Real People

Real People is an American television series that aired from 1979 to 1983. It set the stage for the reality television genre, as it was one of the first programs to showcase everyday folks from across the country. This groundbreaking show was produced by Proven Entertainment and telecast on NBC, anchoring the network's Wednesday night lineup.

The show's format was unique and pioneering for its time. It was not a scripted series, but rather a documentary-style program that spotlighted the lives of ordinary Americans. This was a departure from the norm of that period, as most television programs were scripted dramas or comedies with professional actors. Real People brought the spotlight on the unseen, showcasing the uniqueness and richness of everyday American life.

Real People is often credited with popularizing the human interest story format on television. Each episode consisted of segments focusing on individuals going about their everyday lives, doing extraordinary things, or exhibiting unusual talents or hobbies. The array of characters covered was wide, ranging from small-town heroes, eccentric artists, quirky entrepreneurs, to unique careers. The subjects were diverse geographically, racially, and socio-economically, which contributed to an honest representation of American society.

One of the key ingredients in the success of Real People was its host ensemble. The show utilized a team of charismatic hosts, including Sarah Purcell, Byron Allen, Skip Stephenson, John Barbour, and others throughout its run. Each host introduced and narrated the segments, often traveling across the country to meet their subjects. Their warm approach and friendly demeanor allowed them to connect with people from all walks of life, bringing forth touching, humorous, and surprising stories.

The segments were interspersed with in-studio discussions that added context and perspective to the stories. These moments served to humanize the hosts and subjects further, as they shared personal experiences and anecdotes relating to the stories. Celebrities occasionally appeared on these panels to share their reactions, enhancing more attraction to the show.

Utilizing interviews, narration, and catching live footage, Real People told tales that were sometimes touching, sometimes funny, but always genuinely human. It did not shy away from highlighting serious issues; it did so without sensationalism, favoring warmth, humor, and respect. While most reality shows today lean into sensationalism and melodrama, Real People presented its subjects as they were, finding the extraordinary in the ordinary without exaggeration or fabrication.

The appeal of Real People lay in its embrace of Americans' diversity, character, and the variety of their experiences. It demonstrated that everyone has a story to tell, that narratives don’t necessarily need heightened drama or celebrities to engage viewers. It celebrated the human spirit, contributory community engagement with a sense of unity, bridging gaps and connecting audiences with scenarios and characters they might otherwise never encounter.

The show was popular enough to inspire several similar programs. It was instrumental in establishing a new television genre that prioritized authenticity and the human experience capitalizing on the ‘reality’ quotient. Real People was not just a trendsetter but a reflector of the time and society during its broadcast years with its human-interest angle, resulting in a substantial fan following.

Beyond its run, Real People left an enduring legacy within the television industry. It paved the way for many of today’s popular reality TV shows, pushing networks to realize the interest in real-life characters and situations. It proved that ordinary individuals could be just as fascinating and engaging as any fictional characters, thus carving the pathway for reality formats that strike chords with audiences globally.

All in all, Real People stands out as a cultural marker of its time – a game-changer, standout reality series that dared to be different, to recognize the fascinating human stories lying behind every doorstep. Nonetheless, its good-spirited approach to storytelling remains firmly etched in the memories of its viewers and continues to inspire present-day reality television creators.