Reality shows have dominated network television since their popularity began in the early 1990s with MTV's The Real World. The reality television genre has quickly gained ground by redefining the classic setup of television shows of the past. Reality television has infiltrated television because networks prefer low budgets for their programs which also generate high audiences (Hasinoff, 2008). People watch reality television shows because they are intrigued by seemingly “real” dramas starring ordinary people (Dubrofsky, 2006). Now at its peak, reality television evokes ideas of social order and cultural norms from its audience, while perpetuating racial stereotypes in society (Mendible, 2004). My goal of this literature review is to examine and analyze the influence of reality television on people's perceptions of African American stereotypes. All major networks now offer some form of reality television programming, because shows in the genre attract large numbers of viewers and require low production costs. The genre appeals to viewers because it offers them a first-hand glimpse into the lives of ordinary people, allowing them to observe social behavior that helps them determine what is appropriate and what is not (Tyree, 2011, p. 397). Since the majority of modern reality television stars start out as unknowns, frequent viewers of reality television programs believed that fame could be achieved if they appeared on a popular show (Mendible, 2004). According to Mendible's assessment of the genre in the article Humiliation, Subjectivity, and Reality TV, people enjoy reality TV shows because...... middle of paper...... television and other forms of mass media.ReferencesBell-Jordan, KE (2008). Black, white, and the real world survivor: Constructions of race on reality television. Critical Studies in Media Communication, 25, 353-372 Boylorn, RM (2008). Seen on TV: An autoethnographic reflection on race and reality television. Critical Studies in Media Communication, 25 (4), 413-433.Dubrofsky, R. (2006). Whiteness in the harem. Critical Studies in Media Communication, 23 (1), 39-56. Hasinoff, A. A. (2008). Free market fashion racing on America's next top model. Critical Studies in Media Communication, 25 (3), 324-343.Mendible, M. (2004). Humiliation, subjectivity and reality TV. Feminist Media Studies, 4 (3), 394-413. Tyree, T. (2011). African-American stereotypes in reality television. Howard Communications Journal, 22 (4), 394-413.