Reality Shows

What is it with the onslaught of reality tv shows? It seems that America is so obsessed with reality tv that there is a show for just about everything. Just right now my roommate is watching a tv show based entirely on the lives of New York housewives. I can overhear the women getting into a catfight over a game of tennis. When does it stop? What is the obsession? Is it an interest in a life more exciting than out own? Could it possibly be a voyeouristic pleasure for us? Why is it that a tv show about nothing important can garner such high viewership? And will we soon grow tired of these kinds of reality shows like we have with Survivor? It used to be the most watched show but is now merely an afterthought for anyone. Are the different reality shows just a passing craze? To be honest with you I won't mind if most reality shows disappear from tv. Maybe it will create an incentive for people to go out and live their own reality for once.