every game in which they participate.

The greatest enjoyment I get is watching teams at any level dealing with an injury to a great player. There are a lot of ways teams handle these situations and the strong coach who will not fall into that woe is me category giving the team a reason to give less than their best because now there is an excuse if they get beat.

A smart coach will instill confidence in a backup player and get the rest of the team to step up their play and when it comes together on the field it is a real joy to watch.

When it comes to reality TV there is no better place to watch than a sporting event since there is no script as to how a game will end.

We have an idea who the best team or individuals are but the game is still played to find out.

The emotions and drama are what keep us watching and as fans it becomes must see TV.