Reality TV Is Tanking

Is this the beginning of the end for reality TV? At the start of the new season networks have posted dismal numbers, mainly because their reality-show ratings powerhouses have been less reliable. On ABC, new scripted programming like Modern Family opened to critical and commercial success, but big reality shows like Dancing With the Stars have started to lose ground. This is worrisome for networks that often schedule hours of programming around one big reality show. One network executive said, "You get more of a cratering effect if the show declines…These shows take up more space than a normal show.” Still, when reality shows do well the payoff is huge for networks, so don’t expect the disappearance of tribal councils or Simon Cowell for another few years.