Timeline of Reality TV

The first reality radio show called "candid mic" or referred to as "candid camera" where eality was born. Versions of the show continued till 2004.

The first 'housewives show to air on NBC. It features four housewives telling their tales of woe to a studio audience, which votes on who will be "Queen for a Day." This changed the shows for daytime programming. It was on NBC from 1954-1960 and ABC from 1960-1964.

It first aired on December 20, 1965 and was the first of many shows created and packaged by Chuck Barris from the 1960s through the 1980s. Typically, a bachelorette would question three bachelors, who were hidden from her view; at the end of the questioning period, she would choose one to go out with on a date paid for by the show. Occasionally, the roles would be reversed with a man questioning three ladies; other times, a celebrity would question three players for a date for themselves or for a co-worker or a relative of theirs.

"An American Family" began here as the first reality voyeur type of tv show that showcased a 'real' family and their life over 7 months.

People with quirky talents finally get to showcase them on TV as "That's Incredible!" debuts on ABC, spotlighting everything from a man who catches arrows in his hands to an acrobat who leaps over moving cars.

"Cops," the series that follows the exploits of real police officers, quietly launches on Fox. The show is still going strong after 20 seasons and over 700 episodes.

The first reality competition show where contestants were eliminated each episode called "Expedition Robinson." This survivor show is still going on now, although it is not on its original network and has changed a bit since 1997.

The Apprentice is a reality game show featuring season-long competitions. Each season begins with a new group of contestants vying to earn a place in one of the organizations run by the host. The contestants (who are referred to as "candidates") have come from business backgrounds in various enterprises, the backgrounds including real estate, accounting, restaurant management, management consulting, sales and marketing.

A very popular travel reality show where a professional chef went around the world to explore food everywhere.