Most people will vouch for MTV Roadies to officially be thefirst that wastelecast on Indian Television. As a matter of fact it is the longest running realityshow in Indian Television. But then 10 years back how many people did you have watchingMTV roadies, and even if there were any it was a certain section of peopletermed as ?GEN X? who watched it. Even today it caters only to an audiencemostly of the age group 20-30, where as Indian Idol an out and out copy of thehugely successful American Idol catered to masses and classes alike. Infact ithad the entire nation glued to the television screen when they saw participantsfrom general household taking center stage. This coupled with famouscelebrities acting as judges added the flavor that was the need of the hour. Backstagehappenings behind the screens were shown for the first time. Criticism, favors,arguments and awards were publicly viewed and helped the show garner high TRP?sand dominated other shows till the end of the season. The success ensured thatthe winners became household names and the show continued every season.

Soon after a list of shows on similar lines followed bydifferent television channels but all failed to create the hype and successthat the initial edition had. But the trend has continued. UK?s biggestreality show "Big Brother" had Shilpa Shetty an Indian Actress comeout as a winner. No sooner the Indian Media produced a show related to theme inthe same name ?Big Boss?. The show featured some small time television actorsand struggling aspirants all competing against each other for the prize.Currently reality shows are either based on talent searches that include singingand dancing contests, Comedy shows, game shows and in house shows. Prizes andrewards are discussed and issued publicly. These shows are publicized due tothe drama and scene they create like controversial kisses, slaps, fights andkisses amongst participants. News Channel particularly highlights theseincidents thereby boosting the shows TRP'S.