Ep 2. Reality Bites Back

The '90s Greatest is a television documentary series that takes viewers on a nostalgia-filled journey through the most iconic moments of the decade. Season 1, episode 2, titled "Reality Bites Back," examines the rise of reality television and its impact on pop culture in the 1990s.

The episode begins by exploring the first wave of reality TV shows, such as MTV's The Real World and CBS's Survivor. These shows were a new and exciting form of entertainment, allowing viewers an unfiltered look into the lives of real people. The episode highlights the impact these shows had on society, from the creation of celebrity reality stars to the normalization of voyeurism.

As the episode progresses, it delves into controversial moments from reality TV's early days. One of the most iconic is the 1994 season of The Real World, which featured a cast member with HIV. The episode analyzes how this storyline was handled by the show's producers and how it affected the perception of people living with HIV/AIDS.

The episode then shifts focus to a different kind of reality TV show: game shows. It explores the phenomenon that was Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and the impact it had on the television landscape. The show was a ratings juggernaut, and its popularity led to the creation of countless copycats. The episode also takes a closer look at the accusations of cheating that surrounded the show, raising questions about what was really "real" in reality television.

Another popular genre of reality TV in the '90s was dating shows. Programs like Blind Date and The Bachelor were a guilty pleasure for many viewers. The episode examines why these shows were so popular and the impact they had on the dating world.

Towards the end of the episode, the focus shifts to the darker side of reality TV. The first example is the infamous Jerry Springer Show. Known for its outrageous guests and sensational storylines, the show pushed the boundaries of taste and decency. The episode analyzes the appeal of the show and its lasting impact on the talk show genre.

The episode concludes by examining how reality television has evolved in the decades since its inception. It explores how reality TV has become more formulaic and scripted, moving away from the unfiltered look into peoples' lives that was its original appeal. The episode also analyzes how reality TV has affected social media and celebrity culture, with reality stars now making up a sizable portion of online influencers.

Overall, "Reality Bites Back" is a fascinating exploration of the impact reality television had on the 1990s. From its early days as an experimental form of entertainment to its current status as a juggernaut of the industry, the episode provides insight into a genre of television that has become ubiquitous in our culture.