Are all the reality shows fake?

Answer 1

One answer doesn't fit all reality shows. There are so many kinds.

Shows like Dr. G Medical Examiner, The Investigators, 48 Hours Mysteries, Who Do You Think You Are? are real but use actor reenactments to illustrate the story. The professionals and their contributions to this type of show are real.

Shows like The First 48, Deadliest Catch, or Ice Road Truckers are real people and their real jobs but are heavily edited to make the story flow and fit the time slot.

Contest shows like Gordon Ramsey's, IronChef, Project Runway, DancingWith the Stars, America's NextTop Model are real contests but may have staged moments for drama. The celebrities that lend their participation to these shows have their reputations at stake.

The few 'scandals' that have arisen on shows like American Idol, America's GotTalent, etc. are minor compared to the enormity of their popularity and their promotion of unknown talent. So far there's been no findings that the contests are faked and there are plenty of 'non winners' to complain if there was.

Shows like The Real Housewives, TheBachelor, Survivor, etc. are questionable how much is real and how much is staged.

Reality shows can also change reality; it can change who 'real people' are. Jon and Kate are the classic example.

Reality shows run the spectrum from Paris Hiltonto Antiques Roadshow to To Catcha Predator, too many to give an accurate answer. How much is real and how much in fake will never be an exact science.