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Why haven’t more game show prizes been adjusted for inflation?

Jun 29, 2023
“Survivor”still offers the same $1 million grand prize it offered when it debuted in 2000. If the prize money had kept up with inflation, that $1 million offered in 2000 should now be $1.8 million.
"Survivor" host Jeff Probst speaks to the contestants during the "Survivor: China" finale at CBS Television City on December 16, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.  "Survivor," barring one returnee season, has offered the same $1 million prize for decades.
Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

Why reality TV is like a “funhouse mirror” of our culture

Feb 9, 2022
A sociologist's case for taking shows like “The Kardashians” seriously.
The Kardashian-Jenner clan attends the Kardashian Kollection launch party in Hollywood in 2011. The family’s 14-year reality TV run transformed them into superstar celebrities and helped them launch numerous business ventures.
Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images

How will reality TV work now that reality feels unreal?

May 14, 2020
Shows have been doing remote production, and for many of them that works. But for how long?
Kris Jenner, left, her daughter Kim Kardashian and bocce ball instructor Jackie Savitt film an episode of "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" in 2008.
Ethan Miller/Getty Images for Caesars Palace

An empire built on fame reaches a 10-year milestone

Oct 13, 2017
The Kardashians have amassed wealth through social media use.

The art world: money, intrigue, and bad TV

Dec 18, 2015
The art world has a reality TV problem.

Getting 'UnReal' with reality television

Jul 13, 2015
The Lifetime series spoofs the carefully crafted world of unscripted shows.

Heard of Bethany Mota? She's one of ABC's newest stars

Sep 5, 2014
The network hopes to lure Mota's army of online followers back to prime-time TV.

For public good, not for profit.

Reality show puts firing power in the hands of employees

May 24, 2013
"Does Someone Have To Go?" is a new reality show on the Fox network. It allows office mates the authority to fire their co-workers in an attempt to repair the workplace environment. A cruel concept or a smart way to weed out unproductive employees?

Poll: Yes, someone has to go! Which TV character would you fire?

May 24, 2013
We all have a workplace nuisance. Take out your frustration by firing one of these fictional characters who exhibit bad office behavior.
It's your chance to be the boss. Who would you fire?

Is reality TV running out of steam?

Apr 22, 2013
Today Dutch group Mars One is set to announce details about its plan to fund a human colony on Mars -- by turning the process into a reality TV show. Is the once fast-growing, profitable reality TV machine -- here on Earth -- sputtering?