Some of the major television reality shows are coming to a head.  Survivor, American Idol and Dancing with the Stars are all ramping up to pick their winners and if you watch any or all of them, you’re likely to have a full TV plate – unless of course, you have TIVO.

Most people don’t like to admit that they’re TV junkies, but bring up names like Yaoman from Survivor, Blake from Idol or Heather Mills from Dancing with the Stars and watch the reaction in their eyes.  Chances are they’re dying to talk about it.

What’s the fascination?

There have been many studies done on why we love reality television.  Many point to the fact that television reality is just plain better than most of our everyday reality and that it’s an escape from the hum drum chores we all have to do.  Let’s face it – grocery shopping, schlepping kids to soccer practice and cleaning the house just aren’t interesting things in general.  Perhaps they might be if there were music playing in the background or commercial breaks?

How much TV is enough?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends approximately 2.5 to 3 hours per day watching television.  The report, however, is from 2004, so I suspect that those numbers are even higher as they don’t factor in shows like Are You Smarter than A 5th Grader, Wife Swap and Identity.  Interestingly enough, the report shows that exercising, reading and general relaxation only compromise about half and hour per day or less.  I can’t advocate turning your TV off, though.  At least not until I find out who wins Survivor…