Reality TV dominates television today. In fact, it's estimated that almost 80% of adult TV viewers watch reality TV shows.

But how did we get here? I spoke with the author of a new book which traces the rise of

reality television and its broader impact on society as part of our arts and

culture series, Canvas.

This is a bowling ball, and this is a cake. From elaborate cake decoration,

to the antics of a luxury yacht crew in the Mediterranean.

Let me know when my stern is clear.

So-called reality television now captures and contrives a seemingly endless array of subjects.

While it's often derided by critics and even fans as trivial,

its cultural influence is undeniable.

And would you stop taking pictures of yourself, your sister's going to jail?

It's launched multi-billion dollar dynasties.

What?

You're fucking!

Remade cable TV networks. and arguably reshaped American politics.

A new book by New Yorker staff writer and Pulitzer Prize winner Emily Nusbaum,

Kew The Sun, The invention of reality TV, traces the history of this now ubiquitous

genre. I recently sat down with Nusbaum and asked her why she started thinking about writing

this book 20 years ago.

It was because I was obsessed with watching the first season of Big Brother in the United States

on video streaming, which was very new at that time.

I had also been very into the real world

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