Broadcast Reality Check

Despite their popularity, unscripted shows play understudy to pricier fare

When the curtain goes up on the network upfront presentations in New York in mid-May, media buyers will get a first look at the usual cavalcade of pricey scripted series. Lost in the tide of police procedurals, ensemble comedies and supernatural thrillers, the season’s new unscripted fare once again will be relegated to a dusty corner of the theater.

Reality shows account for just three of the 92 projects on the 2012-13 broadcast development slate, a disproportionate allowance given the enthusiasm of the American TV audience.

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