Many years from now historians will look back at our "reality show" culture (which began in 1992 with the Real World) and ask why reality was so boring that we had to create this bizarre culture that seeks to destroy us. insider.com/then-and-now-r…
In 2004, when the Apprentice began, Donald Trump's companies had been going, and continued to go bankrupt He invented the fictional character of a successful businessman with Survivor producer Mark Burnett. Trump needed the money and the fictional aura. thoughtco.com/donald-trump-b….
Trump knew that image and projection were more important than substance and accomplishments. A large number Americans believed what they watched....even if they knew it was scripted and staged...because they wanted to believe it was true. fortune.com/2004/04/19/don…
Trump says he made $214 million as 50% owner over the 14 year run and increased his income 154% in the first revenue year of the show. Trump was paid from $50,000 to $1 million an episode. businessinsider.com/trump-tax-retu…
Trump continues to project success and fictional accomplishments to a core audience. His TV exposure was tightly edited then but now often rambles incoherently. He also maintains the fictional idea that firing and insulting people is being a "tough" boss. brookings.edu/research/track…
Reality TV (like wrestling) favors the "villain as hero" and is built on interactivity, narrative conflict, and audience engagement. Trump excels at all these traits. Providing exceptional entertainment value in his role as wacky elected official running a madcap administration.
The Trump reality show is artfully synced with the media news cycle. Providing edge of your seat drama every two to three days. Powered by social media, populated with colorfully named villains and guaranteed to deliver riveting "must watch" entertainment.
