First Reality Shows explores the captivating history of reality television, revealing its evolution from a niche experiment to a global phenomenon. It examines the genre's historical antecedents, tracing its roots to early documentary filmmaking and game show formats, highlighting how the appeal of observing unscripted human behavior has long captivated audiences.

The book also delves into the economic factors that fueled its rise, particularly its lower production costs compared to scripted television, making it an attractive option for networks. The book uniquely examines the ethical considerations surrounding reality TV, such as the manipulation of participants and the blurring lines between entertainment and exploitation.

It argues that reality television's ascendancy is a convergence of technological advancements, economic pressures, and human fascination. Beginning with a definition of reality television and its lineage, the book progresses to analyze the financial underpinnings of the genre and the ethical dilemmas arising from its production, providing a critical assessment of its influence on societal norms.