Reality TV and "Parenthood"

I'm addicted to "Parenthood."

I think about these people as if they were real, I cry when they do, feel happy when they do, etc. Talk about parasocial relationships!

Our discussion on reality TV made me think about why I like this show so much. The actors and writers do a great job of making the characters feel real. It really is almost like a reality show where the cameras just follow this family around, except that it is scripted. One of the things that helps me forget there's a script is that they all will talk at the same time, stumble over their words, etc. A lot is done with the dialogue to make is seem more real.

Anyway, I think that's why this show is so compelling for me. It makes me believe they're real people!