Reality Descends on L.A. for the Weekend and Apparently, It Rocks

Fact: Four out of the top 10 and exactly half of the top 20 shows watched by millions of Yidio users every day are reality shows.

Reality TV is throwing its own massive soiree this weekend at “Reality Rocks,” an Expo and Awards show at the Los Angeles Convention Center Saturday and Sunday, and for that reason, I flew to L.A. to talk to people about reality. This should be interesting.

I’ve been chatting with some of the talent this week (including “American Idol” runner-up Blake Lewis and Cooking Channel star Aida Mollenkamp), and I’ll be hitting the show tomorrow to check out panels, performances and more with the stars of “American Idol,” “So You Think You Can Dance,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “The Amazing Race,” “Big Brother,” “Top Chef,” "Ghost Hunters" and “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.”

The sheer volume of reality programming available to viewers is mind-boggling.

From spin-offs of spin-offs of shows you didn’t know existed, to wildly popular niche shows that sound like duds (“Pawn Stars” anyone?) but become ratings winners, to the highest-rated shows on TV (“Jersey Shore,” “American Idol”) the simple fact is, the industry keeps making such a ridiculous volume of reality programming because we keep watching them.

And the industry is always looking for its next round of talent. Casting directors from “American Idol,” “Jersey Shore,” “Top Chef,” “Iron Chef America,” “Tabatha's Salon Takeover” and much more will be on hand at Reality Rocks to talk to audiences about the secrets of getting cast on reality shows.

The Expo will also feature panel discussions with your favorite reality stars (Nick Cannon, Audrina Patridge, Mischa Barton,Tom Bergeron, Mark Cuban, Omarosa) performances from “So You Think You Can Dance,” “American Idol,” “Rock Star Reunion” and appearances from a list of shows honestly way too long to name.

Producers will also be on hand to hold auditions for “Shark Tank,” “Minute to Win It” “Divorce Court” and many more.

So yeah, if you're in L.A. and you're a fan of reality TV, thinking about getting involved in it, have a friend or family member who wants their own show, or just want to absorb some of the bizarre post-modern spectacle that is the world of reality TV, this one's worth checking out.

If not, check in this weekend at Yidio.com for the latest coverage and follow our Tweets @yidionews.