Scripted Reality

I came across this today over at IMDB.com and thought it was worthy of mention here:

TV's New Reality: Scripted Shows
Viewers' fascination with reality shows may be on the wane, and scripted shows may be about to make a comeback, according to a study by Interpublic Group's Magna global USA and reported in MediaPost's MediaDailyNews Thursday. Steve Sternberg, who oversaw the study, told the publication that with such scripted series as CBS's CSI: NY, and ABC's Lost and Desperate Housewives drawing huge ratings to start off the season, "a reversal of last season may occur, with scripted series replacing reality by mid-season, particularly if the several new reality shows about to come our way flop." The number of primetime hours devoted to reality shows doubled to 20 this season. But ratings for such top shows as The Apprentice, The Bachelor, and Fear Factor have seen substantial drops.

This is very good news. I have never been a supporter of reality television. I would always choose to support scripted television anyday. It's comforting to see that scripted television could be making a comeback. There is a lot of excellent scripted shows on the air right now. Reality has been spreading at such a rate that it was beginning to choke out other shows, and some of them are just junk. It's encouraging to see some of these shows getting axed, such as The Benefactor. Now if we can get rid of all the dating shows....

As for quality scripted shows that I would recommend: Arrested Development, Scrubs, Lost, Joan of Arcadia, Las Vegas, Law & Order, CSI, Smallville, and when they return Alias and 24.

Be sure to support scripted television. I have nothing against those who like reality TV, I just don't I prefer stories to that stuff.

Thoughts?