Reality shows such as America's Next Top Model, The Apprentice, American Idol ... are swarming all over America.
Everybody seems to be submerged in these TV hits. Participants are transformed from wannabes to real stardom and fame. The prizes are attractive ... a million dollars, a contract with a famous modelling agency, or even a date.
There's an immense amount of pressure that comes with participating in competitions, especially when only one can win. The elimination processes are always brutal - other people openly criticise you, or talk behind your back in front of the camera.
And there's this annoying factor of the camera always following you around, even when you're all messy and broken apart.
Still, thousands of people are more than willing to have a taste of such competitions or shows, to have their whole lives open to public scrutiny in order to get the promised reward - whether it's to fulfil their dreams or get their photo on the front cover of a magazine.
Those who don't enjoy playing the game are always happy to watch these reality shows, which helps to boost their viewing rate.