The show features a repo/tow truck operator named Ron working out of Lizard Lick, North Carolina about 20 miles from Raleigh. He is aided by his wife Amy and a bulked-up friend named Bobby who has his back when times get tough. Let me cut to the chase: the show is so heavily scripted as to not have one iota of reality or truth. For example, in one episode an unhappy customer tears up the office after his vehicle is repossessed. Amy summons the police who, according to a yard surveillance camera, roll up to the office and just as quickly reverse out of the yard gate when she phones 911 again and rescinds her request for help after the unruly customer agrees to calm down. This breach of police procedure (a 911 calls always, always results in a knock on the door) has so enraged viewers who thought that the show was portraying real life that many have produced youtube videos pointing out why and how the show is fraudulent. These viewers are outraged at the obvious flim-flam.
    

    Intellectuals among us offer a loud ‘tsk’ and say ‘of course it’s a phony. All of these so called reality shows are make believe.’ And, indeed, they are. Some are more set up than others but none of them, not a single one, portrays actual goings on accurately. Even benign cooking shows like Chopped and Iron Chef are scripted. I understand that this is entertainment, but many people believe these shows are real and that’s the problem. I won’t add my voice to those who list how detrimental these shows can be to viewers and those in the shows themselves. Others have done it so well pointing out that the shows have been directly or indirectly been the cause of suicides most recently the husband of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Taylor Armstrong, who killed himself almost on cue after the couple’s crumbling marriage was a plotline of the show. “This show has literally pushed us to the limit,” he had told People. 

    The fallout has gotten so acute that psychologist Jamie Huysman has treated more than 800 patients who have been injured by reality, talk and court shows. “Producers … are taking vulnerable contestants and treating them as what I’d call disposable people. They don’t seem to mind, because when someone goes home and dies, it happens off camera.”

    To me, the problems stem from reality show producers who have traded their ethics for cash. Whatever social value of such shows may once have existed has long past disappeared. It’s all about money and nothing else. Reality shows are extremely cheap to produce. All you need are some cameras, non-professional actors (read: low pay) and a modicum of a script. You don’t need sets or even wardrobe. You push these folks to their emotional stretching point, humiliation and confrontation help, and record what happens. It’s a simple recipe, and there’s little financial risk for producers. If a show doesn’t catch on, start another. Soon we’ll be seeing two new entries: Fat Chef and Doomsday Preppers. 

    I am not making these up. 

    I was one of the first to say that once these shows got out of hand, when someone was killed or injured, they would end. I was wrong. Almost a half dozen people have died directly because of these shows and many more viewers have been mentally or emotionally hurt because they believe these shows depict real life. These programs distort our moral compass, make us more aggressive, reinforce stereotypes, skew our expectations.. the list goes on. 

    All of us have a responsibility to understand how our jobs can affect others. Unfortunately, we’re also excellent at denying facts and throwing the responsibility to those who produce or consume our product. Hiding by free speech and legal disclaimers help assuage guilt. 

    Reality TV producers have a right to their livelihoods but not at the expense of others. They are no different than those who produce cigarettes, weapons or prescription medicines. With production comes responsibility and reality TV producers are hiding behind their cameras while people are suffering. Producers need to think about their actions more closely and realize the consequences. Lives depend on it. 

The William G. McGowan Charitable Fund provides grants in three program areas including Health care and Medical Research; Education, and Community Programs for Those Most Vulnerable. It gives priority to programs that have demonstrated success, measurable outcomes, have a plan for sustainability, and aim to end cycles of poverty and suffering.