Reality Television Literature Review Outline

I. Background of Reality Television (RT)
A. Popular culture phenomenon: This paragraph will discuss the popularity of RT. It will provide a definition of RT and viewership statistics for a variety of demographics.
B. Appeal to television networks and audiences: This paragraph will demonstrate how lucrative RT is for television networks. It will provide an example of the cost of an RT program in comparison to a sitcom, and will also discuss the "crossover" nature of RT (i.e., RT contestants often go on to make records or sign book deals).
C. Building argument: This paragraph will contrast the popularity of RT with two downfalls of the programming -- unclear characteristics and lack of realism. These two problems are the basis for my research questions, so this paragraph sets up my argument for the rest of the paper.

II. Uses and gratifications theory
A. Definition: This paragraph will define the key assumptions of uses and gratifications theory and provide RT studies that have used this perspective.
B. Gratifications: This paragraph will list the widely varied gratifications that have been identified by previous studies. Additionally, this paragraph will juxtapose "gratifications" with "characteristics" and suggest the two are the same. Like RT gratifications, there have been few consistent RT characteristics identified (connecting to RQ1).
C. Realism: This paragraph will establish that "realism" is frequently named as a gratification/characteristic of RT. The paragraph will discuss why viewers feel RT is unreal, but still continue to view RT programs. Finally, the paragraph will question the attributes that contribute to realism in RT (connecting to RQs 2a, 2b, 3a, and 3b).

III. Characteristics of RT
A. Overview of characteristics: This paragraph will discuss the many characteristics for RT that have been listed in previous literature.
B. Introduction of RQ1: This paragraph will mention lack of consistency in literature in RT characteristics and introduce RQ1: What characteristics define reality television?

IV. Realism of RT
A. The "downfall of realism": This paragraph will discuss how the "reality" intended for reality television has now become a "reality effect."
B. Viewership: This paragraph will list the reasons viewers still choose to consume RT, even though the programming lacks realism.
C. Problems: This paragraph will identify the problems involved with the values espoused on RT. Even though the scenarios on RT programs often aren't "real," viewers may mimic the attitudes expressed by RT stars, such as perspectives on dating. This paragraph makes a connection between RT consumption and actual values and behavior.
D. Problems, continued: This paragraph extends the previous paragraph and discusses the "dark side" of RT. Viewers often aren't aware of the increased costs that occur after getting a new home (Extreme Makeover: Home Edition) or the painful recoveries associated with cosmetic surgery (I Want a Famous Face, The Swan).
E. Introduction of RQ2a, 2b, 3a, and 3b: This paragraph identifies the need for additional exploration about the realism of RT programming and introduces RQ2a, 2b, 3a, and 3b: What reality shows are perceived as most realistic to viewers? Why do viewers perceive these shows as most realistic? What reality shows are perceived as unrealistic to viewers? Why do viewers perceive these shows as unrealistic?