What was the draw? In some ways the appeal of the new reality shows was no mystery. Like soap operas and other serial dramas, they had had story lines and plots that only seemed spontaneous. These largely involved interpersonal relationships and conflict, as well as memorable (if broadly drawn) characters, like “Snooki” and “The Situation” from Jersey Shore or any of the “housewives” from The Real Housewives. All those elements were arguably as old as Amos ’n’ Andy. At the same time, game-show-inspired reality programs like Survivor depended on the classic drama of a sports match: the game had rules, the outcome was uncertain, there would be winners and losers, and meanwhile there was plenty of suspense and elbows thrown.

Tim Wu, The Attention Merchants, loc. 840