The numerous Kardashian shows featured on E! are supposed hits, they gain viewers constantly and attract a fan base larger than most rock legends. The fifth season of Keeping Up With The Kardashians grossed an average of 3.1 million viewers. Judging by the numbers, you’d say the Kardashians are a hit. Judging by the quality of the program, I’d say the opposite.

    The Kardashians are no doubt an unusual family and their expansive fortune only makes it possible for the entire world to catch a glimpse of their existence. What’s puzzling is that a nation can become so engrossed in the idea of a celebrity, after all, that is what the Kardashians claim to be. And that’s what sets them apart. But what is it that makes them so intriguing? Their constant banter and family quarrels can be paralled by many families in America so what makes them unique?

    The answer is nothing. Their tiffs remain in the general area of “Why would you write a book about how awesome I am?” or things like “How dare you dress Mason in clothes from the Gap!?”

    The Kardashians live in a world where they are elevated from the rest of the population – the V.I.P. of the universe and Americans only fuel that by adding to their television ratings. The public feels that these people are somehow inhuman; thus the fascination with their lifestyles.

    Many people are either completely ignorant or just wish to push aside the fact that much of the show is staged – as much reality TV is. The producers of the show want one thing –more viewers – and when that number falls below normal, they create a problem because drama means money in the reality TV business. Producers are happy when the family is at odds because they can add dramatic music and play it off as a family crisis. Senior Caroline Moore said, “I have no interest in watching it because it’s staged and pretty stupid.”

    This exact motive is the exemplification of the truth that reality TV is not in fact real. Though seeing how a celebrity lives may be fascinating, following their every move gets a bit tedious. The show goes to lengths to try and convince you that the family is just like you and I, human beings, only prettier and richer. Junior Carolyne Malone said, “They’ve never done anything humane or made a beneficial impact for society. I’m confused as to why they’re so famous.”

    Next time you find yourself falling into a pit of jealousy, wishing you could have a large Armenian family with a psychotic mother and retired Olympian as a father, just remember how great it feels to hang out on the couch with sweats on and no make-up. This moment does not exist for the televised Kardashians.