Ali Barthwell on the 4 shows that have shaped our current reality TV moment

Ali Barthwell, an Emmy-winning writer for Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, is also a passionate reality TV enthusiast. She has been writing about the genre online for over a decade, with a focus on The Bachelor franchise since 2015. Her new book, "Reality TV For Snobs," aims to break down the complex and interconnected world of reality TV into easily digestible sections.

Barthwell explains that some people might feel intimidated by reality TV due to its reputation as a "freak show" or a "Cops"-style spectacle. However, she argues that these perceptions stem from early, less sophisticated reality TV and that the genre has evolved significantly. Barthwell emphasizes that viewers should approach reality TV as a form of storytelling, accepting that it has been edited and produced by professionals.

She notes that reality TV's straightforward, unambiguous presentation is one reason people enjoy it, contrasting it with the subtext and symbolism often found in prestige television. The author also points out that reality TV's popularity reflects contemporary cultural preferences, with shows like Love Island garnering more viewers than prestige series like Succession.