If I were a TV producer tasked with choosing contestants for The Apprentice (or any other reality TV show for that matter), I'd deliberately pack it with 80% over-the-top personalities, those who haven't done their homework, make questionable decisions, and bring chaos to the table, preferably those carrying dodgy business plans. Of course, I'd sprinkle in just a few genuinely talented ones to keep things interesting.
In addition, I'd design tasks that push contestants to their limits. Tight deadlines, absurd restrictions, and situations requiring off the cuff decision-making. No research allowed. Just pure improvisation under pressure.
Why? Because highly efficient, and intelligent people make for boring TV. Watching contestants flawlessly execute tasks might impress a handful of viewers, but where's the fun in that? Where's the frustration that gets people yelling at their screens?
Then, I'd sit back and watch the magic unfold. Audiences would moan about the "state of young people today" they are clueless, incapable, arrogant, etc. Tabloids would bitch about the incompetence of the younger generation. Internet forums and social media would buzz with criticism, ridicule, and endlessly dissecting every questionable decision.
As a producer, I'd sit back and watch it all unfold and pat myself on the back for a job well done. My highly scripted show would be working exactly as planned. After all, reality TV isn't about reflecting reality; it's about distorting it just enough to keep people glued to the screen and talking about it.
There are very few reality TV shows I enjoy. The Apprentice is one of them.
